A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile
device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an
information/call center where an operator provides personalized
information and communications services to the user in accordance with
the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing
information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To
provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone
number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may
utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone
call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention
allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only
via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also
allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such
services as a TeleConcierge.RTM. service which helps the user to plan a
future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation. An appointment
record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the
user's calendar once it is successfully planned. To personalize the
services, at least one profile associated with the user is used which
specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving
them. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled
operator, methods of delivery of information to the user, etc.