A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital
subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a
plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances
with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call
appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling
messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations.
The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station
status information and management information such as the number of calls
handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected
simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and
generate management information for a group of geographically separated
agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their
individual homes and connected to different central offices. Based on the
generated status and management information, the computer performs an
incoming call management function by selecting agents connected to
different switches for handling incoming calls and transmitting to the
ISDN switch appropriate messages for causing the switch to transfer
incoming calls to the selected agents. Additionally, the computer performs
an outgoing call management function by initiating outgoing calls and
causing the switch to connect an answering party to an agent, selected by
the computer on any of the switches.