Abstract: Calls may be distributed and load balancing maintained for a distributed automatic call distributor (ACD) system by simulating a central FIFO queue at the central routing point of the system. The simulated FIFO queue either requires that the number of calls in queue and the oldest call waiting time of calls at each automatic call distributor be periodically provided to the central routing point or event-based data be provided on each call answered in the system or not routed by the central routing point. Deviations from FIFO order of service recorded at the simulated FIFO queue may signal the need for requiring a call at another automatic call distributor. With additional information on agents available, the call removal rate may be estimated. Also, delay estimates may be updated based on comparing actual and estimated delays over time.

Abstract: A cooperative network/premises-based automatic call distributor system and method predicts changes in automatic call distributor status between periodic updates of the measured status obtained by a Telemarketing Operations Performance Management System (TOPMS). A call directed to a telemarketing complex arrives at the network. The caller automatic number identification (ANI) and an identifying tag are forwarded via a data connection to a customer routing point. The Next Available Agent (NAA) application enables 800-service customers to control the routing of calls to multiple customer sites (ACDs) via a Customer Routing Point (CRP). This control is based on periodic updates of the status of each site provided by a Telemarketing Operations Performance Management System (TOPMS) in an Intelligent Call Processing (ICP) environment. A customized routing method is incorporated into a new CRP-based load balancing method for the NAA.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of distributing calls among a plurality of destinations of a customer. The calls are distributed according to a customer specified policy to maximize revenue or profit, to minimize waiting time or to minimize probability of abandonment. Different types of calls, such as orders, repair requests, and general information requests can be distributed differently. For example, if the criterion is maximizing profit, then calls of the most profitable type may be given preference for completion, while, during a busy period, some of the less profitable calls are rejected.