Patent ID: 7742590

Claim:
A method for selectively managing a call connection between a caller and each of a first directory number associated with a subscriber and a second directory number associated with the subscriber, the method comprising, using a call manager: in response to a call request from the caller, causing the first directory number and the second directory number to be rung simultaneously; thereafter determining that the rung first directory number has answered the call request; and thereafter in response to a determination that the rung first directory number has answered the call request: if the first directory number is of a first type, automatically allowing a call to be completed between the caller and the first directory number; and if the first directory number is of a second type: requiring a prescribed additional response from the first directory number prior to allowing the call to be completed between the caller and the first directory number; and allowing the second directory number to be rung in response to the call request until the prescribed additional response is provided; and in response to receiving the prescribed additional response from the first directory number, automatically ceasing ringing the second directory number.