Patent ID: 7602895
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for responding to a telephone call made by a calling party, the method comprising: receiving a first telephone call; electronically identifying an account associated with a telephone number to which the first calling party directed the first telephone call; electronically accessing configuration data related to the account; electronically identifying a group of identities associated with the account based on the configuration data accessed, the group of identities including a first identity identifying a first user and a second identity identifying a second and different user; electronically determining that the first identity is available to receive electronic communications; in response to determining that the first identity is available, electronically sending a first electronic communication to a computer of the first identity, the first electronic communication causing the computer of the first identity to present to the first user a first set of options selectable by the first user to respond to the first telephone call, the first set of options including an option selectable to respond to the first telephone call by redirecting the first telephone call to a call redirection telephone number that is dynamically and manually inputted by the first user subsequent to receipt of the first telephone call; electronically receiving a selection of an option from the first user to respond to the first telephone call, the option selection received from the first user being a selection by the first user of an option from among the first set of options; electronically determining that the second identity is available to receive electronic communications; in response to determining that the second identity is available, electronically sending a second electronic communication to a computer of the second identity, the second electronic communication causing the computer of the second identity to present to the second user a second set of options selectable by the second user to respond to the first telephone call; electronically receiving a selection of an option from the second user to respond to the first telephone call, the option selection received from the second user being a selection of an option by the second user from among the second set of options and being a selection of an option that is a different option than the option selected by the first user; electronically determining to respond to the first telephone call in accordance with the option selection received from the first user and not in accordance with the option selection received from the second user; and electronically responding to the first telephone call in accordance with the option selection received from the first user and not in accordance with the option selection received from the second user.