When it comes to communications firms, one of the top priorities possible is to become what's known as a RespOrg, or a Responsible Organization, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert)). There are slew of important benefits involved in becoming a RespOrg, and a lot of potential to do damage as one, so it's worth looking at further to see what these organizations are as well as what they can do. Having recently gained status as a RespOrg, IVR expert Plum Voice offered a bit of commentary on the RespOrg concept in a blog.

RespOrgs are essentially responsible for the distribution of toll-free numbers. Simply put, anyone who wants access to a toll-free number for their business or for personal use through a RespOrg, which allocates the available numbers and manages their porting from one RespOrg to another. Several different types of businesses from landline carriers to call center vendors can become RespOrgs, and with that certification, get access to the Service Management System (SMS800) database where the numbers are found. RespOrgs don't actually own the 800 numbers, but rather simply move them from one RespOrg to another, making it easier for consumers to get them.

Still, the management of any resource comes with no small amount of power, and that's a power that some users have used for nefarious ends. For instance, smaller companies will attempt to get their customers to "RespOrg" their own toll-free numbers with the company, which in turn will allow that company to essentially hold that number hostage by refusing to transfer it to another RespOrg.

Sometimes, these companies will reportedly go so far as to transfer ownership of an 800 number to one of their own employees, rendering it inaccessible to other businesses – even the business that thought it owned the number in the first place.

Protecting a business from these particular threats isn't terribly difficult. First, ensure that the business' RespOrg of choice is indeed responsible as well as reputable to minimize the chances of being the victim of a scam. Additionally, watch the amount of fine print in an 800 number purchase agreement (a lot of fine print is a risky thing) and consider having a lawyer analyze the purchase agreement first. Lastly, never be afraid to ask the RespOrg in question to verify just who owns the 800 number in question.

800 numbers are a valuable part of any business' operation. They make it a lot easier for users to call a business, and from there, often make it easier to make purchases from that business. Making sure that the right 800 number for the job is on hand, though, is all part of the RespOrg process – one those like Plum Voice take very seriously.

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