Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for sending instant messages having audio recordings. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a communications client of a user that is configured to generate an instant message having an audio recording and send the instant message having an audio recording to another user. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Network resource management systems are provided. A representative network update manager includes an updater coupled to a persistent database and to an administrative application residing on an application server and a memory operable to store a plurality of delayed updates. The network update manager is preferably operable to receive at least one update from the administrative application and subsequently update the persistent database. Methods and other systems for network resource management are also provided.

Abstract: A method involves blocking unsolicited e-mail being transmitted from a remote server when a roaming customer of the ISP logs onto the Internet through the foreign NAS. The roaming customer first logs onto the ISP through the foreign NAS by providing a user identification (USERID) and password, which are sent to the ISP. The ISP uses the USERID and the password to authenticate the roaming customer as a valid subscriber of the ISP. An IP address is assigned by the foreign NAS to the roaming customer and is dynamically added to a pool of IP addresses used by the mail server. The roaming customer can then log onto the mail server to send and receive email messages. Once the roaming customer terminates the session, the IP address assigned to the roaming customer is removed from the pool of valid IP address that can be used to access the mail server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for sharing media files. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a file sharing application configured to initiate a communication session with a file server, where the file server manages download requests for media files. The system further includes offer presentation logic configured to present an option to extend use of a media file that was downloaded from the file server, where use of the media file is subject to a trial period. As such, the offer is presented upon initiation of a communication session being initiated and an expired trial period being detected. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for sharing media files. One embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a file sharing application configured to initiate a communication session with a file server, where the file server that manages download requests for a collection of media files, where the collection of media files are subject to a trial period. The system further includes media file selection logic configured to prompt a user to select a subset of media files from the collection of media files that was downloaded from the file server after the trial period is detected to have expired. In accordance with this embodiment, the user selects a subset of media files that the user would like to keep for continued use and the remaining media files not selected by the user are then configured to be inaccessible by the user after the trial period has expired. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for sharing media files. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a file sharing application configured to initiate a communication session with a file server, where the file server manages download requests for media files listed on a dynamic list. Use of the media files is subject to a trial period that corresponds to a period that the media files remain on the dynamic list. The system further includes trial period checking logic configured to retrieve a new dynamic list and check whether a trial period for a media file has expired by determining whether the media file is listed on the new dynamic list and offer presentation logic configured to offer a user a license for continued use of a media file that has an expired trial period. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: These exemplary embodiments utilize a flexible, Information Search Organizer tool for capturing, accessing, and otherwise managing user-defined indexing (and/or a bookmark) of a website, user-defined content selected from the website, and/or a user-defined annotation for the selected website and/or the selected content. According to exemplary embodiments, a communications device includes a Information Search Organizer tool stored in memory. The Information Search Organizer tool is an application that may operate separately or simultaneously with a world wide web or Internet session to access a website (or other electronic communications address), select content of an electronic file, create an annotation, and save the annotation in an annotation profile that is associated with a search term and/or search category, information associated with content of the website, a key word of the annotation, and/or other information selected by the user.

Abstract: These exemplary embodiments utilize a flexible, Information Search Organizer (ISO) tool for accessing, modifying, automatically updating, refreshing, and/or otherwise managing information related to the search category, key words, marked content, an electronic address of the website, and/or an associated electronic file. According to exemplary embodiments, the Information Search Organizer tool may archive an ISO Topic (and/or subtopic) such that the initial information of the ISO Topic and all subsequent updated information of the ISO Topic are saved for offline viewing, outlined and/or otherwise indexed for presentment with a history of the ISO Topic, and available for playback, additional editing, and/or further management.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for preparing and organizing event materials. Briefly described, one embodiment can be implemented as follows. The system includes first logic configured to prompt a user to provide a first set of information; utilize the first set of information to prepare a first set of event materials for scheduling the event, prompt the user to provide a second set of information; utilize the first and second sets of information to prepare a second set of event materials for administering the event; prompt the user to provide a third set of information; and utilize the first, second, and third sets of information to prepare a third set of event materials for documenting the event. The system further includes second logic configured to associate materials prepared for the event with materials prepared for a related event. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method involves blocking unsolicited e-mail being transmitted from a remote server when a roaming customer of the ISP logs onto the Internet through the foreign NAS. The roaming customer first logs onto the ISP through the foreign NAS by providing a user identification (USERID) and password, which are sent to the ISP. The ISP uses the USERID and the password to authenticate the roaming customer as a valid subscriber of the ISP. An IP address is assigned by the foreign NAS to the roaming customer and is dynamically added to a pool of IP addresses used by the mail server. The roaming customer can then log onto the mail server to send and receive email messages. Once the roaming customer terminates the session, the IP address assigned to the roaming customer is removed from the pool of valid IP address that can be used to access the mail server.

