Learn the Ways to Use Online Phonebooks

A phonebook or a telephone directory forms an important source that is widely used for the purpose of finding out the telephone number of a person or for the purpose of locating the telephone number as well as the address and location of a professional organization.  When you look for online phonebooks or online telephone directories you will come across several options such as the White Pages, the Yellow Pages, the Directory Assistance and such. For instance www.yellowpages.com offers a good source to individuals who need to quickly and easily find the address of a local business or any other number that meets their specific requirements. The contact details of the various business organizations are arranged under several specific categories to expedite the search process.

Information Collected by the Online Phonebooks

The online phonebooks or telephone directories collect various types of personal as well as other information that is based on the customer’s needs and the way in which they use these products and services. The details include:
• The equipments used and the website usage as well as the details of the viewing pattern and some technical information regarding the use of a particular network or the products and services.
• The information collected by the online phonebooks makes use of the individual contact information that enables them to communicate with its customers. This information includes e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, address and names.
•  The information collected also pertains to the billing information that is related to the customer’s financial relationship with the particular company that offers the online phonebook facility. These contain details such as the customer’s credit history, credit card number, information about payments, social security numbers, and service history of individual customers as well as the security codes. These details are kept confidential and not disclosed to a third party unless they submit to the privacy policies followed by the company that offers the online phonebook service.

The information is generally collected in three ways:

• Companies offering online phonebook or telephone directory services gather information when an individual or a professional organization interact with them regarding a service or product provided by them or, make a purchase through them.
• These companies acquire information automatically when individuals or business organizations use their products and services or simply visit their websites.
• Information is also collected from other sources such as credit reporting agencies.

The information collected by these companies is used in various ways:

• The information collected helps the companies to provide the best experience for its customers
• Enables them to respond to the queries posed by their customers and provide services and products that is useful for them
• For directory assistance services
• Keeping their customers informed about offers, service updates and other promotional offers.
• Provide customized content that may be of interest to  their customers
• Taking legal actions in case of illegal activities that violate their terms of use.

Conducting a Search

When you conduct a search through an online phonebook service you will discover that it is quite easy to locate an individual or a business phone number, address or other contact details by punching in the name of the individual or by keying in the name of the business organization. You can also select from among the categories available. When you conduct a search you need to also mention the location of interest such as the zip code, state, city or the neighborhood.