Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a collaboration network platform that provides virtual rooms with an indication of which users of the collaboration network are working within the virtual rooms. A virtual room comprises an organizational unit for grouping users of a collaboration network with respect to a particular subject. For each virtual room within the collaboration network, a count of the number of users and/or a representation of each of the users that are currently working in the virtual room can be maintained and displayed as appropriate. The virtual room can also provide an option to transmit audio and/or video communications in real-time to some or all of the users that are in the virtual room.

Abstract: A communication system provides integrated email, telephone and instant messenger communication including a common address book, a common log of communication history and shared presence information. A user can respond to a communication according to any format, email, telephone or instant messenger, with a response using the same format or any other format. The response may be initiated by a single command.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for semi-stateless scalable and distributed management of telephone hunt group features in a PBX. In particular, the invention conducts an auction-like phone call handling process in which phone handling decisions are partially delegated from a central resource to the individual client agents. Briefly, phone handling functions offer available call to agents who then decide which available calls to handle. This auction-like process is preferably implemented using broadcast (or multicast) messaging features so that system components do not need to know or access global state information. Messaging is preferably built on a selected instant messaging protocol.

Abstract: A communication system includes client software operating on a PC, or similar platform, and a client telephone that is connected to a call routing server. A user manages telephone communication, including incoming and outgoing calls, conference calls and call forwarding, through the client software. The client software commands the call routing server using instant messenger communication.

Abstract: A communication system provides integrated email, telephone and instant messenger communication including a common address book, a common log of communication history and shared presence information. A user can respond to a communication according to any format, email, telephone or instant messenger, with a response using the same format or any other format. The response may be initiated by a single command.

Abstract: A device for detecting a specified signal on a conventional telephone line includes a pair of input terminals to which to connect a pair of conventional telephone lines, and a circuit connected to the input terminals that draws a different amount of power from a separate power source when the specified signal is present across the input terminals thant it draws otherwise. A transformer couples the power supply to the circuit while isolating the power source from the input terminals, and power sensing circuitry that senses a difference in power supplied to the transformer generates a control signal that is also isolated from the input terminals.

Abstract: A power supply system for providing uninterrupted AC power includes a first input port to which to couple AC input power at a specified RMS voltage level from a primary power source, a second input port to which to couple DC input power at a specified voltage level from a backup power source, and an output port to which to connect a device to be powered. A fullwave rectifier generates a first direct current from the AC input power, and up-converter generates a second direct current from the DC input power at an RMS voltage level approximately equal to that of the AC input power, and a switching arrangement couples a selected one of the first and second direct currents to the output port according to whether the AC input power is stabilized or interrupted, so that the flow of current to the output port is periodically reversed thereby generate AC output power. Switching may by synchronized with each zero crossing of the AC input power.

Abstract: A system includes a power supply unit adapted to provide power from a separate backup source of power to a computer in the event of an interruption in a primary source of power, the unit having a size and shape adapted to be set on a support surface in a position above a keyboard utilized to provide input to the computer. An illumination panel, including at least one lamp on the power supply unit, illuminates the keyboard when activated, and a control circuit activates the illumination panel utilizing the backup source of power when there is an interruption in the primary source of power.