Abstract: A forward and backward compatible streaming protocol requires subsequent versions of the protocol to be purely additive relative to earlier versions. When a data segment is transmitted as a data stream, a first stream of data that is in accordance with a first version of the protocol is transmitted, with additional streams of data that are in accordance with subsequent versions of the protocol appended in sequence to the first stream of data. When a read module implements an earlier version of the protocol than a write module, the data segment is truncated to include only the data supported by the version implemented by the read module. On the other hand, when the read module implements a later version of the protocol than the write module, receipt of the data segment is terminated after the data supported by the version implemented by the write module is received.

Abstract: A system of the present invention selects agent destinations and monitors calls made from a caller through an intelligent call processing network to a network customer. A plurality of home agents, such as part of a telemarketing system, are located at respective home premises and receive routed calls. A customer routing point responds to call queries transmitted from the intelligent call processing network and routes the call to the desired home agent. A management information server is connected in communication to the customer routing point for storing call routing and agent call-handling information. At least one agent manager is connected in communication to at least one of the home agents for monitoring the home agent and maintaining agent availability, routing configurations and statistical information concerning log-in and usage. Each agent manager is interconnected with the customer routing point for transmitting agent availability and routing configurations to the customer routing point.