Programing Ext numbers.

[mmincer]

I have a new ASC V6.0 and Messaging V6.0. When I got it, I was told I could use my extension numbers from my old system (not a Partner). I have it set up use the auto attendant, which answers with no problem. When a customer dials the old extension number though, they are immediately put into my voicemail. I can't get it to ring a phone first. Is there any way to get the messaging system to dial my PBX extension or change the number on the PBX so it is correct? I don't want to have to print new business cards.
I’ve called the people that sold me system but they were no help.

 

[TouchToneTommy]

So what are your old extension numbers, and what are your new extension numbers?

The valid, fixed extension numbers in a Partner system are 10 through 57, and of course you can't have a phone be a particular extension number unless you have the hardware to provide that port and the phone is connected there.

You can make mailboxes for any extension number you want, but unless it corosponds to a physical telephone extension, and the mailbox's phone status is administered as "with a telephone", the calls won't transfer to the set first.

 

[jlshelton]

You may also need to program the Auto Attendent menu to use selector code 1 + extension if it is set to 6 + extension. If I read the Partner Messaging manual correctly, the first choice transfers to a phone, and the second choice transfers directly to the corresponding mailbox without ringing the phone.

 

[mmincer]

If I can’t change the extension numbers, I’ll have to return the system. It strikes me as being a serious design flaw though. I can’t be the first to have an issue with this. My old system, which cost about half of what this system cost, would let me assign any number I wanted to an extension. The software to accomplish this is remarkably easy. In fact, on some level, it already exists on the Partner system. The ‘personal operator’ basically does what I want but it requires an extra step on the caller’s part. It could and should have an automatic mode.

 

[skip555]

I have always thought that was a real weakness in a otherwise fine system.

I recently had to move a extension at a insurance office due to a bad port on a 206 card. the owner didnt want to replace the card and the agent who's extension I moved had just had 10,000 cards printed with the now incorrect extension

 

[TouchToneTommy]

So what are your old extension numbers, and what are your new extension numbers?

 

[mmincer]

The old ext numbers were 21 to 27. Ok, I know, I can buy a few modules and get the extensions. That’s probably what I’ll do. Does anyone have one they want to sell (used and cheap) The only number I need to ring is 21 because the other exts are voice mail only.
Still, it should be able to be programmed.

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi mmincer,
Yup, it would be nice to change extension numbers in programming, but the system wasn't aimed at that market. It seems to me that it would be cheaper to buy new business cards. This system has more pluses than minuses and some very powerful voicemail features.
Try not to use selector codes in your extension range (for you, 1 & 2). This will make you life easier down the road. I think if you accept the system for the way it is you will learn to love the darn thing.
-Chris

 

[jlshelton]

Also, with Partner Messaging and its 99 sub-menus, you could, with patience, define the menus so that someone could press "21" to the auto-attendent, and have that transfer to extension "12". A bit of a nuisance....

 

[TouchToneTommy]

John, good solution. Have selector code 2 go to a submenu that has selector code 1 go to Ext. 21.

Or pick up a 308 or even a 206 on e-bay. I'm assuming that you have a 5-slot carrier.

 

[mmincer]

It worked, it worked. You guys are 'bout as smart as it gets! I'll still have to keep 21 as a phantom box, but who cares.