An Auto-Attendant automatically answers incoming calls and presents customers with a previously recorded voicemail menu allowing them to select options and route themselves to certain numbers or recorded messages.

Automated attendant allows callers to be automatically transferred to an extension without intervention. Automated attendants can be a simple menu or an auto attendant may also allow a caller to reach a live operator by dialing a number, usually "0".

 The following lists common routing steps that are components of an automated attendant:

• Play Annoucement/Menu
• Transfer to Extension
• Transfer to Voicemail
• Repeat Choices

In addition, an Automated Attendant would be expected to have values for the following

• '0' - where to go when the caller dials '0'
• Timeout - what to do if the caller does nothing (usually go to the same place as '0')
• Default mailbox - where to send calls if '0' is not answered (or is not pointing to a live person)

The auto attendants can allow for time of day routing, as well as weekend and holiday routing.