Abstract: A method for upgrading redundant network components is disclosed. An application is installed on a network component. The network component is related as a redundant peer with a mate network component operating in an active mode and processing a stable call. The network component is placed in a standby mode. Data of a first version is transferred from the mate network component to the network component. The transferred data is converted from the first version to a second version. The mate network component is switched from the active mode to a standby mode. The network component is switched from the standby mode to an active mode to process the stable call.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating intelligent network call processing using a centralized call context database. The system and method include and involve a call context database and an intelligent telecommunications network that is coupled to the call context database. The network includes and involves an access network element capable of receiving a call, generating first call context data and a network call identifier related to the call, storing the call context data and the network call identifier in the call context database, transmitting the network call identifier, and processing the call. The network further includes and involves a plurality of network elements that are coupled to the call context database and to the access network element. Each network element is capable of receiving the call and/or data related to the call (e.g.

Abstract: A conference billing system with ID tagging allocates charges for a conference based on a prior reservation. The billing system also supports different tariffs and pricing structures for individual call legs in the conference, such as audio, video, digital data, or mixed. In addition, the billing system prepares a consolidated bill for dial-in and dial-out calls based on a unique ID assigned to each conference. The bill contains the description of the conference with its individual call legs grouped together for easy identification and verification by the customer, even though the individual call legs of the conference may be serviced by different long distance switching offices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus allow a caller to contact a called party with a collect call whether or not the called station is answered or is busy. When the caller dials a collect call access code, the call is routed to a messaging platform which collects the call information and attempts to complete the call. If there is no answer or if the called station is busy, the messaging platform retains control of the call and automatically prompts the caller to enter a name and a message to be delivered to the called party. After the name and message have been entered, the caller is given a confirmation number, if desired, which allows the caller to determine whether the called party has received the message. The messaging platform repeatedly attempts to deliver the message by calling the called party. Upon the call being answered, the messaging platform identifies the caller and prompts the called party to accept or refuse the collect message.

Abstract: A conference system provides dial-out conference calls to participants who use various virtual private network dialing plans as well as place non-plan calls, such as Direct Distance Dialing and International Direct Distance Dialing. The conference system recognizes non-identical VPN dialing plans, as well as PSTN numbers, which all originate on a single Dedicated Access Line (DAL). When a dial-out conference call is originated on a DAL, a switch performs a database query to determine a VPN dialing plan. Based on a code provided along with the dialed telephone number, the database identifies the number as belonging to a particular VPN dialing plan and translates it into a physical termination. Alternatively, if the code indicates that the number does not belong to a VPN dialing plan, i.e, a DDD or IDDD number, it is unmodified by the database. Either translated or untranslated number is then returned to the switch for subsequent network routing to a physical termination.