Shared Line Appearance (SLA) is a VoIP feature that allows multiple phones to share the same phone line or extension. When a call comes in on that line, all phones configured with the shared line ring simultaneously, and any of them can answer.
How shared line appearance works:
- A single phone number or extension is assigned to multiple devices
- All devices show the real-time status of the line (idle, ringing, in use, on hold)
- Any device can pick up, hold, or resume calls on the shared line
- If one person puts a call on hold, another person can pick it up from their phone
Common uses for shared line appearance:
- Reception and front desk – multiple receptionists can answer the main company number
- Executive/assistant – an assistant can answer and manage calls on behalf of an executive
- Small teams – a sales team sharing a single sales line
- Multi-device users – the same line on your desk phone and your softphone app
Related feature – Remote Call Control: This allows you to control your desk phone from your computer, including answering, hanging up, transferring, and placing calls on hold, all from your screen.
Shared line appearance and remote call control are available on most hosted VoIP systems. Get a quote from Connection Technologies.