Abstract: The tool of the invention is a data gathering and analytical process that uses internal customer data and external CRA data to build a consumer credit market data base and data structure. The internal customer data is classified according to identified Customer Attributes, the CRA data is also classified according to identified Consumer Attributes and the combined data is further classified according to additional Value Added Attributes. The resulting data structure is organized at the individual level such that each individual has associated therewith values for each of the Customer Attributes, Consumer Attributes and Value Added Attributes. The resulting analysis can be used to set institutional strategies and/or to make predictive decisions on individual borrower credit requests.

Abstract: An interface for use in a telephone communication system provides for connection of a telephone switch to an IP network, allowing data signals between the telephone switch and a VMS to be transmitted by the IP network. In addition to transmission of the signals over an IP network, the interface can be configured to provide additional functionality including translation of the message protocol; connection of the interface to a network operations center; verification of message accuracy and completeness; acknowledgment of the receipt of a message; activation/deactivation of a message waiting indicator; connection to an SS7 network; back-up transmission between the IP network and the switch; and proxy/redirect of voice signals.