# What is a Mailbox?

Think of a system mailbox as a post office box where voice messages, instead of written memos, are collected. Company employees become "system users" when they are assigned personal mailboxes.

To "open" mailboxes, users call the system number, log in (press the star (*) key plus the mailbox number on the telephone keypad, and enter personal passcodes. From NuPoint Receptionist, users press the star (*) key plus the mailbox number, again press the star (*) key, and enter their passcodes. In an integrated system, users are taken directly to the passcode prompt.

A range of software tools are available to customize your system. Once logged in, the functions users can choose depend on the class of service assigned to the mailbox when you create it:

- Class of Service

- - Feature bits, grouped into Feature Class of Service (FCOS), allow users to perform functions or control how the server can be used. One FCOS is assigned to each mailbox. (See FCOS.)

  - Limits Class of Service (LCOS) controls features such as the number and length of messages stored in a mailbox. One LCOS is assigned to each mailbox. (See LCOS.)

  - Group Class of Service (GCOS) is the group management resource that determines which users can send messages or respond to messages from other users. One GCOS is assigned to each mailbox. (See GCOS.)

  - Restriction Class of Service (RCOS) is an element of NPA/NXX call screening that restricts mailbox outdials to certain area codes or prefixes within an area code. One RCOS is assigned to each mailbox. (See Restriction Class of Service.)

  - Network Class of Service (NCOS) controls users’ network access; it is part of the NuPoint Net Digital Network optional feature. (See Network Class of Service.)

  - Tenant Class of Service (TCOS) is used with the ESMDI "Multi-Tenant" application to govern mailbox interaction between user communities. (See "ESMDI Integration" in the NuPoint Unified Messaging Optional Integrations Guide for more information.)

- Message Waiting Types specify how users are notified of unplayed messages in mailboxes. (See Message Waiting Types.)

- Attendant Extension Numbers are called when assistance is requested by a caller leaving a message in a mailbox or when outside callers request assistance through NuPoint Receptionist. (See Required Mailbox Information)

- NuPoint Receptionist processes calls according to individual users’ requests.

- - Treatment Types assigned to mailboxes contain most instructions. (See NuPoint Receptionist Treatment Types.)

  - Mailbox Extension Numbers are checked when callers input an extension number; this is the actual number that the system dials; it can be programmed when the "extension" is outside the PBX network (see Programming NuPoint Receptionist to Dial an Outside "Mailbox’s Extension.)

### Outside Callers versus System Users

- An "outside caller" dials the system number, enters a mailbox number, listens to the mailbox greeting (or to the prompt, "Please leave a message for <name>"), and then leaves a message.

- A "system user" logs in to his or her own mailbox and uses the make, give, or answer command to leave a message.

### The System Time/Date Stamp for Messages

The system adds the time/date stamp to every message to tell the recipient when the message was recorded.

- If the user plays the message on the same day that it arrives, only the time is given
  (for example: 2:00 p.m.).

- If the user plays the message on a later day within the same week, the day of the week and the time are given (for example: Monday, 2:00 p.m.).

- If the user plays a message more than a week after it was received, the day of the week, the date, and the time are given (for example: Monday, May 22, 2:00 p.m.).

- Types of Mailboxes

- Managing Mailboxes