General Frequently Asked Questions
Q:  What is a PBX?
A: 
A Private Branch eXchange (PBX) is a telephone exchange that serves a particular business or office, as opposed to one that a common carrier or telephone company operates for many businesses or for the general public. PBXs are distinguished from smaller "key systems" by the fact that external lines are not normally indicated or selectable at an individual extension. From a user's point of view, calls on a key system are made by selecting a specific outgoing line and dialing the external number. On a PBX, users dial an escape code that connects them to an outside line (DDCO or Direct Dial Central Office in Bell System jargon), followed by the external number. Some modern number analysis systems allow users to dial internal and external numbers without escape codes.
Q:  What is a Key System?
A: 

A key system or key telephone system is a multiline telephone system typically used in small office environments. Key systems are noted for their expandability and having individual line selection buttons for each connected phone line, however some features of a private branch exchange such as dialable intercoms may also commonly be present.
Q:  Why does Sharp Communications provide cable installation?
A: 
Communications networks of telephone and cable television lines provide voice, video, and other communications services. Working with telecommunications lines requires specialized knowledge of fiber optics and telecommunications switches and routers.
Q:  What is Voice over IP (VoIP) ?
A: 
Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
Q:  Who would use VoIP?
A: 

If your company has multiple locations – branches, telecommuters, remote sales offices – that are already connected to a company Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), an office VoIP system may prove very beneficial. You can share the full features of your telephone system across all your locations.

Vodavi Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Where does the name Vodavi come from?
A: 
Vodavi is an acronym for Voice, Data, & Video. Vodavi is recognized as one of the leaders in the design and manufacturing of telephone systems with more than 200,000 business communications systems and 8,000,000 residential and business phones sold worldwide.
Q:  What is PC Phone (CTI)?
A: 
PC Phone delivers specific data messages to a PC via a serial port hook up from the PC Phone to the PC. Available on Vodavi's Digital Product Line (except DHS) only. PC Phone also works with computer telephone integration (CTI). CTI combines computer and telephone system functions to enhance computer/telephone system data exchange. Vodavi's CTI is done through the serial port on PC Phone hooking up to the PC. With the enhancement of caller ID and ANI (Automated Number Identification), information can generate screen pops in customer database or contact management system so users have vital customer information before they answer the call.
Q: 
What computer software applications does Vodavi offer for use with CTI?
A: 
Vodavi offers PC Phone for Windows which integrates the functions of Vodavi digital key telephones. In addition, Vodavi's TAPI Service provider interface is available for integration with "off the shelf" and custom Windows application software.
Q:  Can the Vodavi CTI system be customized?
A: 
Through Vodavi's software applications, the CTI interface provides an Open Interface Mode that enables software developers to customize applications to interface directly with the telephone system. Vodavi offers a software developers pack for people that are interested in developing custom software packages with Vodavi Digital Key Telephone Systems. Users can immediately improve inbound call handling by customizing and personalizing greetings, automatically routing calls to the appropriate agent, automatically respond to billing issues or product questions, and update caller information on-line.

Outbound call processing can be automated by dialing directly from database or contact management systems. Customer's profile/history information can be displayed during the call, so database information can be immediately updated.
Q:  What is UCD?
A: 
UCD stands for uniform call distribution. UCD can have eight groups, each containing up to eight stations. Each group is assigned a pilot number. When this number is dialed, the first available agent in that group rings. Calls are routed to the station that has been on-hook for the longest period of time.
Q:  What are the features of UCD?
A:  UCD features include:
  • Agent Queue Status Display
  • Alternate UCD Group Assignment
  • Auto Wrap-up with Timer
  • Available/Unavailable Mode
  • Incoming CO Direct Ringing
  • No Answer Retry Timer
  • Overflow Station Assignments
  • Recorded Announcements
Q:  What is ACD?
A: 
ACD stands for Automatic Call Distribution. This feature is available with optional software. When purchased, ACD replaces UCD. 16 ACD groups can be programmed, each containing up to 16 stations. Each group is assigned a pilot number. When this number is dialed, the first available agent in that group rings. Calls are routed to the station that has been on-hook for the longest period of time.
Q:  What are the features of ACD?
A:  ACD features are:
  • ACD Event Trace
  • Agent Positions
    • Agent Login/Logout with Agent ID Feature
    • Agent Identification
    • Agent Available/Unavailable Mode
    • Agent Help Request
    • Agent Call Qualification
  • Alternate ACD Group Assignment
  • Group Member Status
  • Guaranteed Message Announcement
  • Incoming CO Direct Ringing
  • No-Answer Recall Timer
  • No-Answer Retry Timer
  • Overflow Station Assignments
  • Recorded Announcements (RAN)
  • Supervisor Positions
    • Supervisor Login/Logout Feature
    • Supervisor Identification
    • Supervisor Help Request
    • Supervisor Monitor with Barge in Feature
    • Supervisor Station Assignment Feature
  • Supervisor/Agent Calls in Queue Display
  • Wrap-up Timer per ACD Group
Q:  Which STARPLUS systems support voice mail integration?
A:  The 2448 and 96EX Electronic Hybrid Key Telephone systems, STARPLUS DHS and the entire STARPLUS Digital Key Telephone Systems (612, 1428, 2856, 4896) support voice mail.

For a free consultation call 513-612-8200 or email us at b.burton.55@gmail.com

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