Patent ID: 7006614
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for operating an integrated communications system providing voice and data communications to a plurality of users, the integrated communications system simulating a key system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an outside line appearance on a telephone coupled to the integrated communications system, wherein the outside line appearance is associated with a predetermined outside telecommunications trunk and has associated therewith a button and a lighting implement; in response to activation of the button, changing a lighting condition of the lighting implement and providing a dial tone to the telephone, wherein the dial tone is generated by the integrated communications system; collecting digits entered by a user depressing keys on the telephone; applying a restriction rule to determine if a telephone number dialed by the user is restricted, and if restricted providing an error tone and terminating the method; determining caller ID information for the user; determining whether the outside telecommunications trunk is available, and if not available providing an error indication and terminating the method, and if available applying the caller ID information and initiating a call via the predetermined outside telecommunications trunk; and upon completion of the call, recording call statistics for the call in the integrated communications system; wherein the integrated communications system simulates a key system for the user and the particular telecommunications trunk, wherein for other users the integrated communications system provides PBX telephone services.