Abstract: An answering machine is coupled to a multi-line switching system which in turn is coupled to a plurality of incoming telephone lines in parallel with the telephone equipment or the like which is also connected to the incoming telephone lines. The switching system includes a controller for switching an incoming call on any of the incoming lines to the answering machine after a preselected number of rings including zero rings. The controller picks-up and holds an incoming call on any of the lines whenever the answering machine is busy processing a previously received call, and connects the thus held call to the answering maching upon completion of the processing of the previously received call by the answering machine. The controller scans the incoming lines and senses when incoming calls are received.