What is a Voicemail System?

A voicemail system is a centralised system used in businesses for sending, storing and retrieving audio messages, just like an answering machine would do at home. Voicemail systems make a phone system more flexible and powerful by allowing information and messages to pass between users even when one of them is not present.

How does a voicemail system work?

Each extension in a phone system is normally linked to a voice mailbox, so when the number is called and the line is not answered or is busy, the caller listens to a message previously recorded by the user. This message can give instructions to the caller to leave a voice message, or provide other available options. Options include paging the user or being transferred to another extension or a receptionist. Voicemail systems also provide notifications to users to inform them of new voicemails. Most modern voicemail systems provide multiple ways for user to check their voicemail including access through PC’s, mobile phones, landlines or even through SIP clients running on smartphones.

A voicemail system in a business is essential to keep external and internal communications flowing seamlessly and efficiently. The 3CX software used by C2 Communications has integrated a free voice mail system in its IP 3CX for Windows. The 3CX phone system for Windows includes a complete voice mail solution that incorporates unified communications by allowing voicemail to be forwarded to the user’s email inbox.