Call Processing Comparison

Superior Status and Busy Lamp Capability

ISDN Key Sets with expansion modules can provide up to 60 appearances (less feature keys), but will function only in very low traffic applications. In most cases, key sets cannot handle more than 12 active call appearances at one time. Tone Commander ISDN consoles are designed to support high traffic attendant applications with up to 480 active stations (60 in the 2260d).

Direct Station Selection

Most ISDN key sets offer only a limited number of user programmable speed dial keys that generally cannot be associated with station busy lamps. The ISDN key set further restricts use only to keys not used for call appearances or features. The Tone Commander consoles offer unrestricted use of DSS up to 480 keys (60 in the 2260d).

Simplified Call Processing

User operations on Tone Commander consoles are simple and intuitive to allow greater efficiencies and maximized throughput, while providing consistent cross-platform support. For example, answering and transferring an incoming call on an ISDN key set requires 5 steps, with different operation on AT&T, Nortel, and Siemens switches. Tone Commander consoles require only three steps, with the same operational sequence on all switch types.

Internal 1,000 Name Database

Tone Commander consoles have an integral user-maintainable database offering incoming caller name display. Users consider our display far superior to the simple directory number display on a key set. Tone Commander displays allow truly personalized answering of all calls.

Prioritized Ringing Calls

Tone Commander allows complete 8 queue flexibility for all ringing calls and timed reminders. The user can easily prioritize all offered ISDN call types (including Internal, External, Call Forward, etc.) or incoming number dialed. Incoming calls on a key set are not prioritized and can only be differentiated by incoming call appearance.

Enhanced Display Information

The Tone Commander console display simultaneously shows the active (talking) party, the associated (on hold) party, the next incoming (ringing) party, and the duration and type of each call placed on hold by the user. Both caller name (based on internal database lookup) and call type are displayed. A key set typically displays information (usually only directory number) for the active party.

Timed Reminders

With Tone Commander consoles, all held calls will alert the user after a predetermined time. A busy attendant will not forget held calls again. Key sets do not provide timed reminders.

Traffic Statistics

Tone Commander consoles automatically record average call time, average response time, abandoned call volume, number of hold recalls, number of slowly answered calls, total number of inbound and outbound calls, active time, and elapsed time. These statistics can be uploaded to a disk and saved using the supplied universal PC cable, allowing management to monitor attendant performance. A key set does not maintain any performance statistics.

Built-in Network and Console Diagnostics

Network and data link errors are recorded in Tone Commander consoles to aid in any trouble analysis. Any errors can be saved to disk for a complete report history. Key sets do not provide sophisticated diagnostics.

True Console Features

Tone Commander consoles offer the unique flexibility of a single key split operation, providing easy access to multiple call sources and destinations. Tone Commander allows true freedom of design for Centrex systems.

Reliability and Support

Tone Commander products are manufactured in the State of Washington and are supported 24 hours a day by the people who designed them.