subject: Intelligent Number (IN) Services and Networking [print this page] Intelligent Number (IN) Services and Networking
Intelligent numbers technically refer to a set of telephone numbers that are used to provide a set function for a company - they are non-geographic numbers which can be associated with a horde of services and have specific features. Certain specific numbers in the UK including the 0300 numbers and 0330 numbers are said to be intelligent numbers because they don't have a fixed physical location.
First of all, there is the welcome message in place of a conventional ringtone which can be used for anything from marketing material to news updates of your company. It confirms to the customer that they have reached the right place and gives them something to listen to while they're waiting. New customers can know more about your company while they're waiting on the line.
If you want to know if a specific number is from your clients or one of your friends, you'll be well-prepared to take the call and introduce yourself with clarity. This can be achieved with the Call Whisper feature which plays a short recorded message before you pick the call.
Since all these phones do not have a physical location and thus a memory space for accepting voicemails, they can be used to direct the voicemails to your email inbox, thus creating a space of unlimited capacity for voicemails - this ensures that you never have to miss a call.
One of the most impressive features of the freephone numbers is the Auto-Attendant. Without the need of a receptionist, you can choose to manage and divert calls to different departments within the organisation. All you have to do is create a set of predefined rules as to how calls coming from specific numbers have to be handled.
Intelligent numbers help eliminate the use of a fax machine by directing all your incoming faxes to your email inbox. This helps you to receive confidential fax messages.
Not only can intelligent numbers be used for call distribution within the organisation, but it can also be used to divert calls outside. It doesn't matter if you're at home or at the office or travelling, calls can be directed to your home phone number, office phone number or your cell phone.
The most prominent call diversion and distribution systems are hunt groups and ring groups. Hunt groups allow transfer of calls after a preset number of rings, while ring groups allow a call to connect to different lines and make it available for the first respondent.
It is even possible for you to etch a name into your number, so that customers can easily remember where to reach you. 08 Direct provides this feature with all its 0800 numbers, 0844 numbers and 0845 numbers.
