The conferencing industry is famous for using different words to indicate the same thing. Below is a list of useful terms and descriptions, which should offer you some assistance when organizing your next call.
Arkadin Audio Conferencing Glossary of Terms
Access Card
A detailed account card which outlines individual user’s conferencing details including access numbers, PIN codes and customer service contact details.
Access Number
A telephone number dialed to access a conference call. This can also be referred to as a 'dial-in' number.
Automatic Recording
The conference call is automatically recorded from the time that the first participant enters the call. These recordings can be accessed by calling a playback number—or if requested, copied to CD.
Bridge
Equipment used to join three or more telephone lines together so that each can participate in the same telephone call.
Broadcast
All participant lines are in listen-only mode or muted.
Customer Service/Operator
A representative who operates the technology and services to assist you with your conference call.
Dial Out
A process where an operator will dial-out to a participant to include them in the conference call.
Entry Tone
An ascending tone which signals when a participant has entered the conference call.
Event Manager
A dedicated customer service specialist who will manage the organization of a conference call.
Exit Tone
A descending tone which signals when a participant has left the conference call.
Local Access
The ability to use local telephone numbers to access a multinational conference call. Can increase convenience and reduce international call costs.
Moderator
The individual who is the host, facilitator, or chairperson of a conference call.
Names on Entry/Exit
Each participant is asked to record their name before they are placed into the conference call. This recording is then played into the conference and also upon that participant leaving the call.
On-Demand/Reservationless
A service where there is no need to schedule a call. Calls can be made at anytime.
Participant
A conference call attendee.
PIN (Personal Identification Number)
Personal unique security codes that callers use to access a conference.
Roll Call
Each participant is asked to record their name before they are placed into the conference call.
Toll Free Number
A phone number provided by the account holder who pays for the cost of the incoming call. No telephone charges occur for the dialer.
Toll Number
A phone number where the caller pays for the cost of the call placed into a conference.
Touch Tone
A telephone with which the user places calls by pressing push buttons that generate and transmit tones of differing pitch. The pitches or tones correspond to the digits of the number being dialed.
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Voice transmission using the internet to digitally transmit voice signals.
Wait for Moderator
All participants of the conference call will be placed on musical hold until the moderator enters the conference.
Web Console
Provides the ability to view and manage your audio conference online, via a dedicated website.
Welcome Language
The language in which you will be greeted upon entry to a conference call.