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Delivery Methods

Delivery Methods define how audio and text files generated by the phone system are delivered to users. These files include voicemails, notification messages, faxes, and call recordings.

Delivery Methods interface showing list of configured methods

Available Variables

When configuring delivery methods, you can use these variables to customize file names and messages:

  • %{src_number} - Caller's phone number
  • %{src_name} - Caller's name
  • %{dst_number} - Called phone number
  • %{service_name} - Service type (Voicemail, Fax, etc.)
  • %{call_time} - Full date and time (YYYY-MM-DD HH-MM-SS)
  • %{call_year} - Year of call
  • %{call_month} - Month of call
  • %{call_day} - Day of call
  • %{call_hour} - Hour of call
tip

Use these variables to create dynamic, informative file names and notifications. For example:

  • File name: %{service_name}-%{src_number}-%{call_time}
  • Email subject: "New %{service_name} from %{src_number}"

Supported Methods

The phone system supports several delivery methods:

MethodBest For
EmailQuick delivery of messages, multiple recipients
DropboxTeam sharing and cloud storage
FTPCustom server integration
SFTPSecure file transfers
Google DriveCloud storage and sharing
OneDriveMicrosoft ecosystem integration

Module Delivery Options

Different modules support different delivery methods:

Module/FeatureAvailable Delivery Methods
VoicemailEmail, Dropbox, FTP, SFTP, Google Drive, OneDrive
Call RecorderEmail, Dropbox, FTP, SFTP, Google Drive, OneDrive
FaxEmail, Dropbox, FTP, SFTP, Google Drive, OneDrive
NotificationEmail only
SIP Account call recordingEmail, Dropbox, FTP, SFTP, Google Drive, OneDrive

For app-based recording, you can configure delivery methods in two ways:

  1. Using Contact Methods (Primary Method)

    • Go to Contact Methods (left hand side main menu)
    • Select the App Configurations Tab
    • Configure recording settings in the Call Recording section
  2. Using Ring Group Module (Optional)

    • Add a Ring Group module to your call flow
    • Set your app user as a Queue Destination
    • Access app configuration settings through the Ring Group
    • For details, see Ring Group App Configuration Settings
note

The Notification module is limited to email delivery only, while other modules support the full range of delivery options.

Creating a Delivery Method

To create a new delivery method:

  1. Click the + button in the bottom right corner
  2. Select your delivery method type:

Creating a new delivery method

Email Configuration

  • Add one or more email addresses
  • Verify each email address
  • Perfect for team distribution lists

Cloud Storage Options

  • Dropbox
  • Google Drive
  • OneDrive
  • Requires authorization with the service
  • Automatically creates a dedicated folder

FTP/SFTP Setup

  • Server address
  • Username and password
  • Optional: Custom port and path
  • Supports secure connections
tip

You can create multiple delivery methods of the same type. For example, you might have different email groups for different departments.

Managing Delivery Methods

Your delivery methods appear in a table showing:

  • Method name
  • Type (Email, Dropbox, etc.)
  • Status (Active, Needs reauthorization)
  • Action menu for management

Re-authorizing Cloud Services

Sometimes cloud services (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) need to be re-authorized due to:

  • Expired access tokens
  • Revoked permissions
  • Service disconnections

When this happens:

Re-authorizing a delivery method

  1. The status will show "Access revoked"
  2. Edit the delivery method
  3. Click the Refresh button
  4. Follow the service's authorization process
note

Modules using a delivery method that needs re-authorization will display a warning icon until fixed.

Deleting a Delivery Method

Before deleting a delivery method:

Deleting a delivery method

  1. Check for dependencies
  2. Remove the method from any modules using it
  3. Click the Actions menu (⋮)
  4. Select Delete
  5. Confirm the deletion
warning

You cannot delete a delivery method that's in use. The system will show you which modules are using the method, and you'll need to update those modules first.

Best Practices

  1. Email Delivery

    • Use descriptive names for easy identification
    • Verify all email addresses before use
    • Set up distribution lists for team notifications
    • Use variables to provide context in messages
    • Consider email size limits for recordings
    • Set up backup delivery methods
  2. Cloud Storage

    • Regular authorization checks
    • Monitor storage space
    • Use dedicated folders
  3. FTP/SFTP

    • Secure credential management
    • Regular connection testing
    • Backup storage planning
  4. General Tips

    • Document delivery paths
    • Test new methods before use
    • Regular status monitoring
    • Keep authorizations current
tip

For important messages, consider setting up multiple delivery methods as a backup. For example, use both email and cloud storage for critical recordings.

