Patent ID: 8369505

Claim:
A system for managing packet-switched calls, the system comprising: at least one processor, at least one computer readable medium in communication with the processor; at least one program module, stored on the at least one medium, and operable for, upon execution by the at least one processor: receiving a request from a calling device associated with a calling party for an incoming call to a called number; obtaining presence information of a called party associated with the called number; presenting the obtained presence information to the calling party via the calling device; presenting a message associated with the called party, the message providing called party criteria for receiving incoming calls; presenting at least one first action option via the calling device, including at least an option to proceed with the incoming call; receiving an action selection corresponding to the at least one first action option to proceed with the requested incoming call; in response to receiving the action selection to proceed with the requested incoming call: presenting a request for credentials to the calling party via the calling device, the credentials comprising at least one of a pass code, a password, and voice recognition; identifying credentials of a calling party permitted to continue with the incoming call; and proceeding with the incoming call for the calling party permitted to continue.