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Abstract

The invention provides a virtual private branch exchange (VPBX) that allows a plurality of individuals to be associated with a single telephone number. In one possible embodiment, when a call is received, the VPBX retrieves the customer's profile based on the called number. The profile includes a list of individuals associated with the called number, there are extension number, and any instructions concerning their personal communication requirements. A menu is then presented to the caller based on the called number's profile. The caller is given a plurality of choices, such as to choose to contact a particular individual, device, or service, such as an individual's extension, a common voice mail system, or an administrative person, such as a receptionist. If the caller chooses to be routed to a VPBX extension, the call is routed to the called party and the VPBX monitors whether the call is answered. If the party answers, the VBPX connects the call. If the called party does not answer, the VPBX checks the called party's profile for other instructions, such as whether the called party desires that the caller be routed to voice mail, that the system activate a Find-me system, etc.

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First Claim