Don't store numbers and names in tip/uucp/etc files. Obtain them from "universal" source, ultimately directory info service. Since numbers may be shared accross geographic regions, store them as an absolute address, with a simple file and address translation program used to turn a abs number into a local number. All numbers held as international numbering plan. Program is given number + local specifics To allow for invisable numbers not relavant to known numbering schemes, untagged numbers are passed thru untranslated. Also, numbers/names may have addnl digit strings appended for extension dial-thru.