Lucent Technologies MERLIN LEGEND Release 6.1 Feature Reference page 364

MERLIN LEGEND Communications System Release 6.1
Feature Reference 555-661-110
Features
Group Calling
Description
Group Calling is used to direct incoming calls to a specific group of telephones (a
calling group ). A calling group is a team of individuals who answer and handle the
same kinds of calls, for example, high-volume work groups such as sales, service,
marketing, repair, and technical support. Also, fax machines that receive a large
number of fax messages can be placed in a calling group to allow multiple calls to
be sent.
Through Group Calling, all members in the calling group are assigned to a single
extension number. Specific lines/trunks can be assigned to ring directly into the
calling group so that outside callers can dial a published telephone number to
reach the group, bypassing the operator.
In Release 6.0 and earlier systems, all members of a calling group must be
connected to the same local system. In Release 6.1 and later systems, a calling
group may have a single non-local member that is defined under the Uniform Dial
Plan as existing on another MERLIN LEGEND Communications System
connected by a tandem trunk to the local system. A calling group can have a
single non-local member or several local extensions. The same calling group
cannot have both local members and a non-local member.
A calling group containing a single non-local member can be used for most of the
same purposes as a calling group containing only local extensions.
Individual calling group member extensions are assigned an extension number,
allowing a group member to receive calls as an individual and as a group member.
Outside calls that come into a calling group are usually not intended for a
particular group member and can be handled by any member. However, inside
callers can reach a specific calling group member by dialing the individual
extension number assigned to the member.
NOTE:
The information in the remainder of the Group Calling section applies
primarily to calling groups with local members. Refer to the Network
Reference for detailed information about calling groups with a single
non-local member.
As calls come into the calling group, the system hunts for an available group
member in a circular or linear manner or, in Release 5.0 and later systems,
according to which member is most idle (see
member is available, the call rings on an SA or ICOM button. If all group members
are busy or otherwise unavailable, calls are held in a queue. As calling group
members become available, the calls are distributed on a first-in, first-out basis.
When all calling group members are busy, inside callers who are transferred to
the calling group hear regular ringback and the call is sent to the calling group
queue; outside callers hear special ringback or Music On Hold if it is programmed
"Hunt Type" on page
Issue 1
August 1998
Page 315
320). If a group