Glossary
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Answering Service
Glossary Definition: Answering Machine
An answering machine, also known as an answer machine (especially in UK and British commonwealth countries), ansafone (tradename [1]), ansaphone (tradename [2]), answerphone or telephone answering device (TAD), is a device for automatically answering telephone calls and recording messages left by callers when the party called is unable to answer the phone. Unlike voicemail, which is a centralised or networked system that performs a similar function, an answering machine is installed in the customer's premises alongside — or incorporated within — the customer's telephone. While early answering machines used magnetic tape technology, most modern equipment uses solid state memories. Magnetic tape is still used in many low cost devices. However, answering machines that use magnetic tape cannot be found in most stores today.
Most modern answering machines have a system for greeting. The owner may record his or her message that will be played to the caller, or an automatic message if the owner does not record one. Answering machines can usually be programmed to take the call at a certain number of rings. This is useful if the owner is screening calls and does not wish to speak with all callers.