ABBREVIATED DIALLING This feature allows you to dial frequently used telephone numbers with a few key strokes. It is also referred to as memory dialling, speed dialling or short-code dialling. Some systems allow you to select numbers using an alphanumeric keypad.
AC15 This is an analogue signalling protocol for use on leased lines. It uses alternating current and can cover greater distances other common analogue signalling standard i.e.DC5.
ACCOUNT DIALLING/ACCOUNT CODES Account dialling allows different accounts to be allocated to different lines. Linking calls to a particular client on a particular line to keep track of costs for instance. This can also be achieved by associating account codes to specific clients.
ACD Automatic call distribution is a means of distributing incoming calls evenly to a group of extensions without the intervention of the operator. ACD packages are available for many telephone systems and are essential for call centres, where a system supervisor will probably manage the agents (staff taking calls).
ACI Advanced Connectivity Interface
ADSL ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It moves data more quickly from exchange to customer than from customer to exchange. So it is particularly suitable for applications where customers expect to receive more data than they transmit.
ALI Analogue Link Interface
ALTERNATIVE CARRIERS This feature allows the telephone system to be programmed to select more than one carrier for your calls. You program the system with which type of call is to be carried over which network and at which time of day. This enables you to always get the lowest available call charges.
ANALOGUE Analogue is the traditional method of transmitting information along telephone lines. It is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference compared to digital signalling, which means the information received is unlikely to be the same as the information sent. It is also easier to eavesdrop on conversations and because it uses a different ‘language’ from computers a modem must be used if you want to transmit data.
Andset This is the bit on top of the phone box
API Application Programmers .A software specification encompassing instructions and information to enable the writing of applications, which are independent of the equipment they are being used with.
APNSS This is an analogue signalling protocol for leased lines on telephone systems. It is much the same as DPNSS (see below) but at slower speeds and is limited to transmitting voice only.
APPLET Small application. (Software).
APPROVAL Any telecommunications device to be attached to the public telephone network needs to be approved by the British Approvals Board for telecommunications (BABT). Approved equipment carries a green approval sticker.
ASSF Analogue System Supported Feature-phone.
ATM Asynchronous transfer mode is the protocol for a high-speed, high-capacity telecommunication network, which can be used to transmit voice, data and video simultaneously or separately.
AUTO EXCHANGE LINE HUNTING This facility automatically picks up an exchange line when the handset is lifted without having to press a button. On most PBXs you will need to dial a number to get an outside line.
AUTOMATED ATTENDANT Automated attendants are electronic switchboard operators. They use a voice mail systems to answer incoming calls. Callers are presented with a series of options, which they can select by using the keypad on their telephones. Auto attendants can be bought separately but they are normally part of a voicemail package.
