Abstract: A translation database (23) is used to allow an administrator to use a foreign language to administer, in real time, a switching system (10) whose administration database (11) is constructed from forms, files, and other administration patterns expressed in a native language and that stores administration data also expressed in the native language. The translation database is constructed from equivalents of the administration patterns that are expressed in the foreign language. The translation database is devoid of the administration data, but includes information that is enterable by the administrator as administration data, expressed in both the native language and the foreign language.

Abstract: A second-incoming call appears at an attendant facility (34) within a PBX system (20) while the attendant is awaiting a response on a first-incoming call. The attendant activates an overlap button (35) to facilitate the conversion of the first-incoming call into a listen-only connection. The attendant then establishes a two-way connection between the attendant and the second-incoming call to be served by the PBX system (20). Thereafter, the attendant monitors the first-incoming call on a listen-only basis while simultaneously serving the second-incoming call associated with the two-way connection.