Voice mail systems manage telephone messages using automated telephone technologies for a large group of people. They have a sophisticated centralized server and all the functions of an answering machine. Voice mail is also referred as Virtual Assistant, Virtual Office Systems or Virtual PBX (Private Branch Exchange). Home office voice mail usage has jumped from 300,000 to 700,000 in 10 years.

Voice mail was first introduced in Texas by the founder of Dallas based VMX company Gordon Matthews. He is considered the “Father of Voice Mail”. Some of the functions on voice mail systems are message-storing, paging on receipt of message, message sending to multiple voice mailboxes, call transferring and adding voice notes to a message.

Today voice mail facilities are also available in mobile phones and e-mail services. The use of voice mail has increased the productivity of small and large-scale businesses by providing 24x7 responses to customers. Funny voice mail messages along with voice mail software are available in the market.

Many people are switching from answering machines to voice mails, because of their increased call flows without adding more lines. Voice mail systems can accept several calls simultaneously even if you have one line. Voice mail services, though a little expensive, are more convenient and reliable. Voice mail systems are very useful to the users, as the number of voice mailboxes can be increased if automated delivery of various kinds of messages to various callers is needed.

Voice mail services are usually provided on a monthly rental basis. Calls are routed automatically by the service provider and will arrive at your phone. Different features on voice mail services vary according to the price range. Toll free numbers can be found in local yellow pages or in the websites. Few local telephone companies provide you with this service which gives the complete information on the price range and the toll free numbers for further enquiry.