Abstract: A system for instant voice messaging comprising an IVM server operative to essentially simultaneously receive from an initiating user at least one voice message fragment and stream the at least one voice fragment to at least one target user; and a switch coupled to the IVM server and operative to effect communications between the initiating user and each target user and the IVM server, as well as between the users themselves. The streaming operation ends with an entire instant voice message being transmitted to the target user(s). Each target user may instantly retrieve a message by using a smart notification provided by the IVM server. Special numbering systems facilitate both the instant voice messaging and the instant message retrieval aspects.

Abstract: A method and system for ensuring that a phone call from an initiating user reaches a target user, when the phone call is non-deliverable in real time. The phone call is converted at an instant voice messaging (IVM) server into an entity that can be delivered to the target user when the target user can receive it. The entity may be a parked call, a parked instant message, voice mail, an instant voice message, a multi media server message, a push-to-talk message or an ICQ message. Its delivery is performed according to predetermined or ad-hoe rules, decided either by the IVM server, the initiating user or the target user.