AAUG Reviews

By Carlene Brown, AAUG Member
Reviewed 12/05

PHONEVALET MESSAGE CENTER

How cool is it to have your Mac answer your telephone and record messages? I was intrigued with the idea when i read about Parliant’s software, PhoneValet.

PhoneValet is simple to install and activate. It comes with a telephone adapter device that you plug into the phone wall-jack and then connect to a USB port on your Mac. Both the phone and USB cables are included as is a line splitter to attach if you need to use the same wall- jack that your phone is plugged into.

The PhoneValet software installs quickly and actually includes two applications, PhoneValet and PhoneValet Message Center. After entering a few preferences you can immediately begin to use the program.

The PhoneValet application consists of a Phonebook and a Call Log. You are able to import phone numbers from your Address Book, or add them manually. Entering the names and phone numbers of the people you talk to the most allows you to dial those numbers by simply double clicking on the number and picking up your phone. If you enable voice dialing, you just speak the name then pick up the phone.

The Call Log keeps a record of all incoming and outgoing calls and marks them as, “placed, answered, unanswered, voice mail or remote control”. Each record contains the date and time the call took place and if you have caller ID the name of the caller. Also, if you have Caller ID, the callers name will be displayed In a pop up window on your screen and announced audibly when the call comes in.

Through Profiles you can customize how calls are handled. Special ringtones can be assigned to individual callers; calls can be immediately sent to voice mail; unwanted calls may be blocked; an individualized greeting can be played for chosen callers; etc.

Message Center is terrific. There are eleven voice-mailboxes available to set up.
A main or default mailbox and ten additional boxes. These are fully customizable
and each will support an individual greeting or announcement. The callers message is saved in the mailbox in which it was recorded. After you have listened to the message it may be stored in Phone Valet or erased.

When I set up my voice mailboxes using text to speech, I was not satisfied with the quality. I then got out my microphone, my G5 Power Mac does not have a built-in mic, and recorded my own greetings for each mailbox. These are easy to record and easy to change if desired.

PhoneValet comes with one default recorded voice greeting. The synthesized
(text to speech) announcements are virtually unusable. A folder containing a few prerecorded announcements could be included with the software and would be helpful, especially if the user does not have a way to record a message.

A feature I find very convenient is the ability to have the record of selected incoming calls or all incoming calls automatically emailed to one or more addresses. This includes the voice messages that were left on the Message Center. Phone Valet is installed on my computer at home and I have the information sent to my husband’s email address. That way he is notified of any incoming calls he may have missed.

AppleScripts can be used with PhoneValet. You can write scripts to interact with applications such as FileMaker or Entourage. A script many users have found useful pauses iTunes when you pick up the phone and resumes when you hang-up. You may write your own Apple Scripts or use the examples provided by Parliant.

You may also receive faxes using PhoneValet. I was unable to check this feature as my fax machine is set up on a separate line. PhoneValet works on only one line. If you wish to use it on more than one line you must purchase PhoneValet Message Center for each additional line.

It would really be advantageous if this software was expanded to allow the user to answer the phone and carry on a conversation through the computer. I currently use iChat to converse with family members and it would be great to be able to carry on all phone conversations using my Mac.

PhoneValet runs in the background of your computer. The only time you know it is there is when it announces an incoming call. As long as your Mac is powered on PhoneValet is on the job.

System requirements:
• Mac OSX 10.2 or higher-compatible with Tiger
• USB port or powered USB hub port
• Standard touch-tone phone line (analog)
• Quick Time 6.5 or higher
• 800 X 600 display (1024 X 768 recommended)
• Inbound call announcement and logging features require Caller ID

PhoneValet works “right out of the box”, as advertised. I would recommend this software for home or small businesses. In fact I am recommending that we purchase it for my work place. It is easy to install and use, can be customized to meet your needs, has a searchable call history database, you can even record your phone conversations if needed. Imagine never having to erase your voice mail and keeping a permanent record of those important business calls, or your grandchild’s first telephone call. PhoneValet is a valuable asset for home or office.

PHONEVALET ANYWHERE

Phone Valet Anywhere is a must for anyone who travels or for those who wish
to check home or office for calls during the day.

PhoneValet Anywhere is a software extension to PhoneValet Message Center.
PhoneValet Anywhere is built-in to PhoneValet but it is necessary to purchase a code to activate it. Two user accounts are included in the price, and additional accounts can be purchased from Parliant.

Users are able to log-in to the Mac where PhoneValet has been installed from a remote computer anywhere in the world. You then have access to the phone book, call log, and message center. You are able to search the logs for any information saved there, listen to the recorded messages, archive calls, check the phone book for telephone numbers, and add or edit notes for future reference. This can be
achieved by accessing the server either through Bonjour or through the server’s domain or IP address.

Live incoming call information is displayed by remote computers by installing the
PhoneValet Client software. Caller ID for incoming calls to the Mac running PhoneValet are displayed on the computers running PhoneValet Client. Macs running Client can display and audibly announce the incoming calls

My experience with Parliant support has been good. I found them to be quick in responding and helpful.

PhoneValet and PhoneValet Anywhere are great products. If you are interested in a communications system for your home or office that gets the work done efficiently
and effortlessly take a close look at PhoneValet.