Siltek Telecoms targets SMEs with Active Voice's Lingo communication system

Specialist telecommunications distributor, Siltek Telecoms, has announced the local availability of Active Voice's Lingo, a voice messaging system that does not require a PC to function. Targeted at small- to medium-sized businesses, Lingo provides a cost-effective communications system that is both easy to install and administer.

"Traditional voice messaging systems require the use of a PC which can be extremely expensive for a small or medium sized business," says Johann Engelbrecht, voice processing product manager at Siltek Telecoms. "Besides the administrative costs, there are also expenses incurred as a result of teaching PC skills in programming to users so that the system is managed effectively. As a small box that gets mounted on the wall, Lingo eliminates the need for a PC, therefore reducing these overheads while simultaneously providing an efficient communication system with a full range of voice mail and automated attendant features."

Lingo's features are convenient and flexible and the system is compatible with more than one hundred of the most popular telephone systems, explains Engelbrecht. "Lingo's voice mail includes standard 24 hour voice messaging, employee-to-employee messaging, group messaging up to 10 groups, and the ability to redirect messages to others on the system," he adds. "Messages can be retrieved from a remote location as well, which is extremely useful if an employee is out of the office at any time."

Lingo also offers an Automated Attendant, which can be tailored to suit any organisation's communication needs. "Clients have the option to use the automated attendant as their primary receptionist, as a back-up for busy times or only during off-hours," says Engelbrecht. "If required, the automated attendant can also be switched off altogether. Lingo also allows the automated attendant to deliver short bits of info, such as monthly specials or company details."

In addition to voice mail and automated attendant features, Lingo is also able to detect, route and notify the client about faxes. "If Lingo hears a fax tone when it answers a call, it automatically transfers the call to the fax machine, eliminating the need for a separate fax number and a costly dedicated line," he says. "Lingo will also ask callers if they want to attach a voice message so employees can be notified that a fax is waiting."

Engelbrecht points out that if changes need to be made to the system settings, this can be done from any touch tone telephone or by using a modem or serial connection to a laptop. "Adjustments can be made without taking the system off line and there is also minimal maintenance for dealers as they do not have to visit the customer site to make changes," concludes Engelbrecht.