Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for dedicating one or more second lines interconnecting a public/private communication system (PCS), such as a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), and a Voice Mail System (VMS) for only providing message notification to communication devices of recipients of voicemail messages via the PCS. A plurality of analog first lines in a hunt group between the PCS and the VMS permit voice communications between callers and the VMS via the PCS. The VMS includes an applications processor which is integrated (coupled) to the PCS. The applications processor determines if a second line to be used only for message notification is part of the plurality of analog first lines in the hunt group. If the second line is part of the plurality of analog first lines, the applications processor accesses the PCS over the second line, and causes the second line to be made inaccessible to the public/private communication system for transmitting incoming calls to the Voice Mail System.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for initiating multiple call transfers from a Voice Mail System ("VMS") to telephone extensions on a Private Branch Exchange ("PBX") integrated with the VMS. A plurality of first lines between the PBX and the VMS provide voice communication between callers and the VMS via the PBX. The VMS includes an applications processor which is integrated (coupled) to the PBX via an integration link. The applications processor determines if at least one of a plurality of second lines in a hunt group are free, and transmits a command to the PBX to effect a call transfer to an extension on the PBX if at least one second line is found free. If no second line is found free, the applications processor places the transfer request in a queue. The plurality of second lines in the hunt group are searched in response to the PBX receiving the special command over the integration link to find a free second line.