[Asterisk-Users] Re: What's the use of a multi line phone?

[Noah Miller]

> Sorry for this n00b type question but what is the use of a multi line
> phone?
>
> Occasionally I see discussions going on about this subject but with a
> single phone you can only answer one call at a time (at least I can 
> with
> only one phone).
>
> What would you need the extra lines for?

Usually for a business.  Our business policy is for a person to answer 
every incoming call immediately (and then put them on hold as 
necessary).  Sometimes our receptionists will have to field four or 
five calls before they can begin to properly route calls to their 
intended destinations.

Also, most of our staff (the non-receptionists) like to be able to do 
the call waiting thing and answer new calls as they come in, even if 
they need to continue with their current call.  True, this could be 
done with call waiting, but most users find it easier to just push a 
line button, and the multiple line appearances on our phones allow 
things like the ability to see caller ID of new incoming calls when 
they are still in a call, and then the ability to conference calls 
together.  Most of this can be done with callerID, Meetme, or other 
features, but it is just easier on a multiple line phone.

Another use:  Some multiple line phones (like the Snom phones) can do 
shared call appearances like an old key phone system.  This would mean 
that, for example, Judy is always "Line 5" on everybody's phone.  Press 
line 5 and get Judy - if line 5 is lit up, it means Judy is on a call.