g, cable/wire management, reservations, typically a common set of information elements with additional message centres, hotel/motel features such as front-desk manage- elements provided depending on the switch. The common set in- ment, plus data network interfaces and reports. cludes: the date and time the call was placed, the call duration, the Multi-site interface capabilities are becoming more commonplace called number, the extension placing the call, and the outbound as vendors attempt to provide more cost effective systems with new circuit used. Additional elements include: an accounting or billing features. The call accounting systems will be able to join call detail code, attendant or directly dialled indicator, identification of any records of calls passing through multiple switches for complete shared switch hardware that was used, a reason why the call was network path analysis and maintenance call tracing. With the evol- attempted but not completed, and indicators that transmission of ution of more powerful processors, these capabilities will be ex- data occurred. If inbound calls are also recorded, then additional tended to the PC-based systems. elements include: inbound circuit, caller identification by ANI and On-line report modification and creation capabilities are being ISDN information. extended. Relational databases are being used with direct SOL The call detail interface described SO far is a one-way flow from query allowed. The user will be able to create special reports easily the switch to the call management system. The newer call manage- without returning to the vendor. User screens will be friendly and ment systems, which offer integrated switch management service, database information will be easy to load. Direct interfaces to require a two-way interface to get information back into the switch. spreadsheet programmes will be provided SO special analysis can be The information moves and changes the switch configuration data- performed and graphic display forms with colour selections can 