Patent ID: 7724881

Claim:
A communication device for receiving a telephone call including caller identification information, comprising: a programmable module configured for storing a first registry of caller identification information, the programmable module specifying behavior for selectively handling the telephone call, the specified behavior being associated with an entry in the first registry and including at least one of: forwarding the telephone call; blocking the telephone call; directing the telephone call to a message box; placing a second telephone call on hold and connecting the telephone call; and disconnecting the second telephone call and connecting the telephone call; a port for receiving the programmable module; a second programmable module configured for storing a second registry of caller identification information; a second port for receiving the second programmable module; and a main registry of caller identification information, wherein the main registry includes caller identification information and wildcard identification information included in each of the first and second registries, and the main registry is for selectively comparing a received caller identification information with the first and second registries of the caller identification information and wildcard identification information, wherein the communication device is configured to compare the received caller identification information with the first registry of caller identification information and wildcard identification information for selectively handling the telephone call, compare the received caller identification information with the second registry of the caller identification information and wildcard identification information for selectively handling the telephone call, and includes a web engine for serving up a web page providing an interface for configuring the programmable module and a telephone, the registry entry comprises a telephone number, and the received caller identification information is utilized for making an audible announcement describing the telephone call.