| abstract |
A call management system is disclosed for choosing the optimum carrier for calls made by a user. The system can interface with an existing PBX or can be used with ordinary analog or ISDN telephone lines. In a preferred embodiment, the call management system includes a data server, a local computer and one or more line units. The data server holds geographically based tariff data of service providers and transmits the tariff data to the local computer via a communications link. The local computer maintains a communications link with each line unit. In one embodiment, the line unit intercepts the dialed digits and transmits them to the local client computer. The local client computer determines an optimum route for the call based on various parameters and transmits the complete dialing string back to the line unit which does the actual dialing of the digits. The local computer also includes a carrier performance monitoring unit and call accounting unit. The client database is updated on a periodic basis via, for example, electronic mail or FTP over the Internet. The tariff database in the local computer is updated on a periodic basis via, for example, electronic mail or FTP over the Internet. |