Abstract: An automated message distribution system routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks and local area networks to the most desired route. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages enter into a local area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, and are sent to their destinations in a distributed manner. The paths or routes are calculating by using a set of customized rules. The customized rules are set to distribute messages evenly among the available paths.

Abstract: A pro-active message delivery system which routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks to most cost-effectively deliver the messages, subject to security, privacy, and availability considerations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages entered into a wide area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, are sent to their destination using the most cost-effective route, by calculating the cost of sending the message via the available routes, and selecting the lowest cost route. Generally, the lowest cost route might use the node on the wide area network closest to the recipient of the message, or might use or node located in an area which charges off-peak rates at the time of transmission.

Abstract: An automated message distribution system routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks and local area networks to the most desired route. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages enter into a local area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, and are sent to their destinations in a distributed manner. The paths or routes are calculating by using a set of customized rules. The customized rules are set to distribute messages evenly among the available paths.

Abstract: A pro-active message delivery system which routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks to most cost-effectively deliver the messages, subject to security, privacy, and availability considerations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages entered into a wide area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, are sent to their destination using the most cost-effective route, by calculating the cost of sending the message via the available routes, and selecting the lowest cost route. Generally, the lowest cost route might use the node on the wide area network closest to the recipient of the message, or might use or node located in an area which charges off-peak rates at the time of transmission.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the efficient transfer of digitally encoded messages comprising an enhanced service exchange device in combination with an enhanced service message handler. The system provides alternate delivery paths for digitally encoded messages after first attempting a point-to-point connection between the sending and receiving communicating devices. The system provides re-routing functionality for both the sending and receiving of data. For sending data, the enhanced service exchange monitors point-to-point message transfer failure parameters (such as device busy signals, no answer, or telephone network re-order signals). When such conditions are encountered, it re-directs the transfer attempt to an enhanced service message handler, which may then be used as a store-and-forward switch. For receiving data, messages are redirected to the enhanced service message handler if message transfer failure parameters are detected.