Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to electronic devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a collaboration appliance and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the collaboration appliance can provide an all-in-one conference room solution having numerous functions and features. The collaboration appliance can incorporate a beam forming microphone array and speaker for high quality audio conferencing, a built-in display capability that supports two different displays, one being an external high resolution monitor or projector connected via a high-definition multimedia interface, the other being a built-in liquid crystal display that has a touch overlay for navigation and application invocation. Built-in support for multi-party high definition video conferencing can be provided.

Abstract: A method performed by a videoconferencing device, the method comprising: maintaining a database (129) comprising multiple records, each record including bit rate information and relating to a particular endpoint identifier; initiating a videoconference call with a target endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S2) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of the target to endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S5) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of one or more endpoints located in a common zone with the target endpoint (101, 103); using bit rate information from the identified records to calculate (S4, S7, S8) an initial video bit rate for the videoconference call; and initially transmitting video to the target endpoint (101, 103) at the calculated initial video bit rate. Apparatus configured to implement the foregoing method.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes connecting the device to a LAN that is connected to a WAN and detecting that the device has not been configured. Accessing within the device a pre-defined address of a configuration server located on the WAN and sending a configuration request for a service to the configuration server. The request includes a network identifier locating the device on the LAN. Receiving the request at the configuration server and preparing a configuration profile for the device. The configuration profile includes i) a service address for the device, and ii) a wide area network address for a service provider that will provide the service. The method also includes sending the profile to the device from the configuration server, and activating the profile in the device such that the device is configured to access the service via the service provider.

Abstract: A system and method for placing a phone call through a selected telephone network is disclosed. A member submits a source phone number and a destination phone number to an application server in the selected telephone network. The member's class of service (COS) is determined. A first phone call is placed to the source phone number, if it is within the member's COS. A second phone call is placed to the destination phone number if it is within the member's COS. Caller ID information associated with the member's phone in the selected telephone network is communicated to the destination phone. The phone calls are connected to enable communication between the source and destination phones.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for initiating a call to an intended called party on one or more alternate numbers based on availability of the called party, as determined by the called party's presence server or other database. If the called party is determined to be ‘not available’ and does not have any useful forwarding features enabled on his/her primary line served by a primary number, calls are attempted on one or more alternate numbers rather than on the primary number.

Abstract: A system and method for routing selected phone calls to a user having a plurality of communication resources is disclosed. Background information of a caller is identified. A context of the user is postulated based on available information. The user's communication resources are identified. A location of the user is estimated. A cascaded ringing program for routing the phone call to the user is identified based on the background information of the caller, the device type of the user's communication resources, the postulated context of the user, and the estimated location of the user. The phone call is then routed using the cascaded ringing program.

Abstract: A system and method for service aware virtualization is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of virtual instances operating on virtualization software and a plurality of service manager modules operating on the virtualization software. Each service manager module is coupled to a separate virtual instance and configured to interface with an operation of guest software operating within the virtual instance on the virtualization software. A management interface coupled to the service manager modules interfaces with the plurality of virtual instances.

Abstract: A power manager for mobile applications using location based services. Generally described, the system and method manages power of a wireless device by adjusting the sampling rate of mobile applications that use location based services. In one illustrative embodiment, the power can be managed by establishing a schedule. The schedule can include settings such as a start time, end time, interval, and duration. These settings can be used to establish a window of time whereby multiple location samplings can take place. The schedule can minimize the user's involvement on a continual basis by allowing manual and automatic scheduling. The power manager can include, but is not limited to, three features to provide better power management for the wireless device. These can include scheduling for location sampling, automatic and learned scheduling, and frequency and duration dynamic modification. Through the power manager, the power supply on the wireless device can be maximized.

Abstract: A web based desktop environment is disclosed. The desktop environment comprises a work area configured to display application windows in a web browser operating on a computer server. A resident application bar is displayed adjacent the work area and configured to display only icons for resident desktop applications. A power bar resident desktop application is configured to launch web applications to be displayed in the work area. A task board operating in the power bar resident desktop application comprises a vertically resizable two dimensional window located at a selected edge of the work area. The task board is configured to display a web application icon for each web application launched in the power bar resident desktop application.

