Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for exchanging messages between nodes and servers in accordance with specified service level guarantees, while at the same time retaining compatibility with other nodes and servers not subject to the same service level guarantees.

Abstract: A client-emulating gateway is configured to emulate a first client that communicates using a first protocol. The client-emulating gateway receives communications from a second client in accordance with a second, different protocol used for communicating by the second client. The client-emulating gateway translates the communications from the second, different protocol to the first protocol to provide translated communications. The translated communications are then sent to the first client using the first protocol. Communications that are received back from the first client in the first protocol are then translated into the second, different protocol and then sent to the second client.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for exchanging messages between nodes and servers in accordance with specified service level guarantees, while at the same time retaining compatibility with other nodes and servers not subject to the same service level guarantees.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and using configuration information for communication devices in a P2P overlay for optimizing decision making based on locality is provided. An alpha-numeric hierarchical look-up procedure is provided that includes a general-to-specific search of a query having a result mapping of a location and purpose of the configuration information of the communication device. A registration procedure is provided for registering at least one resource, where the resource is found by the search on the overlay. The resource can be a communication device location, communication device information or the configuration information. The method provides calling an outside device from the overlay device and determining a gateway service provider that is most proximal to an area code or an exchange of the outside device by using the result mapping. An outside connection is established from the overlay device to the outside device, where a calling toll is minimized.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and using configuration information for communication devices in a P2P overlay for optimizing decision making based on locality is provided. An alpha-numeric hierarchical look-up procedure is provided that includes a general-to-specific search of a query having a result mapping of a location and purpose of the configuration information of the communication device. A registration procedure is provided for registering at least one resource, where the resource is found by the search on the overlay. The resource can be a communication device location, communication device information or the configuration information. The method provides calling an outside device from the overlay device and determining a gateway service provider that is most proximal to an area code or an exchange of the outside device by using the result mapping. An outside connection is established from the overlay device to the outside device, where a calling toll is minimized.