At&t Bell Laboratories

J David Hays

G Douglas Morlok

An integrated console for a human operator who provides listing and directory services, particularly for the 800 telephone number system, to callers via a stored program switching device employs simultaneous MS-DOS and a memory management utility, such as MicroSoft Windows.TM.. Data is exchanged between applications for MS-DOS and applications for Windows.TM. via a shared memory. Data pertaining to the directory and listing services is stored in a database which is accessed via a data network which may be a LAN or a WAN. Thus, the information in the database can be accessed by a plurality of operators on consoles in the network. Communication between the operator console and the stored program switching device is achieved via a digital subscriber line which is coupled to the console via an interface board compatible with the integrated services data network (ISDN). The operator is provided the facility of delivering prerecorded audio messages to the caller via an audio system which may include provision for storage and delivery of messages in the operator's actual voice. Log-on and log-off procedures may be initiated simply by coupling or decoupling the operator's headset.

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Lexena, KS, United States of America

J David Hays