Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method to monitor service outages of a service center, detect a service outage, identify one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign a credit to each of the affected one or more customers. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A charger is arranged to switch on automatically when a device, such as a mobile phone, is connected to the charger and switch off automatically when the device is removed from the charger. This is achieved by providing the charger with an interface, for the device to connect to, and a switch. The interface and switch are arranged on the charger such that the switch is depressed when the device is connected to the charger. Depressing the switch causes electricity to flow to the interface and allows the device to be charged.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method to monitor service outages of a service center, detect a service outage, identify one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign a credit to each of the affected one or more customers. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for resetting access account passwords using an interactive voice response system (IVR) can include the step of the IVR receiving a user request to reset a password. Account identification data can be acquired. The acquired data can be matched to account information stored in at least one compartmentalized system. The matching can identify at least one access account for which the user request applies. The IVR can also receive account verification data and compare this data with data stored within the compartmentalized system associated with the identified access account. Based upon results of this comparison, the IVR can reset the password stored within the compartmentalized system. The IVR can be configured to reset passwords for several compartmentalized systems.

Abstract: An account management system (100) is coupled to a service center (101) serving a number of customers (108). The account management system has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to monitor (202) service outages of the service center, detect (204) a service outage, identify (206) one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign (208) a credit to each of the affected one or more customers.

Abstract: An account management system (100) is coupled to a service center (101) serving a number of customers (108). The account management system has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to monitor (202) service outages of the service center, detect (204) a service outage, identify (206) one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign (208) a credit to each of the affected one or more customers.

Abstract: A controller (104) manages operations of a communication network (101). The controller has a communication element (202) for monitoring data traffic in the communication network and for controlling operations of the communication network, a memory (204) for storage, and a processor (206) for controlling operations of the communication element, and the memory. The processor is programmed to monitor (302) the communication network for the effects of malicious software, detect (304) a suspected malicious event, record (306) the suspected malicious event, restrict (308) Internet access to one or more customers suspected of having infected terminal equipment interrupting service of the communication network, and notify (310) said one or more customers of the restricted Internet access.

Abstract: A method for resetting access account passwords using an interactive voice response system (IVR) can include the step of the IVR receiving a user request to reset a password. Account identification data can be acquired. The acquired data can be matched to account information stored in at least one compartmentalized system. The matching can identify at least one access account for which the user request applies. The IVR can also receive account verification data and compare this data with data stored within the compartmentalized system associated with the identified access account. Based upon results of this comparison, the IVR can reset the password stored within the compartmentalized system. The IVR can be configured to reset passwords for several compartmentalized systems.

Abstract: 4-Aminopicolinic acids having aryl or heteroaryl substituents in the 6-position and their amine and acid derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.

Abstract: 4-Aminopicolinic acids having aryl or heteroaryl substituents in the 6-position and their amine and acid derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.