Many phone systems can be equipped with a voice mail system manufactured or relabeled by the phone system vendor. In most cases, this means you must choose between this same-brand system and one of the many available systems from third-party manufacturers.

Same-brand systems are generally easy to install, since the systems do not have to be compatible with a wide range of phone systems. Debates about which part of the system is at fault when breakdowns occur are also less of a concern, since both components come from the same manufacturer.

On the other hand, third-party systems tend to be more competitively priced and do not lock firms into the same brand phone system in the future. For some applications, third-party systems may offer more capabilities than a same-brand system can provide.