Answering rules allow you to define how you want calls to be handled. For example, you could have it simultaneously ring your desk and mobile phone, forward to a colleague, or go directly to voicemail. Combined with Time Frames, you can define different call flow logic for different times of day or week.
Defining Answering Rules
By default, each extension has a Default Answering Rule with a Time Frame of Always. You can change options you want applied at all times in this Default rule.
Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb will send your calls directly to your voicemail.
Call Screening
Call Screening will prompt the caller to announce their name, which the system will play for you and allow you to decide whether or not you would like to take the call.
Call Forwarding - Always
Call Forwarding Always allows you to forward all calls to another destination. You can forward calls to other users, directly to other users' voicemail, auto attendants, call queues, and offnet (external) numbers.
Call Forwarding - When Busy
Call Forwarding When Busy allows you to forward all calls to another destination when you are on another call. You can forward calls to other users, directly to other users' voicemail, auto attendants, call queues, and offnet (external) numbers.
Call Forwarding - When Unanswered
Call Forwarding When Unanswered allows you to forward all calls to another destination when you do not answer a call. By default, unanswered calls will go to your voicemail box. You can forward calls to other users, directly to other users' voicemail, auto attendants, call queues, and offnet (external) numbers.
Call Forwarding - When Offline
Call Forwarding When Office allows you to forward all calls to another destination when your phone is offline (powered off, shut down, or otherwise unregistered). You can forward calls to other users, directly to other users' voicemail, auto attendants, call queues, and offnet (external) numbers.
Simultaneous Ring - Include User's Extension
Simultaneous Ring allows incoming calls to ring multiple devices. By default, there is a single device for each extension. The system rings this device by default.
Simultaneous Ring - Ring All User's Phones
Simultaneous Ring allows incoming calls to ring multiple devices. By default, there is a single device for each extension. The system rings this device by default. You can change this behavior if you have multiple devices (home office phone, softphone, etc).
Simultaneous Ring - Answer confirmation for offnet numbers
Simultaneous Ring allows incoming calls to ring multiple devices. By default, there is a single device for each extension. The system rings this device by default. You can change this behavior if you want to ring an external (offnet) number. This option will require you "accept" the call to the offnet number to keep the offnet recipient from taking control of the call. This is useful to cell phones where you do not want your cell phone voicemail answering the call. This option is used in conjunction with the next option.
Simultaneous Ring - Offnet Numbers
Simultaneous Ring allows incoming calls to ring multiple devices. By default, there is a single device for each extension. The system rings this device by default. You can change this behavior if you want to ring an external (offnet) number. You may enter an external (offnet) number, such as a cell phone, answering service, etc. You can also set the delay in ringing this offnet number.
Just Ring User's Extension
This option eliminates all other options in the Answering Rule and just rings the user's extension.