Common Sources for Music On-Hold

While most music on-hold system already has a default music samples, some users may be force to find other sources due to certain issues such as format and compatibility. This is important because some on-hold music systems run on a server that is not capable of converting the music sample to a compatible format.
Fortunately, most providers allow the use of other sources to use for the music on hold:

CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory):
Some providers may offer extra music on a CD-ROM which the user can easily upload onto the system. Not only does this CD-ROM contains music but it may also include custom greetings and voice prompts that are designed for use with other phone system feature like the automated attendant. But, be cautious when using CD-ROM as the source for the music on hold feature since this can have licensing issues and it should not be distributed to anyone else. A CD-ROM may also contain other samples like music loops.
 

Multicast and Unicast:
These sources are suitable for use with the phone system’s on hold music since they can conserve the use of system resources. Multiple users can also be supported simultaneously by sharing a single stream of audio via the internet. Unfortunately, making use of these sources requires the management and configuration of different devices, IP addresses and ports. To use multiple audio also requires configuring and incrementing of different IP addresses, and not port numbers, for each source in order to prevent the network from being saturated.

Better Call Handling and Management

A phone call is a very valuable communication event for every business. In fact, a phone call is as important as the products or services a company offers because it is a source for information, inquiries or orders.

Some companies are even taking advantage of putting up multiple phone lines to ensure that no calls will be missed. But this setup does not guarantee every caller to always reach the business without hearing a busy signal especially if some callers are engaged in lengthy phone calls. As a matter of fact the use of too many lines is also a waste of money.

Fortunately, there are ideal phone systems that provide powerful and efficient call management tools that will also eliminate the requirement for multiple telephone lines:

Auto-Attendant – provides a voice menu system that assists a caller in reaching the proper extension or contact. Some auto attendant system even allows a caller to reach a human operator by pressing a certain key.

Call Forwarding – responsible for the call management and the rerouting of calls to the proper extension or contact. It works in conjunction with the auto attendant feature.

Music/Message On Hold – catches the attention of callers, on wait, by playing music or messages. Some companies take advantage of this feature by employing it as a marketing tool.

Virtual Extensions – eliminated the need for multiple phone lines by assigning existing phone numbers as extensions to the main business number.

Voicemail – allows a caller to leave a message which can be retrieved later via phone, desktop PC or an online account.

Why waste money and resources when a single number, coupled with powerful tools, can provide better call handling and management.