Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating on a non-text (voice or fax) message include for each of a number of voice messages, searching each voice message for signal samples having one of a plurality of sets of pre-defined characteristics (such as any seven or ten digit number which is then assumed to be a telephone number). For each signal sample found to have one of the sets of pre-defined characteristics, the found signal sample is associated with an equivalent text string and this text string is stored in an envelope for the message. Based on a user input, the messages may be searched for a given text string and on finding a message envelope containing the given text string, such message may be operated upon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human resource management system which includes an objectives module or feature, a notes module or feature and an appraisal module of feature. The objectives module enables the periodic creation and storage of performance objectives for a plurality of employees. The notes module enables the periodic creation and storage of notes relating to the objectives. The notes are correlated with the objectives for view by the user. The appraisal module enables the periodic creation of performance appraisals for the employees. The appraisal module enables the user to selectively incorporate the objectives and selectively incorporate the notes correlated thereto into the appraisal. Consequently, performance appraisals can be produced which encompass the periodic collection of information relating to specific performance objectives, thus facilitating the generation of a high quality appraisal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating on a non-text (voice or fax) message include for each of a number of voice messages, searching each voice message for signal samples having one of a plurality of sets of pre-defined characteristics (such as any seven or ten digit number which is then assumed to be a telephone number). For each signal sample found to have one of the sets of pre-defined characteristics, the found signal sample is associated with an equivalent text string and this text string is stored in an envelope for the message. Based on a user input, the messages may be searched for a given text string and on finding a message envelope containing the given text string, such message may be operated upon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating on a non-text (voice or fax) message include for each of a number of voice messages, searching each voice message for signal samples having one of a plurality of sets of pre-defined characteristics (such as any seven or ten digit number which is then assumed to be a telephone number). For each signal sample found to have one of the sets of pre-defined characteristics, the found signal sample is associated with an equivalent text string and this text string is stored in an envelope for the message. Based on a user input, the messages may be searched for a given text string and on finding a message envelope containing the given text string, such message may be operated upon.

Abstract: In a telephone system, if the telephone set of a called party is busy or an incoming call is not answered, the called party is unavailable. In this event an incoming call may progress to become intercepted at an attendant position or at a voice features server. A call take back feature permits the called party to be aware of an intercepted call progress so that the called party may retrieve the incoming call by going OFF HOOK and conversing directly with the calling party. A call screening feature is also available. The call screening feature permits the called party to hear the calling party's voice during an intercepted call progress via an audible link provided by the telephone system from the intercepted call. The called party may, at his discretion, retrieve the incoming call from the intercepted call progress by going OFF HOOK and conversing directly with the calling party.

Abstract: In a telephone system, if the telephone set of a called party is busy or an incoming call is not answered, the called party is unavailable. In this event an incoming call may progress to become intercepted at an attendant position or at a voice features server. A call take back feature permits the called party to be aware of an intercepted call progress so that the called party may retrieve the incoming call by going OFF HOOK and conversing directly with the calling party. A call screening feature is also available. The call screening feature permits the called party to hear the calling party's voice during an intercepted call progress via an audible link provided by the telephone system from the intercepted call. The called party may, at his discretion, retrieve the incoming call from the intercepted call progress by going OFF HOOK and conversing directly with the calling party.

Abstract: A telephone caller is permitted to retrieve his call from the central voice services feature of an unavailable called party, and resume the call progress by substituting a calling feature of his own. In a telephone system including a telephone switching facility and a voice features server, provision is made for enabling a calling party to invoke an appropriate calling party feature such as a ring back feature or an override feature, and thereby subsequently achieve a real time conversation with the called party instead of simply being able to leave a voice message for the called party.