I have a distinctive ring service (1 line, two numbers)from the phone company. One line for business and one for personal use. I need an answering machine that will have 2 outgoing messages and route each of the numbers to different mailboxes. Is a 2-line answering machine be able to do that? If so how do I set it up? Is there an answering machine out there that will do that? Or do I need to get a special device to accomplish that task. I am happy to buy a new cordless phone system with an answering machine that will do this if necessary. Please advise!Thank you

I don't know, however you can program some devices, particualarly faxes to respond to a distinctive ring call. See What is Distinctive Ring and how do I program it? : Brother (http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/us/us/en/faq/faq/000000/000300/000005/faq000305_009.html?reg=us&c=us&lang=en&prod=mfc5890cn_all)

This does say that the technology exists, but you have to look ans see if there are products that meet your need.

This search showed some promising results: distinctive ring answering machine - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=distinctive+ring+answering+machine&btnG=Google+Search)

e.g. Command Communications 3 Port Distinctive Ring Switch, Model Comswitch CS5500 (http://www.powersystemsdirect.com/Command_Communications/Distinctive_Ring_Switch_3_Port_Voice_Fax_CS5500_12 77.php)

It would probably be easiest to use the phone company's message service, rather than your own answering machine.