Abstract: VoIP systems often use multiple ciphers for different components. The present invention includes a system and method for early detection of encrypted signals in packet networks that may be encrypted using any of a multitude of ciphers.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating use of a mobile computing device is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a location of the mobile computing device. A role of the user at the identified location is determined. Predetermined limitations are classified for the mobile computing device based on the role of the user at the identified location. A functionality of applications operating on the mobile computing device is regulated based on the predetermined limitations while the mobile computing device is at the identified location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to emergency services and more particularly, to a temporary callback system for emergency calls and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the system can include a private branch exchange (PBX) or other processing device having a pool of callback identities. When an emergency call is made, a callback identity can be temporarily assigned to the device making the call. The callback identity can provide insurance that the call is maintained. If the call between the device and answering point becomes abandoned or disconnected, the callback identity can be used to re-establish the connection. The callback identity can be released when cleared by the answering point or when a time limit expires. After being released, the callback identity can be made available to other devices that wish to make emergency calls.

Abstract: A communication device, system and service provider for automatically populating feature capabilities. In one illustrative embodiment, the communication device can begin automatic download of service provider features and content by registering with a service provider. When successfully registered, the service provider can determine a set of available features for the communication device. The available features can be dependent on a number of factors including licensing, location, or subscription of the communication device. Available features can also be dependent on whether the communication device is idle or active. The service provider can notify the communication device with the set of available features. The features can be uniquely identified by a feature identification that represents the service provider and the feature. At any time, when the communication device reports that the user has selected a feature on the device, the service provider can take the appropriate actions.

Abstract: A method system and apparatus for enhancing digital voice call initiation between a first telephony device and a second telephony device is provided. Text data is associated with digital voice data conveyed between the first telephony device and the second telephony device, the associating occurring prior to initiating transmitting the digital voice data, the text data based on input data received via an input device associated with the first telephony device. The text data is transmitted to the second telephony device in conjunction with transmitting the digital voice data, the text data to be provided synchronously at the second telephony device with an announcement of the digital voice data.

Abstract: A system for accessing scheduling information. In one illustrative embodiment, a user can log into a phone system by entering their extension number and passcode, which allows the phone to assume their profile. The user then enters the credentials required to access their PC based calendar information, which is stored by a server application. The server application can look up the scheduling information that is stored in the user's PC based calendar application on a message server. The information can then be provided to the phone by the server application where it is displayed. Application programming interfaces can facilitate communications between the phone and the server application and the server application and the message server. Other information located on the message server can also be retrieved through the server application and is not limited to scheduling information.

Abstract: In a client/server network, each of a plurality of IP devices has access to a network capability, such as an analog line, when connected to a central server. At least one of the IP devices is in direct communication with a second analog line and grants other IP devices access to the second analog line when the other IP devices lose their connection to the central server.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.

Abstract: A phone system for providing dial by specialty features that can dynamically update providers within the system. A dial by specialty service can be provided on a user's mobile device. The dial by specialty service can prompt the user to enter in specialty information, which can represent specific services or goods the user is looking for. The dial by specialty service can then search an augmented directory to find the telephone number of a provider who best satisfies the search criteria. In one embodiment, the service can place a call on behalf of the user to transfer the user to the telephone number. The providers at the time of being called can decline to accept the call from the dial by specialty service. The selected provider can also choose to be removed from the augmented directory altogether.

Abstract: This application relates to providing an end user control of temporary numbers established and linked to a trusted phone number using traditional forwarding mechanisms. Temporary phone numbers can be created and assigned to individuals to provide them with a unique point of contact. The temporary numbers are then linked to the individual's private number. The temporary numbers can be shared with individuals and organizations with whom the individual has an interest in communicating with. However, these numbers will often find their way into the hands of third parties with whom the individual has no interest in talking with. When the user simply no longer feels that the numbers are being properly used, the user can remove the temporary numbers linked with their private number so no further calls can be made and routed to their private number. The temporary numbers can be used to uniquely identify the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for merging multi-modal communications are disclosed. The multi-modal communications can be synchronous, asynchronous and semi-synchronous. By way of a non-limiting example, at least two devices operating with varied modalities can be connected to a conferencing appliance. The conferencing appliance can integrate the differing modalities from the at least two devices by executing at least one of turn taking, conference identification, participant identification, ordering of interjections, modulation of meaning, expectation of shared awareness, floor domination and combination thereof.