This is just of one many ways you can utilize the system. We used to have a dedicated fax line, a couple of office numbers, an 800 number plus a cell phone. By using this system we were able to get rid of the dedicated fax line, the old costly 800 number service and all of the office lines but one.

We set up the virtual office system so we have an 800 number for incoming calls and one for use as a fax (the system comes with two 800 numbers). You may also use both 800 numbers as incoming and faxes. We also forward our local phone number to the virtual office system. We do this for two reasons:

1) We can use the local number to make outbound calls and receive incoming calls while we are on the phone. The system also has a follow-me option that allows us to program up to 3 numbers that the system will dial to locate us when receiving an incoming call. For example, we have it try our cell numbers in a specific order so someone will be available to answer a call. That way when we are out of the office we are still reachable.

2) We forwarded the local number to the system which allows us to make decisions when we receive calls.

Let's say I am on an outbound call and my cell phone rings as a pre-programmed number. I see the 800 designation that I have chosen when we programmed the system on my caller ID. I can briefly place the office line on hold and then see who is calling on the 800 number. Since the caller has stated their name and it is repeated to me when I answer the cell phone, I can choose to record a brief message to the caller telling them I will call them back in 15 minutes or whatever message I want to record. I can also let the call go to voicemail as well as other options. Lets so I let it go to voicemail, we have the system programmed so the voicemail is forwarded to our email and we can listen to message when we have a moment. If you have your email sent to your cell phone then you can listen to the message via your cell phone as well. This is very handy when you are out of the office so you don't miss an emergency.

You may also have separate mail boxes on your system so when you receive an incoming call the caller may choose one of those options. The system is very versatile so it can basically be set up any way you choose. We recently added a couple of services where we chose to add an additional 800 number for that specific product line for pennies a day.