Conference calls via an intelligent call waiting interface

A computer system for initiating a conference call using a call waiting graphical user interface, the computer system comprising:

• a data store for storing configuration data;
• a telephony interface element configured to receive an indication that an incoming telephone call is directed to a telephone number;
• a call processing element configured to:
• identify an account associated with the telephone number to which the incoming telephone call is directed;
• access configuration data related to the account from the data store;
• identify a first online identity and a second online identity associated with the account based on the configuration data accessed;
• send a first electronic communication to the first online identity;
• send a second electronic communication to the second online identity;
• enable the first online identity to respond to the first electronic communication;
• enable the second online identity to respond to the second electronic communication;
• and
• initiate a conference call between the caller and the first and second online identities conditioned on whether the responses by the first and second online identities indicate that both the first and second online identities wish to take the call.

An apparatus for initiating a conference call using a call waiting graphical user interface, the apparatus comprising:

• means for receiving an indication that an incoming telephone call is directed to a telephone number;
• means for identifying an account associated with the telephone number to which the incoming telephone call is directed;
• means for accessing configuration data related to the account;
• means for identifying a first online identity and a second online identity associated with the account based on the configuration data accessed;
• means for sending a first electronic communication to the first online identity;
• means for sending a second electronic communication to the second online identity;
• means for enabling the first online identity to respond to the first electronic communication;
• means for enabling the second online identity to respond to the second electronic communication;
• and
• means for initiating a conference call between the caller and the first and second online identities conditioned on whether the responses by the first and second online identities indicate that both the first and second online identities wish to take the call.