Abstract: Send and receive services are operated that send and receive fax messages, respectively, via fax protocols. Each new customer is offered a predetermined amount of the receive service, and a more limited amount of the send service, both free of charge to the customer, as part of a group of services that includes Internet access, Web services, or Internet telephony. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a translation gateway is for use between a network of a messaging service provider and a hostile data network. The gateway is to forward messages using a secure connection through the hostile network, to a customer's network. Different types of inbound messages (e.g., voice; fax) can be delivered to a single client process running on a customer machine on the customer network. In addition, the translation gateway may be used to securely forward different types of outbound messages originating from the client process to the service provider's network (where the messages are retransmitted as voice calls or facsimiles into a telephone network). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of receiving audio transmissions over a telecommunication connection, extracting information about the transmissions, and publishing the information to an RSS feed are described and claimed. Systems and software using the methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed during a single communication session between a customer service representative (CSR) of a merchant, and the merchant's customer. The conversation between the CSR and the customer is analyzed to determine an issue. Previously collected information about the customer is accessed, from a database that stores information about customers of the merchant. A tip is determined and sent to be displayed to the CSR. The tip is determined based on the mood and the accessed previously collected information. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A number of sets of recipients of an electronic messaging protocol message distribution campaign are identified. Each set can be one or more recipients. Scripting language is added to each message directed to a recipient. The added scripting language refers to a number of image objects/files that have been selected to form a compound image (when juxtaposed). The compound image is unique to one of the sets. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a translation gateway is for use between a network of a messaging service provider and a hostile data network. The gateway is to forward messages using a secure connection through the hostile network, to a customer's network. Different types of inbound messages (e.g., voice; fax) can be delivered to a single client process running on a customer machine on the customer network. In addition, the translation gateway may be used to securely forward different types of outbound messages originating from the client process to the service provider's network (where the messages are retransmitted as voice calls or facsimiles into a telephone network). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and processes for communication of messages between one or more networked objects on circuit and packet data networks are described. Specifically, means for representation of various communication types, including content description and disposition rules, delivery and routing descriptions and rules, conversion and translation descriptions and rules, and methods for interactions and for administration over one or more network types, through one or more communication protocol types, to one or more destination types are described. The delivery of messages and other communication over various communication protocols in addition to email is described. Methods for administering and managing rules for directing and transforming said messages and communications for purposes of routing or delivery to one or more specific destinations are also presented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a translation gateway is for use between a network of a messaging service provider and a hostile data network. The gateway is to forward messages using a secure connection through the hostile network, to a customer's network. Different types of inbound messages (e.g., voice; fax) can be delivered to a single client process running on a customer machine on the customer network. In addition, the translation gateway may be used to securely forward different types of outbound messages originating from the client process to the service provider's network (where the messages are retransmitted as voice calls or facsimiles into a telephone network). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Send and receive services are operated that send and receive fax messages, respectively, via fax protocols. Each new customer is offered a predetermined amount of the receive service, and a more limited amount of the send service, both free of charge to the customer, as part of a group of services that includes Internet access, Web services, or Internet telephony. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of receiving audio transmissions over a telecommunication connection, extracting information about the transmissions, and publishing the information to an RSS feed are described and claimed. Systems and software using the methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is described. Data is collected about a number of member entities that have online interaction with a group entity. A predefined state is assigned to a selected one of the member entities automatically, in response to applying a predefined rule to analyze some of the collected data. The rule is defined in part by the group entity. The method automatically determines whether or not online content is to be delivered to the selected member entity, based on the assigned state. In another embodiment, online content that is to be delivered to the selected member entity is automatically personalized for the selected member entity, again based on the assigned state. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is described. Data is collected about a number of member entities that have online interaction with a group entity. A predefined state is assigned to a selected one of the member entities automatically, in response to applying a predefined rule to analyze some of the collected data. The rule is defined in part by the group entity. The method automatically determines whether or not online content is to be delivered to the selected member entity, based on the assigned state. In another embodiment, online content that is to be delivered to the selected member entity is automatically personalized for the selected member entity, again based on the assigned state. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed during an online chat session between a customer service representative (CSR) of a merchant, and the merchant's customer. Conversational text of the session is analyzed to determine a mood of the customer. Previously collected information about the customer is accessed, from a database that stores information about customers of the merchant. A tip is determined and sent to be displayed to the CSR. The tip is determined based on the mood and the accessed previously collected information. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A customer is provided a telephone number to which a calling party incurs a charge to be connected. An account balance, which reflects funds deposited into the customer's account but not yet used by the customer, is increased in proportion to the incurred charge. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A message that is to be processed according to an electronic messaging protocol is associated with a sender of the message. The message also includes an attachment from an attaching entity. The attachment is associated with a unique property of the attaching entity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed during an online chat session between a customer service representative (CSR) of a merchant, and the merchant's customer. Conversational text of the session is analyzed to determine a mood of the customer. Previously collected information about the customer is accessed, from a database that stores information about customers of the merchant. A tip is determined and sent to be displayed to the CSR. The tip is determined based on the mood and the accessed previously collected information. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A message that is to be processed according to an electronic messaging protocol is associated with a sender of the message. The message also includes an attachment from an attaching entity. The attachment is associated with a unique property of the attaching entity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.