Abstract: An integrated voice and data messaging system is disclosed. The system includes a Server comprising a first computer, a network applications platform (NAP) running on the first computer, and means for storing voice and data messages. In addition, the system includes a Client comprising a second computer with an associated display and means for transmitting analog voice messages and digital data messages to the Server, a Client/Server interface coupling the Client to the Server and providing a medium over which the Client and Server communicate; and a Universal Mailbox Application running on the Server, the Client, or both the Server and Client. The system is capable of visually indicating to a user, via the display device associated with the Client computer, that a message has been delivered for the user and is being held by the Server, wherein the message may be a voice, data or facsimile message.

Abstract: A voice Telephone Network Applications Platform (NAP) is enhanced to manage facsimile messages, as well as voice messages, by the addition of facsimile functionality to the platform actuatable by high-level facsimile commands from applications supported on the platform. The commands include sending and receiving facsimile messages. A PC facsimile processor (FP), interfacing between the platform and the telephone network, stores facsimile messages received from the network and facsimile messages for transmission to the network on hard disk. A facsimile command from an application is expanded into NAP commands for controlling the platform and FP commands for controlling the facsimile processor so as to perform the facsimile functionality associated with the facsimile command. A recovery process utilizing a Recovery Token prevents facsimile messages from becoming lost between receipt at the FP and storage in the platform.