Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for initiating a conference call having a plurality of participants. A call originator is enabled to identify one or more participant identifiers. The call originator is enabled to establish a first connection to a remote system by which the one or more participant identifiers are communicated to the remote system. Establishment of the first connection does not require administrative access to the remote system. A second connection is established from the remote system to each of one or more voice communication devices corresponding to one or more of the participants using the one or more participant identifiers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for creating, scheduling and delivering messages. A message having a first audio component is generated in response to input from a user. The input includes words entered by the user. The first audio component is operable to facilitate audible playback of the words. Delivery of the message at a future time to a communication device is scheduled in response to specification of the future time by the user. A connection to the communication device is established at the future time via a communications network. The message is transmitted over the connection such that the words associated with the first audio component of the message are audible via the communication device.