Unified Messaging Services

Unified Messaging Services enable users to save voice and fax messages in an email box. By subscribing to a unified messaging service, you can use an email client to access all these different types of messages, or you can even use your phone with the telephone user interface. With a unified messaging service, Voice mail messages are delivered to your email account automatically in the form of a sound file attachment that you can listen to on your PC's speakers. You can also access your calendar, check your schedule and listen to your email from a telephone when you are away from the office.

To build up your virtual office, you can get an Exchange 2007 unified messaging server with a virtual receptionist.

But unified communication services go way beyond simply unifying messaging, as they can be used to deliver, connect, provide live-call management and have various notification options. UMS allow subscribers to listen to their e-mail over the phone using text-to-speech technology, as well as send voice and fax messages over the phone as attachments to email. There is also a web-based interface giving users the option to check all the different messages by logging into the system with their personal username and password.

The great thing about unified messaging services is they are based on one number. In other words, all incoming calls and faxes are handled on the same phone number, which could be your personal toll free number (1-800) or a local phone number. Of course, toll free numbers will cost you more. Here is how it works. When somebody calls your number, he/she will reach a virtual receptionist, which usually plays a pre-recorded greeting, then gives the caller a list of options to choose from (different extensions), and if needed, guides them trough the system so that they can leave a message.

Unified messaging services have the so called "Find me" function which can redirect all incoming calls to phone numbers which you specify during the setup process. Calls are usually redirected to mobile phones, pagers, work and home numbers. The call screening feature allows you to hear who is calling before accepting the incoming call. Once the caller is identified, you have the option to accept the call or forward it to voice mail in real time. In addition to that, incoming faxes can be directed to a fax machine or saved in an email box. There is also the live notification option which will notify you of any incoming calls, voice mail, by sending you an email or sms. All those preferences are completely customizable.

Exchange unified messaging from Microsoft represent robust, interoperable, server-based tools that integrate with desktop and mobile clients to give information workers access to voice, fax, and e-mail data from wherever they are and allows users to use the telephone to manage their email, calendar, and personal contacts.

800 voicemail is a service that allows people to call a toll-free number and leave you a voicemail message.