AT&T MERLIN LEGEND Release 3.1 System Manager's Manual page 155

Features
There are several different configurations that can be set up, depending on the
number of users who require this kind of coverage and their needs. For
example, if calls must go to an operator and not directly to voice mail, you can
use one of the following configurations:
If fewer than eight users need this kind of coverage, use delayed Primary
Coverage or Secondary Coverage to the operator, who can then send the
call to voice mail using the Direct Voice Mail feature. (The operator can
cover a maximum of eight extensions.)
In Release 4.0 and later systems, the Forward/Follow Me feature provides
this type of coverage, with no system limits on the number of users who
can take advantage of the feature. The user or system manager
programs forwarding to the operator's extension, adding a delay of zero
to nine rings before the call goes to the operator. This way, the person at
the extension can pick up the call while it is still ringing at his or her
extension. If the person does not pick up, the call is forwarded to the
operator, who can then send it to voice mail using the Direct Voice Mail
feature.
Alternatively, if fewer than 30 users need this kind of coverage, set up a
"phantom" or special calling group for each extension. Each special
calling group is covered by voice mail. When a call comes in, the
operator uses the Direct Voice Mail feature to send the covered call to
voice mail. to which the operator can send the caller, by using the Direct
Voice Mail feature, to leave a voice mail message. (Each extension is a
calling group covered by the operator; their corresponding phantom
extensions are covered by voice mail.)
If more than 30 users need this kind of coverage, set up phantom
extensions to which the operator can send the caller, or which the caller
can dial directly after hours or if the operator is unavailable. (Phantom
extensions use Shared System Access buttons on the real extensions so
that calls ring at the real extensions.)
If calls must be covered by a personal secretary who is not the operator, use
Primary Coverage such that the call would ring at the user's extension first, then
at the secretary's phone, at which point, the secretary can use Direct Voice Mail
to transfer the call back to the user's voice mail.
For more information about how you can use the Direct Voice Mail feature, see
the Feature Reference .
Summary
Table 4–10 illustrates the various ways that calls can be covered.
Features and Applications
4–33