At 1st Communications, we try to avoid jargon and explain technical terms in the easiest possible way. Sadly there is often no escape from ore technical, specialist terms. This glossary should help provide you with some simple definitions should you need them.
An automated call answering system that uses prompts to direct users to the correct department or extension, e.g. "For support please press 1".
Busy Lamp Field - The lights on the telephone system that show whether each extension is engaged or free. BLFs are usually found on key systems and are not required for every user - only for those routing most of the incoming calls. Separate BLF consoles can be fitted to the side on some phones if the number of extensions exceeds the number of lights on the BLF.
An area of a company dedicated to handling incoming (and outgoing) business by telephone or via the Internet.
Is a device connected to a digital extension port on the Norstar or BCM telephone system, to provide call data that can be collected by call management software to generate call spend reports.
Bringing separate communications systems such as voice and data into a single network.
Computer Telephony Integration - CTI is the linking up of your telephone system with your computer system. It can reduce both fixed and variable telephony costs and has several applications which can improve efficiency and customer service.
Digitally enhanced cordless telephony; a common type of cordless phone.
The most widely used technology standard for creating networks.
An interface between different phone systems or networks, for example from a private network to the public switched network.
Internet protocol; the standards, rules and processes that enable voice and data to be transmitted over networks.
Phones that operate over data networks using internet protocol rather than the traditional public switched network.
Interactive Voice Response. IVR systems automate routine transactions, such as literature requests or information lines, using voice recognition or phone keypad operation.
Local area network; the wired connections and equipment that make up a site or office communications system.
Any system that allows messages to be left.
Enabling access to central facilities by users based elsewhere.
A device that enables a number of PCs to share an internet connection.
Denying network access to unauthorised users.
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an application-layer control (signaling) protocol for creating, modifying, and terminating sessions with one or more participants. These sessions include Internet telephone calls, multimedia distribution, and multimedia conferences.
Software that enables a PC or other computer equipment to be used to make and take phone calls.
Equipment which directs voice or data communication along the paths necessary to get from source to destination.
Bringing together different forms of messaging such as voice, fax or email for access via a PC.
Voice over internet protocol; making phone calls over the internet.
Virtual private network; a network that gives the benefits of a private network but is made up of shared routes.
Wide area network; the wired connections and equipment that link a number of sites, offices or LANs together.
Wireless local area network; an extension to a LAN to enable wireless connection to LAN-based systems and services.
Sir George Monoux College turned to 1st Communications to install a new Nortel BCM 400 on to their network. More »
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