Dec 11 2008
Remote User Solution in Response Point
If you’ve ever tried to extend Microsoft Response Point to remote users and/or soft phones, you’ve probably realized there is no built in support for this. Well in this post, we present a relatively simple solution to this problem.
First of all, this solution assumes you have an account with a VoIP provider. The first step is to create local extensions for each remote user via the Response Point Administrator. This is essential so that incoming calls can be routed by the system.
Next, get a VoIP phone service (DID) for each remote user from your VoIP provider. These services will have to be configured on the desired IP Phone or IP softphone client. Once you have service established, the remote users will be able to make outbound calls and receive direct inbound calls at the newly assigned VoIP number.
Now, go into the Response Point Administrator and change the call forwarding settings of each remote user. You will want to set all calls to forward to the user’s new VoIP number on his/her remote IP Phone or IP softphone client. This ensures the remote user is able to receive calls from Response Point. The remote user’s VoIP number should also be paired to each user’s local extension through the External Access feature in the Response Point Administrator. This will ensure the remote user is able to make calls from within Response Point.
Each remote user can manage their own call forwarding preferences if they do not always work remotely. Each remote user can also import contacts using RP Assistant so they can dial by speech regardless of where they are are working from that day.
Once this is done, the Response Point base unit will send all calls to the remote user and the remote user can make calls directly from their remote phone. Furthermore, if the Response Point base unit is using the same VoIP provider (recommended), all calls between local office and remote users are free.
Here’s how calls are routed:
1- Calls from outside will be answered by RP and forwarded to the remote user seamlessly.
2- Local users calling remote users will be able to dial by speech or dial a 3 digit extension
3- Remote users calling local users will first dial into the base unit (can put this is speed dial) and then dial by speech or dial a 3 digit extension.
4- Each remote user will also be able to dial external numbers directly from their phone but in this case will not be able to use the speech function.
There you have it. A simple solution to solve the problem of connecting remote users, teleworkers and softphones with Microsoft Response Point. If you have any questions, feel free to post in the comments.