The method includes assigning a direct inward dialing (DID) number to a first client.

The DID number may be selected from a list of direct inward dialing numbers.

Call colleagues directly in the office even if they do not have a DID (Direct inward dial) number

A server (172) having a plurality of connections (176) with a private branch exchange (130) (PBX) selectively assigns one or more of a plurality of direct in-dial (DID) telephone numbers to a guest.

The process also involves determining whether the caller identifier is associated with a pre-associated direct inward dialing (DID) identifier.

direct incoming selection with integrated numbering

direct incoming selection with 2-stage selection

direct incoming selection with two-stage selection

Unlike the prior systems, the present invention eliminates the use of a direct inward dialing telephone number.

For direct inward dialing service, the telephone company provides one or more trunk lines to the customer for connection to the customer's PBX, and allocates a range of telephone numbers to the customer.

Call colleagues directly in the office even if they do not have a DDI (Direct inward dial) number

(b) Direct dialling-in (or facilities offering equivalent functionality)