DDI Lines Sharing

Shared DDI lines or DDI lines sharing is a new capability introduced in the release 4.0 which brings forward the flexibility of the system regarding how traders can collaborate using standard telephony lines – as opposed to private circuits.

In our terminology, DDI lines refer to lines registered onto the local IP PBX switch.  They enable traders to call or to be called by any external parties through the PSTN or by another IP phone within the enterprise network.  DDI lines are classically assigned to a single person and bound to a single physical handset.  They offer, in addition to the call setup, standard telephony functions like transfer, conferencing, forward…  DDI lines are also called directory numbers (DN), phone/user extensions, dial-tone lines, station id… depending on the IP PBX solution.

As mentioned, DDI lines enable to handle call scenarios between two parties - the calling and the called parties, each one using its own handset.  As soon as at one side of the line multiple parties may be involved in the call, limitations apply regarding who can take it and who can be on the call.  Obviously, some level of collaboration can be obtained by using functions like pickup, hunt groups, barge, conferences…, but none of this method is really appropriate in a trading environment.

And therefore, shared DDI lines capability has been introduced with the goal of combining the function-richness of DDI lines with the ease of use usually reserved to private wires.  It provides

Common lamping – Shared DDI lines can be mapped on programmable keys on several traders position and provide them in real-time with the state of line.

Line sharing – Once the line is engaged on a call, traders can join/leave the line without any restrictions as they would do on private wires; similarly, the distant party can be put on hold by any trader and resumed from another position.

Floating & line coverage – Whether call events are monitored - or not - and whether ringing lines are alerted in the float area - or not - can now be selected for each individual line and activated/deactivated on-demand.

Telephony functions – The main telephony functions remain available on shared DDI lines and enables traders to transfer the distant party to another extension, to conference external parties – i.e. IP phones, external lines – , to forward the line, to switch “do not disturb” on/off and to receive MWI notifications.  DTMF are also supported.

Open lines functions – Traditional MRD and ARD lines can end on DDI sharing.

Radio – Seamless integration with Instant-connect radio. User can have the same user experience whatever they handle RoIP calls, VoIP calls or open lines including conference any of them and PTT integration.