Email 📬

Email delivery method configuration

The Email delivery method supports sending notifications and recordings to multiple recipients. Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: A friendly identifier for this delivery method (e.g., "Support Team Notifications")

  2. Email Destinations:

    • Add one or more email addresses
    • Each email requires verification before use
    • Click "Add email destination" for multiple recipients
    • Remove addresses using the X icon
  3. Subject Line: Customize email subjects using variables

    • Support for dynamic content
    • Include relevant call details
  4. Message Text: Create custom message content with:

    • Personalized greetings
    • Call details using variables
    • Custom formatting and instructions

Google Drive ☁️

Google Drive delivery method configuration

Google Drive is a cloud storage service that helps you store, share, and collaborate on files and folders from any mobile device, tablet, or computer. The Google Drive delivery method automatically saves your recordings and messages to your Drive account.

Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: A friendly identifier for this delivery method (e.g., "Call Recordings Storage")

  2. Directory: Specify where files will be stored:

    • Enter a folder name
    • The folder will be created if it doesn't exist
    • Use forward slashes for nested folders (e.g., "Recordings/2024")
  3. File Name Format: Customize how files are named using variables

note

You must have a Google Drive account and authorize the phone system to access it. Click the "Connect" button to link your account when setting up the delivery method.

tip

Create a clear file naming structure using variables to make it easy to find specific recordings later. For example: %{service_name}-%{src_number}-%{call_time} will create files like "Voicemail-14155551234-2024-01-20-15-30-45"

Dropbox ☁️

Dropbox delivery method configuration

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that helps you store and share files across devices and teams. The Dropbox delivery method automatically saves your recordings and messages to your Dropbox account, making them accessible from any device.

Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: Give your delivery method a descriptive name (e.g., "Team Recordings" or "Support Voicemails")

  2. File Name Format: Customize how files are named using variables:

    • Create consistent naming patterns
    • Make files easily searchable
note

You'll need to connect your Dropbox account by clicking the "Connect" button during setup. The phone system will create a dedicated app folder to store your files.

tip

Consider creating a naming convention that includes the date and type of recording for easy organization. For example: %{call_year}/%{call_month}/%{service_name}-%{src_number} This will create a folder structure like "2024/01/Voicemail-14155551234"

OneDrive ☁️

OneDrive delivery method configuration

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage platform that integrates with Microsoft 365 services. The OneDrive delivery method automatically stores your recordings and messages in your OneDrive account, ideal for businesses using the Microsoft ecosystem.

Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: Choose a descriptive name for your delivery method (e.g., "Business Recordings" or "Team Messages")

  2. Directory: Specify the folder path for your files:

    • Enter the desired folder name
    • Use forward slashes for nested folders
    • Folders are created automatically if they don't exist
  3. File Name Format: Customize file names using variables:

    • Structure names for easy organization
    • Include relevant call details
note

You must have a Microsoft account and authorize the phone system to access your OneDrive. Click the "Connect" button during setup to link your account.

tip

For business environments, consider organizing files by department and date: Department/%{call_year}-%{call_month}/%{service_name} This creates an organized structure like "Sales/2024-01/Voicemail"

FTP 📂

FTP delivery method configuration

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol for transferring files between computers. Think of it as a dedicated system for moving files across the internet - like having a special folder that automatically sends files to your server. It's commonly used by businesses that want to store files on their own servers rather than cloud services.

Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: Give your delivery method a descriptive name (e.g., "Company FTP Server")

  2. Host: Enter your FTP server address

  3. Port: Specify the port number (default is 21)

  4. Directory: Set the folder path for storing files:

    • Use forward slashes for paths
    • The folder must exist on the server
    • Example: /voicemails/incoming
  5. Mode Settings:

    • Passive Mode: Enable for better compatibility with firewalls
    • Anonymous: Enable to connect without credentials (not recommended)
  6. Authentication:

    • Username: Your FTP account username
    • Password: Your FTP account password
  7. File Name Format: Customize how files are named using variables

warning

FTP transfers data in plain text, which means it's not encrypted. For sensitive information, consider using SFTP instead.

tip

Test your FTP connection with a small file first to ensure all settings are correct. Common issues include:

  • Incorrect port numbers
  • Firewall blocking connections
  • Wrong directory permissions

SFTP 🔒

SFTP delivery method configuration

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure version of FTP that encrypts all data during transfer. It provides the same file transfer capabilities as FTP but with added security - like having a locked, private tunnel for your files to travel through. This makes it ideal for businesses handling sensitive information.

Configure the following settings:

  1. Name: Choose a descriptive name (e.g., "Secure Company Server")

  2. Host: Enter your SFTP server address

  3. Port: Specify the port number (default is 22)

  4. Directory: Set the folder path for storing files:

    • Use forward slashes for paths
    • The folder must exist on the server
    • Example: /recordings/2024
  5. Authentication:

    • Username: Your SFTP account username
    • Password: Your SFTP account password
  6. File Name Format: Customize how files are named using variables

note

SFTP requires valid credentials - anonymous access is not supported. Make sure you have the correct username and password from your server administrator.

tip

For better organization, consider using date-based directories in your path: /recordings/%{call_year}/%{call_month} This automatically sorts files by year and month.