Abstract: A system for providing temporary contact aliases is provided. A representative system includes a database system operable to store at least one resource list comprising a plurality of contacts associated with at least one user. The plurality of contacts comprising at least one temporary contact at the instruction of said at least one user, stored in said at least one resource list associated with said at least one user. The system further includes a network interface operable to communicate with a plurality of users, including said at least one user, over a network which is operable to provide a communication medium between the plurality of users. Methods and other systems for temporary contact alias are also provided.

Abstract: A monetary account, such as a prepaid account or credit account, that is used as payment for purchases is divided into categories of purchased items. When a purchase is attempted, a request to apply the monetary account specifies the category of the item being purchased. Rules associated with each of the categories of the account are applied in response to the request to determine whether to approve or deny the purchase. Rules may vary from one category to the next. As one example, a rule may include a remaining monetary value of the category where a determination is made whether the cost of the item being purchased is no more than the remaining monetary value. As another example, a rule may include whether a time of the purchase matches an allowable time for the category of the item being purchased. Other examples include rules that allow for borrowing from one category for purchases from another, for specific allocations, and for event triggers to generate alarms.

Abstract: Included herein are systems and methods for associating information related to a first communication and information related to a second communication. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a first communication, the first communication being associated with a first communications protocol; and associating the received first communication with a communication thread. Additionally embodiments of the method include receiving a second communication, the second communication associated with a second communications protocol, wherein the first communications protocol is different than the second communications protocol; and associating the second communication with the communication thread. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an e-mail communications system that minimizes the number of duplicate copies of common attachment files to e-mail communications that are stored in the mail store of an e-mail server. When the e-mail server receives an e-mail attachment file that is larger than a threshold size, the server performs a database search for another copy of the attachment file in the mail store. If another copy is located, the system creates a pointer in the mail store that associates the located attachment file with the e-mail for the additional recipient(s). Attachment files are deleted only after the recipients of the associated e-mail communications delete each of the respective e-mails.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for reminding a user to include an e-mail attachment file with an e-mail communication. The e-mail application is configured to provide a menu of different types of e-mail for the user to select, and to provide templates that require the user to attach an attachment file when that option is selected.

Abstract: An event manager is disclosed for sending services through an email communication. The event manager provides a template through which a user may select an available service that he wishes to send as an attachment to an email. The event manager enables the user to attach electronic services such as an audio file, a video file, a gift certificate, or a money transfer, among others, to an email message and package it with items such as wallpaper or background music, among others, to send to another email user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for publishing an electronic document. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A distribution module retrieves a distribution list identifying at least one user that is to be notified about the publication of the electronic document. As such, when a transfer module sends the electronic document to a network location, a messaging module automatically notifies the at least user from the distribution list of the publication of the electronic document and provides instructions to the at least one user for retrieving the electronic document from the network location. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for implementing interactive content-based activities, including: selecting a content identifier in response to a broadcast, the content identifier associated with the broadcast; initiating a request for a download via the content identifier, the content identifier being mapped to the activity wherein initiating the request includes a digital rights management function; and downloading a file associated with the content identifier.

Abstract: A method for advertising in conjunction with a file download including: selecting a content identifier in response to a broadcast, the content identifier associated with the broadcast; initiating a request for a download via the content identifier, the content identifier being mapped to the activity wherein initiating said request includes a digital rights management function; and downloading the file associated with the content identifier, wherein said file includes an embedded advertisement.

Abstract: A method for programming a secondary device responsive to an advertisement, including: requesting a file and associated content identifier responsive to the advertisement; receiving the advertisement and a supplementary information associated with the advertisement; presenting a user with an option to initiate a request for an activity in response to the supplementary information; and performing the requested activity in response to the user request.