Typically, a recording plays soft music interspersed with reminders not to hang up. This can be a lifesaver for busy receptionists and customer service agents. Automated attendants allow callers to select options from a menu and then route calls. Computer telephone integration combines two systems. Often, people can check messages, transfer calls or send a fax with their computers.
Some services allow users to check e-mail over the phone, with an electronic voice reading the text.
Specific capabilities vary based on vendor and product. Unified messaging puts all of an employee's e-mail, faxes and voicemail into a central inbox. Depending on the product, messages can be checked through a variety of tools, like Web browsers, E-mail programs, personal digital assistants, cell phones and pagers. Like any technology, telephony can go obsolete rapidly. Tracking numbers used to identify people who make long-distance calls.