System and method for processing product orders placed through a network

A method of receiving an order in a text format from a network computer system over a telephone line, comprising:

• detecting an incoming call;
• receiving caller identification information for the incoming call;
• comparing the caller identification information with stored caller identification information corresponding to the network computer system to identify a match;
• receiving and printing the text message when a match is identified;
• and
• coupling the telephone line to a telephone to route the incoming call to the telephone when a match is not identified.

A system for processing a restaurant takeout order, comprising:

• an input to receive an electronic order by a consumer over a first communications network;
• a first output to provide restaurant information to the consumer over the first communications network;
• a processor configured to format the electronic order into a text message in a form suitable for transmission over a second communications network;
• and
• a second output to provide the text message to a selected restaurant over the second communications network to place the takeout order with the selected restaurant.

A receiver for receiving an order in a text format from a network computer system over a telephone line, comprising:

• an input to couple to a telephone line to receive an incoming call;
• an output for connection to a telephone;
• a telephone line interface unit;
• a processor coupled to the telephone line interface unit;
• and
• a switch having an input coupled to the input of the receiver, a first output coupled to the telephone line interface unit, and a second output coupled to the output of the receiver, the switch being coupled to the processor to receive control signals to couple the input of the switch to one of the first output and the second output;
• wherein the processor is configured to receive caller identification information from the telephone line interface unit and to control the switch based on the information received to route text messages received by the receiver to the processor.