A method of tracking calls received within a call center is disclosed. A
call is received within a call center switch that is connected to a call
center via a host interface link (HIL). The call center has an automatic
call distributor (ACD) server and interactive voice response (IVR)
server, which is functionally integrated with the ACD server. The call is
routed to the IVR server of the call center and responses are solicited
from the caller to determine a requested type of service and what skills
are required for answering a call. A route request based on an HIL
protocol is determined within the call center and includes a new
extension number and HIL messages. The call is routed based on the route
request back to the call center and to an agent via the ACD server and
HIL link such that the call can be tracked while in the call center and
in queue.