Abstract: To enable low cost distribution of pictures from a mobile entity that incorporates digital camera functionality, the mobile entity (20) generates both a high resolution picture image (81) and a low resolution thumbnail (80). This thumbnail (80) is distributed via a mobile radio infrastructure to a service system (40) that then transfers the thumbnail to specified recipients (60). After viewing the thumbnail (80), each recipient (60) indicates to the service system (40) whether they wish to receive the high resolution image (81) and, if so, whether it is to be transferred immediately or at the next. The service system (40) effects transfer of the high resolution image (81) accordingly. In other embodiments, distribution of the high resolution image is effected independently of the service system.

Abstract: Uncompleted voice calls towards a mobile entity (20) are transferred to a service system (40) where they are recorded and inserted in corresponding data messages (55). These messages are temporarily held in the service system and later transferred to the mobile entity (20) using a data-capable bearer service (17) of a mobile radio infrastructure (10). This transfer is effected at a time determined with a view to reducing the peak traffic loading of the mobile radio infrastructure (10). At the mobile entity (20) the data messages are stored for subsequent access by a user.

Abstract: A service system (40) receives transfer descriptors each specifying parameters of a desired data transfer to/from a mobile entity (20) over a cellular radio infrastructure (10). These parameters include a cost criterion. The service system (20) is responsible for determining the lowest cost way of effecting each required data transfer within the limits set by the corresponding transfer descriptor, and for initiating the transfer in accordance with this determination.

Abstract: Remote installation of an update of software is forwarded by a management information system into a remote computer. When a primary communication path between the management information system and the remote computer is unavailable and an alternate communication path is available, a connection is established between the management information system and the remote computer using the alternate communication path. The management information system requests from the remote computer the current version information about the software within the remote computer. When the management information system determines the current version of the software within the remote computer needs to be updated, the management information system determines whether the alternate communication path is adequate for downloading the update of the software.

Abstract: In a mobile communications system each radio unit (14, 16) is associated with a respective base station (12) as its `home` base station; any radio unit can communicate with any base station in whose service area it is located. Each base station has a radio interface (20) for communication with radio units, a telephone interface (24) for connection to a telephone line, for example via a PABX (44), and a LAN interface (28) for connection to a local area network (40) to which all the base stations are coupled. Voice communications for a handset are always routed through the home base station for that handset, e.g. to another handset or to the PABX, irrespective of the identity of the base station in whose service area the handset is currently located.

Abstract: An enhanced desktop management interface within a computing device interfaces with a management information system. The enhanced desktop management interface includes a service layer which has a management interface and a component interface. A plurality of management applications interact with the management interface of the service layer. Also, a plurality of manageable elements interface with the component interface of the service layer. When a primary communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the primary communication path. When the primary communication path interface is not available and an alternate communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the alternate communication path.

Abstract: Remote installation of an update of software is forwarded by a management information system into a remote computer. When a primary communication path between the management information system and the remote computer is unavailable and an alternate communication path is available, a connection is established between the management information system and the remote computer using the alternate communication path. The management information system requests from the remote computer the current version information about the software within the remote computer. When the management information system determines the current version of the software within the remote computer needs to be updated, the management information system determines whether the alternate communication path is adequate for downloading the update of the software.