What Simultaneous Ring Does and How It can Help
Simultaneous ring is a hosted PBX feature that allows users to designate one number that will activate their mobile, office, and home devices simultaneously when called. Commonly shortened and referred to as “sim ring” or “SimRing,” this feature is used to ensure the user is always reachable, regardless of the device or location a caller is trying to reach.
Sim Ring Basics
To activate simultaneous ring, users will log into their VoIP user dashboard (for DOTVOX users, the simultaneous ring setting is located in the “My Features” tab).
From here, simultaneous ring can be enabled or disabled, and will include space for users to enter phone numbers for up to eight devices they wish to ring. Users can also designate whether or not they want those devices to ring if they are either already on a call, or if a voicemail has started on any of the devices.
Additionally, an “answer confirmation” setting can be toggled if users want an extra layer of control when answering a business call on a mobile device. When turned on, users will press the number “1” before the incoming call is connected.
Once the call is answered, all other devices will immediately stop ringing.
Why Use It?
There’s a multitude of reasons why someone would prefer to activate simring. However, most often it’s used for workers who are often out of the office, traveling, or otherwise unsure of where they will be at a particular time.
For example: imagine you’re expecting an important call today, but you’re taking a business partner out to lunch and need to make a trip to the post office at some point. Rather than giving your contact two phone numbers to call or banking on that call falling between those appointments, it’s a much more convenient solution to have all your devices ring simultaneously to ensure the call is answered no matter where you are.
The feature is easily switched off as well, which is especially helpful when you’re no longer away from your desk or simply need to unplug for a while. Users have complete control over which devices are included, so if you’d prefer not have certain devices ring for incoming calls, that’s completely up to you and quickly adjustable.
For business continuity reasons, having all of your devices ring at the same time provides an extra layer of safety as well. In the off chance you forget your phone or if the power goes out in the office building, for example, having another device handy can make a world of difference.
Simultaneous Ring vs. Call Forwarding
In short, sim ring is just a variation of call forwarding.
Under the call forwarding umbrella, users can take a variety of approaches to route their calls based on a number of different criteria. Simultaneous ring, however, takes more of a blanket approach to forwarding calls. Rather than ringing specific devices based on specific criteria, users can play it safe and just have all their devices ring to make sure no matter where they are or what they’re doing, they’ll have a device handy to answer the call.