Abstract: A method for providing data collection from a client at a data collection mechanism, the method includes collecting from a first client a first portion of data using a first data collection mechanism using at least a portion of a first script comprising one or more queries for information to the first client. The method also includes associating with a second client the first portion of data that was collected from the first client. The method further includes collecting from the second client a second portion of data using at least some of the first portion of data and a second script comprising one or more queries for information to the second client.

Abstract: A method for providing data collection from a client at a data collection mechanism, the method includes collecting from a client a first portion of data at a first data collection mechanism using at least a portion of a first script comprising one or more queries for information to the client. The method also includes associating the client with a second data collection mechanism based at least in part on an event associated with the client's interaction with the first data collection mechanism. After associating the client with the second data collection mechanism, collecting from the client a second portion of data using a second script, wherein the second script comprises at least one query for information not yet presented to the client by the first script.

Abstract: A digital switching system connecting buses with incompatible protocols and a telephone answering system and private automatic branch exchange with integrated voice and textual message recording is disclosed. The digital switching system (10) in accordance with the invention permits a digital switching matrix (12) having an input bus and an output bus to connect information on the input bus selectively to information on the output bus in response to control signals applied to switches of the switching matrix. A plurality of information systems (18, 20 and 22) each having a different bus protocol are electrically connected to the input and output buses of the switching matrix to permit information transmitted on a conductor of any of the information buses to be received by another conductor of any of the information buses through the input bus, the switching matrix and the output bus. A host processor controls the plurality of information systems.