Worked on more than a few systems storing phone numbers.
I've encounter char, varchar(2) and even pic x(n), but
cannot recall having a phone number stored as an integer.
In fact most of the storage methods have been so freeform
(lazy coding?) as to
have caused numerous datascrubs to excise or maybe make
uniform the hodgepodge of ways people enter phone numbers. (argument for
integer?)
lzcd makes great points about non numeric characters
for area code and international numbers. I suggest that if you
avoid integer, make sure you take measures to edit/format the
numbers uniformly right up front.
and...imagine if someday we begin using HEX phones due to lack of
numbers. an int won't handle a-f . maybe tell your boss that this
could someday dwarf the Y2K problem ;-)
I wouldn't figure you'd draw any lines in the sand over this,
if the boss is clamoring for an integer...
