A generic term used to describe any telephone system that uses centralized stored program computer technology to provide switched telephone networking features and services. CTSs are referred to commercially, by such terms, as: computerized private branch exchange (CPBX); private branch exchange (PBX); private automatic branch exchange (PABX); electronic private automatic branch exchange (EABX); computerized branch exchange (CBX); computerized key telephone systems (CKTS); hybrid key systems; business communications systems; and office communications systems. Source: CNSSI No. 5002
What does CTS mean?
The term Computerized Telephone System (CTS) refers to a computer-controlled telephone or telecommunications system used to route, manage, automate, or support calls and related communications functions. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is computerized telephone system (CTS) used in infrastructure security?
The term Computerized Telephone System (CTS) is used according to its defined context: a computer-controlled telephone or telecommunications system used to route, manage, automate, or support calls and related communications functions. The surrounding election procedure, policy, system specification, or legal source determines who applies it, when it is used, and what operational effect it has.
Why does computerized telephone system (CTS) matter for election resilience?
Understanding Computerized Telephone System (CTS) matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to a computer-controlled telephone or telecommunications system used to route, manage, automate, or support calls and related communications functions. The practical effect depends on the authority, procedure, and jurisdiction governing the specific election, system, or incident.
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A generic term used to describe any telephone system that uses centralized stored program computer technology to provide switched telephone networking features and services. CTSs are referred to commercially, by such terms, as: computerized private branch exchange (CPBX); private branch exchange (PBX); private automatic branch exchange (PABX); electronic private automatic branch exchange (EABX); computerized branch exchange (CBX); computerized key telephone systems (CKTS); hybrid key systems; business communications systems; and office communications systems. Source: CNSSI No. 5002
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Computerized Telephone System (cts). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/computerized-telephone-system-cts
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