A natural extension of any call center answering service is what is referred to in the telephony industry as virtual office telephone answering. This service is, for all intents and purposes, a system that allows business owners to conduct office functions - either basic, day-to-day duties or overflow - solely or in part through the use of phone technology. The virtual environment is ideal for employers or home-based businesses that require additional business support or for which renting space is not feasible.

Pricing for virtual secretaries and other similar services is generally higher than basic call center services; however, this type of technology offers distinct advantages to clients in the form of more responsive call handling and a greater variety of personalized customer care services.

The beauty of the virtual receptionist is how seamlessly it integrates with an existing storefront or online business. The virtual office telephone answering approach creates a reception desk where there previously was none and adds another secretary to a business with too few. Calls, letters, e-mails and faxes can all be routed to and handled through this service according to the company's individual business plan. In fact, the level and quality of service is so seamless, most customers never know the receptionist assisting with their order or inquiry works outside of the company's actual physical plant.

When a regular, full-time receptionist misses a day of work, the loss of manpower can bring a small business' operations to a screeching halt. This problem never arises with virtual secretaries. These "shared" business professionals perform the same valuable duties that a direct employee does, and there's always a backup to take her place. So, you never pay sick days for a no-show and never lose business because you're phones aren't covered. Even in a busy company with a full-time secretary can back her up with a remote receptionist to answer overflow calls. It's the best of both worlds.