Importance

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Abstract

An on-line directory service includes a server associated with a database containing a plurality of directory listings including advertising information. A customer subscribing to the on-line directory service may selectively view directory listings from the database by initiating a search research at a personal computer linked with the server. The search request may specify a particular service or product, a particular geographical preference or other search parameters. The search request is then forwarded to the server which accesses the database and retrieves the responsive information for the customer. To place a telephone call to a service provider listed in response to the customer search request, the customer merely activates a telephone icon associated with the selected service or product provider. The server then obtains a telephone number associated with the selected provider from the database and automatically dials the telephone number. Once the telephone call is connected, the directory service establishes a voice connection extending from the customer's computer to a remote telephone device associated with the selected provider. The directory service also develops individual customer profiles for individual customers and stores these profiles in the database. The profiles, which include historical directory usage information, may be used to customize the menu screens and search results provided to the customer.

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First Claim