Automated Attendants
A phone system accessory that answers the phone electronically, allowing callers to route themselves to the appropriate department or extension. Automated attendant capabilities are built into most modern voice mail systems.

Blocking Levels
A statistical term which refers to the percentage of calls that will be blocked from accessing the voice mail system during peak usage. Most companies consider a blocking level of 2% to be acceptable, but organizations such as hospitals or security firms may require blocking levels as low as 1% or 0.1%.

Port
A connection between the phone system and the voice mail system. The number of ports needed depends on how many people will simultaneously use the system.

Unified Messaging System
A type of storage system that combines incoming e-mail, fax, and voice mail messages for one user into a common mailbox. This mailbox, commonly displayed on a computer screen, allows users to access all messages at once.