| Control Unit or KSU (Key
Service Unit): In smaller business systems the control
unit is commonly referred to as the "Brain" or "Main Box" of the system.
The size of the control unit determines the maximum configuration. Most
systems have a number in the name such as "StarPlus 616" or "Panasonic
308". These numbers usually refer to the maximum configuration size of the
system although not always. The "616" would mean 6 incoming lines and 16
telephones. The "308" would mean 3 incoming lines and 8
telephones. |
|
| CTI:
Computer Telephony Integration provides communication and coordination or
operation between computers and the telephone system. One of the most
significant standards in CTI is TSAPI or "Telephony Server Application
Programming Interface". This was developed by Novell and AT&T. TAPI or
"Telephone Application Programming Interface" is a desktop computer to
telephone interface developed by Microsoft and Intel. Voice Mail
Integration is another example of CTI. |
|
| DISA: Direct Inward System Access is a feature that allows
outside callers to access all or some of the called systems features
without the assistance of another person. This may include internal
paging, making a call, or calling another extension. DISA is different
than auto attendant. |
|
| DSS/BLF: A Direct
Station Selector / Busy Lamp Field is usually connected to the
receptionist telephone. It provides one touch calling to specific
extensions and a visual indication of others using telephones within the
telephone system. Some telephone systems only allow 1 of these.
|
|
| Port:
The term port means
circuit. For instance, a 2 "Port" voice mail system has 2 circuits to
handle call traffic. The number of ports on a voice mail system is
directly related to the number of users that can be in voice mail at the
same time. When the term "port" is used when describing a phone system it
refers to the combined number of lines and extensions. An example of this
would be the "Panasonic DBS 72". This system supports up to 72 total
system ports. |
|
| Single Line Device:
A single
line device (also referred to as POTS - Plain Old Telephone Set) can be a
fax, modem, cordless telephone, or an answering machine. If it can be
plugged into a phone jack at your home, it is more than likely a single
line device. Some telephone systems require specific hardware to support
single line devices. Many voice mail systems connect to and communicate
with a telephone system via the single line devices. |
|
| SMDR: Station Message
Detail Recording is available as a standard feature on many phone systems.
A connector on the system provides an output for system call traffic. SMDR
may report inbound and / or outbound call information to include:
station number, line / trunk number, time, date and length of calls.
Call accounting systems utilize SMDR and add pricing based on the
variables reported to allow for cost justification and disbursement of
telecommunications expenses throughout the company. This information is
provided as detailed, easily readable reports. Basic call traffic
information can be read from raw or unprocessed SMDR output of the
telephone system. |
|
| UCD:
Uniform Call Distribution is a feature that allows
incoming calls to be routed to a group of phones such as a sales or
service department. It assures that calls sent to the group are dispersed
evenly into the group. There is normally a log in / log out button on the
sets within the group to allow a user to leave or re-enter the group. Some
systems allow multiple UCD groups. |
|
| HF: Hands Free (Not to be confused
with Speaker Phone). HF allows the calling party to go off hook, without
lifting the handset, and then to dial the telephone number of the called
party who answers the call. The calling party MUST pick up the handset on
the telephone to talk with the called party. HF is sometimes used when
calling Voice Mail Systems, Bank Systems and other Touch Tone accepting
systems which requires the calling party to enter numerous numbers VIA the
telephone key pad. |
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