Calling Cards
Calling cards account allows caller to place outbound calls from the system without being logged into their extension. This is specifically advantageous to the user who is traveling. To place an international call, user simply call into the system and enter their extension number and PIN code. The call will reflect the office's caller-ID and will appear in the user's call log.
Even though calling cards are somewhat antiquated, they are still in use today.
Calling card account can be used in three different modes:
DISA: The user calls into the account and authenticates himself by entering his extension number and the associated PIN code. If the user's company has an 0800 number, then this is a simple away to reduce costs for international calls.
Callback: The user calls into the system and requests a callback. Although this mode requires more steps to establish the call, it may reduce telephone costs even further, as the call to the system does not get connected and the caller is not charged for the call. When callback is initiated from the calling card account, rather than the Personal Virtual Assistant, the user will not be charged for the seconds/minutes that accumulate between the time the callback is initiated and the caller is connected to the destination.
Pre-pay: The user calls into the auto attendant from an outside phone and enters his extension number and PIN. Once the system completes the authorization, the user enters the destination number.
Once the calling card has been created it will be added to the list. Each calling card settings can be accessed by clicking on the account number.
Identity
Account Number(s): The number or numbers assigned to this account.
Name: A descriptive name for the account.
Short name: A short name for the account. This short name is used in places where there is not much space, for example on soft labels of certain VoIP phones.
Note field: A general purpose for taking notes on the account. This field is not used by the PBX and it is only visible to the administrator.
Outbound number (ANI): The calling card uses an ANI (automatic number identification) when sending a caller to an external number. For more information, see Trunk ANI.
Profile picture: You can load a new profile picture for the calling card.
Account class name: The account class name for the calling card, which can be used for billing purposes.
Behavior
Dial plan for outbound calls: The group uses this dial plan to route a call that does not go to an extension. By default, this is the dial plan of the tenant.
Send daily CDR report: The system can send daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly email reports about the activity of the group. For more information see Call Reports.
Callback: This feature allows the account to be used in callback mode. After dialing into the system, the user is prompted to enter an extension number and PIN code. The caller may leave a callback number; otherwise, the system will use the caller-ID. Once the system calls back, a destination number will be requested. The callback feature allows users to make free outbound calls from a cell phone as long as the cellular provider offers free incoming calls and the user has an unlimited call plan with one of the system’s trunks.
Caller-ID: Choose whether to show or block the caller-ID. If you choose to show the caller-ID and a call is started on behalf of a known extension, the system will use the caller-ID associated with that extension. If the SOAP interface is being used, the system will display the caller-ID of the calling card account.
Allow calling accounts on the PBX: When this setting is enabled, the system will also consider calling local accounts. This is often useful in corporate environment, where callers can use 0800 numbers to call internal destinations.
Entering telephone numbers: The system needs to know how to interpret a user’s input.
Read out balance: The system will let the user know when the card balance is lower than the amount that is indicated in this field.