An answering machine, also known as an answerphone, ansaphone or ansafone (especially in UK an British commonwealth countries) or telephone answering device (TAD), is a device invented in 1935, by Benjamin Thornton. This device would be attached to a telephone and could be set to record a voice message from a caller. By utilizing a clock attachment, the machine could also forward the messages as well as keep track of the time they were made. Unlike voicemail, which is a centralized or networked system that performs a similar function, an answering machine is installed in the customer's premises alongside — or incorporated within — the customer's telephone.