Abstract: A private communications network and method of managing calls in a private communications network. Connected communications devices register with the network and are assigned aliases, with aliases for groups of registered devices sharing one or more common digits. Dialing strings for in-network calls are monitored for inclusion of a wildcard (e.g., *) which are treated as a “don't care.” The wildcard invokes group features, such as placing a conference call, invoking a hunting feature and invoking a pickup feature. The call is distributed/connected to the group corresponding to the remaining digits.

Abstract: A real-time communications system of networked communications devices, method and program product for operating such a system. E-mail activity is, monitored for e-mail exchange threads. Selected threads are identified and a prompt to switch to an IM session is sent to a local e-mail recipient. If the recipient elects to continue the exchange in an instant messaging (IM) session, the substance of the thread is copied to the IM session and the exchange continues.

Abstract: A private communications network and method of managing calls in a private communications network. Connected communications devices register with the network and are assigned aliases, with aliases for groups of registered devices sharing one or more common digits. Dialing strings for in-network calls are monitored for inclusion of a wildcard (e.g., *) which are treated as a “don't care.” The wildcard invokes group features, such as placing a conference call, invoking a hunting feature and invoking a pickup feature. The call is distributed/connected to the group corresponding to the remaining digits.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing license privileges associated with software offered for an evaluation period are provided. Methods according to the present invention may include installing an application program on a user terminal; transmitting license information necessary to operate the application program from the user terminal to a license management server; storing the license information in a database; monitoring the license information; and disabling the application program when the license information is not current or has expired. Systems according to the present invention may include a user terminal on which an application program is installed; a license management server coupled to the user terminal through a network; and a license monitor that monitors the application program and the license database. The license management server may include a database of license policies for authorizing the use of at least one application program.

Abstract: A communications system, service provider infrastructure, method and program product for providing personally tailored communications. System communications devices are identified with corresponding system subscribers. System subscribers can provide/select information for display at individual devices, e.g., cell phone displays. Communications are monitored at service provider infrastructure and user specific information is passed to selected communications devices. Individually tailored information is displayed for each specific user at corresponding communications devices, e.g., as an advertisement in a banner on the device display.

Abstract: A real-time communications system of networked communications devices, method and program product for operating such a system. E-mail activity is, monitored for e-mail exchange threads. Selected threads are identified and a prompt to switch to an IM session is sent to a local e-mail recipient. If the recipient elects to continue the exchange in an instant messaging (IM) session, the substance of the thread is copied to the IM session and the exchange continues.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing Instant Messaging (IM) capability in digital telephone sets is disclosed. The invention allows telephone users to compose and display Instant Messages and to exchange contact lists with other telephone users or users of an Internet-based messaging system. The method of the invention in one embodiment allows digital telephones, with limited keys and display space, to support the full functionality of Instant Messaging. Quick compose and quick reply mechanisms allow sending common messages with minimum keypad button pushes. The invention also allows Computer Supported Telephony Application (CSTA) based messages to interface with the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, thus permitting IM exchanges between digital telephone set users and Window Messenger clients.