This software feature automatically returns a pre-written text block to anyone attempting to contact an absent user. It relies on presence protocols to detect when an endpoint is idle, disconnected, or manually set to unavailable. System administrators configure these replies at the server level for email routing, while instant messaging clients handle them locally or via cloud synchronization.
I sent the outage alert to the whole team but got three away messages from guys on vacation.
In enterprise environments, auto-replies often create mail loops if two misconfigured servers send away messages to each other indefinitely.
Also heard as
- auto-reply
- out of office
- OOO
Related terms
Presentity
A network entity that provides its current availability and willingness to communicate.
Answering machine
A customer-premises device that automatically answers calls and records audio messages.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol is the standard technology for transmitting telephone calls over data networks.