Abstract: A method and system for consolidating multiple mailboxes into a single universal mailbox. The system comprises an agent, a user database, an application database and a mail repository. The agent searches a user database to determine the list of messaging systems the user subscribes to. The agent then recalls from the application database the procedures for accessing the messaging systems and logs onto each messaging system in turn to retrieve any new messages. The agent notifies the user of new messages according to a predefined notification method.

Abstract: A telecommunications network service for converting spoken words to individual DTMF (e.g., touch-tone) signals to be furnished to an automated system responsive to touch-tone control thereof. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a telephone user speaks an utterance comprising a word representing a digit, letter, the “*” key (e.g., the word “star”) or the “#” key (e.g., the word “pound”). The illustrative network service performs conventional, speaker independent speech recognition on the utterance to identify the spoken word and then generates the touch-tone signal which corresponds to the spoken word so identified (e.g., a digit, letter or special character as found on a conventional touch-tone telephone). This generated DTMF signal is then transmitted to an automated system such as a voice messaging system or telephone answering machine to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for consolidating multiple mailboxes into a single universal mailbox. The system comprises an agent, a user database, an application database and a mail repository. The agent searches a user database to determine the list of messaging systems the user subscribes to. The agent then recalls from the application database the procedures for accessing the messaging systems and logs onto each messaging system in turn to retrieve any new messages. The agent notifies the user of new messages according to a predefined notification method.

Abstract: A universal directory service (UDS) provides the communication addresses of individuals associated with numerous different institutions, and can be accessed via more than one communication channel. A UDS server communicates with one or more data sources to provide directory information to a user. The UDS also provides supplemental information such as company name, logo, and specialty. The UDS can be accessed via numerous communication channels including the internet, on-line service providers, wireless devices, modem, dedicated access channels, voice access via an attendant, and voice access via a speech recognition and synthesis system.

Abstract: A method of handing off a Universal International Telephone Number to the correct international carrier for handling regardless of which carrier is given the call by the local exchange carrier. If a call destined for termination in the United States is handed off to the wrong international carrier, that carrier routes the call to its international gateway as if it were destined for another country. The international gateway then routes the call to the proper international carrier with all of the routing features and billing schedules of the customer intact.

Abstract: In order to gain access to a secured system, a user must be able to enter valid user identification information and must also have a remote wireless communication device such as a pager or cellular telephone having a number that is substantially unique to that user. When the user requests access to the secured system, the system places a call to the user's remote wireless communication device and sends that device revalidation information such as a random number generated by the secured system. The user must return the revalidation information to the secured system to gain access. In an alternative embodiment, another person (a user-approver) has the remote wireless communication device and must return the revalidation information to the secured system if the user-approver approves the user's request for access.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for selecting and establishing connections through a two-stage concentrator network utilizing path selection circuitry adapted to minimize blocking. This circuitry operates to select a path through the second-stage switch which is the least congested (i.e., has the most idle output lines). More specifically, "congestion" information is generated from "outlet" information specifying the idle/busy status of the outlets or terminals of the second-stage switches. This congestion information is logically combined with link information, specifying the idle/busy status of link paths interconnecting the stages, to ascertain if a path is available through one of the least congested second-stage switches. If a path is available, an idle outlet is selected on a least-congested second-stage switch, and then a connection is completed to the selected idle outlet.