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 communication system that is capable of collecting information from one or more users of the communication system includes one or more memory modules. The memory modules are operable to store one or more scripts that each comprises one or more queries for information to a user. The system also includes one or more data collection mechanisms that are coupled to the one or more memory modules and are operable to collect at least a portion of information from the user of the communication system using at least one of the one or more scripts. In one particular embodiment, the at least one script used to collect information from the user comprises one or more dynamic links that automatically initiate one or more functions based at least in part on the portion of information collected from the user.

Abstract: A communication system that is capable of collecting information from one or more users of the communication system includes one or more data collection mechanisms that are operated by a first entity. The mechanisms operate to collect at least a portion of information from a user of a communication system on behalf of a second entity that is different than the first entity. The system also includes one or more memory modules that are coupled to the one or more data collection mechanisms and that are operable to store one or more records on behalf of the second entity. Each of the one or more records comprises information that is associated with a client of the second entity. At least one of the one or more records comprises at least a portion of the information collected from the user of the communication system. In one particular embodiment, the one or more records are controlled by the first entity.

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 telephone number/Web page look-up apparatus may be implemented in a telephone answering apparatus (15) for answering telephone calls to telephone numbers for which telephone calls are being answered by the telephone answering apparatus.