Abstract: A mechanism for transferring files that leverages the user-friendly process of making a phone call. The phone call provides sufficient context to enable the sharing of data. Conversely, selected data that was previously shared can initiate an alternative means of communication (e.g., a phone call, email, etc.). The mechanism separates data into a separate application from voice, and allows users to continue using the familiar telephone while obtaining all of the benefits that multimodal applications (voice and data) provide. By making a phone call, data sharing capability is activated between the call parties. Moreover, sharing can continue after the call ends. The phone call serves as an introduction mechanism for the sharing services, which are available from then on, regardless of when the phone call finishes.