Abstract: A method is provide for using a communication device which comprises a plurality of ports adapted to receive a plurality of communication sessions. The method comprises the steps of identifying subscribers having at least a first common characteristic, retrieving real time updated information applicable to the identified subscribers and broadcasting to these subscribers a message based on the real time updated information retrieved via designated ports connected to the communication device, wherein the number of designated ports is less than the number of ports utilized by these subscribers.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in communication between a first and second telephony users wherein both users are located behind a NAT/FW server. The method comprises determining that both these telephony users are located behind one common NAT/FW server in order to allow establishing a direct communication session between the two of them, thereby eliminating the need of being connected to a remote agent for the duration of the whole session.

Abstract: A method is provide for using a communication device which comprises a plurality of ports adapted to receive a plurality of communication sessions. The method comprises the steps of identifying subscribers having at least a first common characteristic, retrieving real time updated information applicable to the identified subscribers and broadcasting to these subscribers a message based on the real time updated information retrieved via designated ports connected to the communication device, wherein the number of designated ports is less than the number of ports utilized by these subscribers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for connecting Internet or IP users to agents of a call center, which may be linked to an Internet web site. Visual information about quality of service, available agents, and history of previous connections, is transferred to the IP user via the IP network prior to voice call establishment, and a voice call is established according to inputs from the IP user which are responsive to the transferred information. An IP user who accesses a web site is identified and initiates a session with the serving call-center. Agent status information is stored at the call-center database. Information about the status and skills of each agent, which is stored at a database, is sent over the IP network and displayed on the screen of the IP user. A first selection menu is displayed on the screen and the IP user is requested to select between waiting for a preferred agent or sending voice or text messages. Available agents are displayed on the first menu, as well as their queuing time.

Abstract: Method for upgrading operating software and/or initialization program versions of an embedded system by using a single non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory comprises a write-protected area containing an original initialization and download operation program version, and an unprotected area containing an upgradable initialization and download operation program version. Upon initialization, the upgradable, or the original version, of the initialization and download operation program version is copied into a second memory and/or into a memory location. The embedded system is operated from the second memory and/or memory location, enabling the downloading of the new operating software and/or initialization program versions and programming the unprotected area with the downloaded versions.

Abstract: A method of anticipating an access code such as a telephone number. A database of reference access codes is provided. As each character of a new access code is dialed, the database is searched for reference access codes that have the same leading digits. If one match is found, that matching reference access code is displayed to allow the user to call it without dialing new characters. If more than one match is found, the matching reference access codes are ranked according to a selection criterion. Preferably, the database includes an indication of the history of usage of the reference access codes and the selection criterion is based on the usage histories of the reference access codes, for example, according to their times of most recent usage, and also according to other criteria such as current day of the week. The highest ranking reference code is displayed. If the user completes dialing with no match found, then the newly dialed access code is included in the database.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sending and displaying short messages from data network users which are linked to a telephonic network. The telephonic network comprises telephones, each with a display for visually displaying short messages to subscribers of the telephonic network. The apparatus holds a dialogue between the data network users and a software agent embedded in the telephonic network. The dialogue provides the telephonic network the content, the sender ID and the address information of each short message, stores the content and address information in a database, and displays the content of the messages on the telephone display of each destined subscriber.

Abstract: Method and system for providing data communication through a port of a system, the port having at least two operating modes, each of which corresponding to a different data rate. Communication with the system is enabled by operating the port in one of the operating modes. The system is switched to operate in another operating mode and the communication with the system is continued in the another operating mode, whenever a predetermined mode switching code is received through the port.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sending and displaying short messages from data network users which are linked to a telephonic network. The telephonic network comprises telephones, each with a display for visually displaying short messages to subscribers of the telephonic network. The apparatus holds a dialogue between the data network users and a software agent embedded in the telephonic network. The dialogue provides the telephonic network the content, the sender ID and the address information of each short message, stores the content and address information in a database, and displays the content of the messages on the telephone display of each destined subscriber.