Patent ID: 7822186

Claim:
A method for making a call that invokes a call-transfer function, wherein the call-transfer function enables a user to connect at least three endpoint devices to form a call on a network, the method comprising: provisioning, via a web interface, a call request in accordance with a schedule; formulating the call request in accordance with the schedule, wherein the formulating includes identification of at least two endpoint devices for the network to establish a call using a call-transfer function; establishing a first call leg to a first endpoint device of the at least three endpoint devices; establishing a second call leg to a second endpoint device of the at least three endpoint devices; sending a call-transfer signal to a server associated with the network to use the call-transfer function to bridge the first call leg and the second call leg, to connect the first endpoint device and the second endpoint device via a direct channel in accordance with the call request and the schedule and without an intermediary that maintains multiple outbound call connections forming an indirect channel between the first endpoint device and the second endpoint device; establishing a third call leg to a third endpoint device of the at least three endpoint devices; connecting at least the first, second, and third call legs in accordance with the call request and the schedule; and rescheduling the call request based on one or more user preferences if the call request is not connected successfully, wherein the third call leg is established and connected automatically and independent of parties to the call at the first endpoint device and the second endpoint device.