CISS (Call-independent supplementary services)

CISS (Call-independent supplementary services) are a set of features that can be used to enhance the functionality of traditional telephone systems. Unlike call-dependent supplementary services, which are associated with specific calls, CISS are not tied to any particular call and can be used independently of the call itself. CISS are used in both traditional circuit-switched networks and in IP-based networks, including Voice over IP (VoIP) and Unified Communications (UC) systems.

CISS services provide users with a range of features that enhance the functionality of the traditional telephone system. These features are designed to improve communication and collaboration between users, as well as to improve the efficiency and productivity of the user. CISS services are typically divided into three categories: Messaging, Notification, and Mobility.

Messaging services are designed to enable users to communicate with each other more effectively. These services include things like voicemail, email, and fax. Voicemail allows callers to leave a message for the recipient when they are unavailable to answer the phone. Email allows users to send and receive messages electronically, while fax allows users to send documents over the telephone line.

Notification services are designed to keep users informed about events and activities that are important to them. These services include things like call forwarding, call waiting, and call transfer. Call forwarding allows calls to be forwarded to another number if the recipient is unavailable to answer the phone. Call waiting notifies the recipient of an incoming call while they are on another call, and call transfer allows users to transfer calls to another number or extension.

Mobility services are designed to provide users with the ability to use their telephone services while they are away from their desk or office. These services include things like remote access, call pickup, and call park. Remote access allows users to access their telephone services remotely, while call pickup allows users to answer calls that are ringing at another extension. Call park allows users to park a call and then retrieve it later from another phone or extension.

CISS are implemented using a combination of hardware and software. In traditional circuit-switched networks, these services are implemented using a combination of switches, signaling protocols, and intelligent network services. In IP-based networks, CISS services are implemented using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), a signaling protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions that involve video, voice, messaging, and other communications applications and services.

One of the key benefits of CISS is that they enable users to communicate more effectively and efficiently. By providing users with a range of features that are not tied to specific calls, CISS enable users to manage their communications more effectively, regardless of their location or the device they are using. For example, a user can access their voicemail messages from anywhere, using any device that has internet connectivity.

Another benefit of CISS is that they improve the reliability and availability of the telephone system. By providing users with features like call forwarding and call transfer, CISS ensure that calls are always answered, even when the recipient is unavailable to answer the phone. This improves the overall reliability of the telephone system, which is critical for businesses that rely on their telephony systems for their day-to-day operations.

CISS can also be used to enhance the security of the telephone system. For example, call screening and call blocking features can be used to block unwanted calls or prevent calls from being forwarded to unauthorized users. Similarly, features like call recording and call monitoring can be used to monitor calls and ensure that they are compliant with regulatory requirements.

In summary, CISS are a set of features that provide users with a range of messaging, notification, and mobility services that enhance the functionality of the traditional telephone system. These services are designed to improve communication and collaboration between users, as well as to improve the efficiency and productivity of the user. CISS are implemented using a combination of hardware and software, and can be used in both traditional circuit-switched networks and in IP-based networks, including VoIP and UC systems. The benefits of CISS include improved communication and collaboration, improved reliability and availability of the telephone system, and enhanced security.

Some examples of CISS services include:

1. Voicemail: Voicemail allows callers to leave a message for the recipient when they are unavailable to answer the phone. Voicemail messages can be accessed from anywhere, using any device that has internet connectivity.
2. Call forwarding: Call forwarding allows calls to be forwarded to another number if the recipient is unavailable to answer the phone. This ensures that calls are always answered, even if the recipient is not at their desk or is using another device.
3. Call waiting: Call waiting notifies the recipient of an incoming call while they are on another call. This ensures that the recipient does not miss important calls while they are on another call.
4. Call transfer: Call transfer allows users to transfer calls to another number or extension. This is useful in situations where a call needs to be transferred to another department or person.
5. Call screening: Call screening allows users to screen calls before they are answered. This is useful in situations where the user wants to avoid calls from unwanted or unknown callers.
6. Call blocking: Call blocking allows users to block unwanted calls. This is useful in situations where the user wants to avoid calls from telemarketers or other unwanted callers.
7. Call recording: Call recording allows users to record calls for training or regulatory compliance purposes. This is useful in situations where the user needs to ensure that calls are compliant with regulatory requirements.
8. Call monitoring: Call monitoring allows users to monitor calls in real-time. This is useful in situations where the user needs to ensure that calls are compliant with regulatory requirements or company policies.

In conclusion, CISS are a set of features that provide users with a range of messaging, notification, and mobility services that enhance the functionality of the traditional telephone system. These services are designed to improve communication and collaboration between users, as well as to improve the efficiency and productivity of the user. CISS are implemented using a combination of hardware and software, and can be used in both traditional circuit-switched networks and in IP-based networks, including VoIP and UC systems. The benefits of CISS include improved communication and collaboration, improved reliability and availability of the telephone system, and enhanced security.