Abstract: A programmable workstation system and method for network based call center with telephony functions provided over the IP network and using a personal computer is disclosed. For such automated call centers there exists a need to coordinate the telephony functions with agent availability functions. Existing solutions use a switch and PSTN phone to communicate information to an automated call director (ACD). The present invention solves the problem of doing similar reporting and with coexistence of telephony functions along with agent data functions. Features of invention include (a) special protocols to relay agent information to Virtual ACD and coexist with H.323 signaling and (b) the ability to relay agent status and provide screen based interface to agent also for such information for agent availability and alerting. The system disclosed generally incorporates JavaPhone (105, 4400), PlusTcp (109, 5500), and PlusTapi (110, 6600) APIs with associated method functions to implement the major functions.

Abstract: An adapter device includes a telephone port, for coupling to a line connector of a telephone, a computer port, for coupling to a communication port of a computer terminal, and a line port, for coupling to a telephone line, which is linked to a telephone network. The device operates in a plurality of operational modes, including at least a first operational mode, in which the circuitry couples the telephone via the line port to the telephone line so as to enable a telephone call to be conducted over the telephone network using the telephone, while the circuitry conveys data regarding the call to the terminal via the computer port, and a second operational mode, in which the circuitry couples the telephone via the computer port to the computer terminal, so that the telephone operates as an audio input/output device of the terminal.