Abstract: The architecture of a multimedia customer care center (100) is divided into three separate application layers: a contact layer (104), a communications layer (106) and a business layer (108). The contact layer comprises media-specific handlers (200–212) that manage their media-specific resources, connect customer contacts to resources (220) and report events, including status to the communications layer. The communication includes media-independent software (106) that manages shared resources, that tracks, accumulates, and reports events reported by the contact layer, and that directs handling of events by the contact layer according to business information. The business layer includes software (108) that provides an interface to the customer contact center for the business that is served by the center.

Abstract: Each instance of communication (a contact) between a contact center and a customer of the contact center has its own contact record. Contact records of a customer that deal with the same matter are linked to a communication record that corresponds to that customer and matter.

Abstract: Resolution of contention over resources (102-105) in an automatic call distribution (ACD) system (101) is effected as follows. Call attributes (202) are defined (140) for arriving calls (201), and resource attributes (222) are defined (130) for available resources (221). Rules (211) are defined (150) that match calls having particular call attributes with resources that have corresponding resource attributes. Priorities (212) are assigned to rules, comprising an initial value (213) and a time function (214) that defines how the value changes over time. Each rule preferably defines a coverage path (215) for calls, comprising one or more resource attributes (237) required of resources that can handle the call if the primary resources identified by the rule cannot handle the call in a timely manner (239). Each resource has an associated call queue (121-129).

Abstract: Resolution of contention over resources (102-105) in an automatic call distribution (ACD) system (101). Call (201) attributes (202) and resource (221) attributes (222) are defined (140,130). Rules (211) match calls' attributes with resources' attributes, Rules have priorities (212) comprising an initial value (213) and a function (214) that changes the value over time. Rules preferably define call coverage paths (215). Each resource has its own call queue (121-129). Rules are matched (230) to arriving call's attributes, to determine (240) resources that can handle the call. A token (250) for every matching rule is placed in the queues of all resources that can handle the call, at a position determined by the rule's priority. The priority and queue position changes over time according to the rule's time function. When a resource dequeues the call's token to process the call, tokens for the call are removed from all queues.

Abstract: Resolution of contention over resources (102-105) in an automatic call distribution (ACD) system (101) is effected as follows. Call attributes (202) are defined (140) for arriving calls (201), and resource attributes (222) are defined (130) for available resources (221). Rules (211) are defined (150) that match calls having particular call attributes with resources that have corresponding resource attributes. Priorities (212) are assigned to rules, comprising an initial value (213) and a time function (214) that defines how the value changes over time. Each rule preferably defines a coverage path (215) for calls, comprising one or more resource attributes (237) required of resources that can handle the call if the primary resources identified by the rule cannot handle the call in a timely manner (239). Each resource has an associated call queue (121-129).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and assembling standardized components for cross-point switching matrices on a printed circuit board assembly are provided by an insulated strip containing appendages for winding the coils and inserts for housing the relays. The individual components each carrying a plurality of coils and relays are connected into a matrix by means of corresponding guide studs and holes on the alternating sides of each individual component. The method of assembly further provides for winding the coils upon the appendages of each component and soldering each of the components to a continuous circuit board assembly.