Abstract: A method is disclosed for messaging multimedia calls with a non-CCITT compliant switch when the intended recipient is unavailable. The method is used in connection with a telecommunication network which has an identified multimedia server. According to the method, multimedia calls from a caller, using a multimedia device running a first application and a second application, are messaged when the called party is unavailable. The method involves initiating a multimedia call to the called party using the first application and determining that the multimedia call is an unanswered call using the second application. Using the second application, the first application is signalled to indicate that the multimedia call was unanswered. In response to the signal, an X.25 packet message is sent from the multimedia device to the identified network based multimedia server. The multimedia device receives back a messaging address identifying a multimedia messaging server from the network based multimedia server.

Abstract: A plurality of telecommunication switches are coupled to agent communication terminals (ACTs) which are used by agents for handling incoming calls. An integrated control system is coupled to the ACTs and controls the distribution of incoming calls among the ACTs. An intelligent node in the system can access an agent queue that stores data indicating availability of ACTs to handle the call and a call queue which stores data concerning calls waiting for ACD service. A database stores processing instructions for the handling of incoming calls based on data contained in the agent and call queues, and subscriber specified instructions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for employing a communication system to mediate a transaction involving one of a plurality of files and programs corresponding to a plurality of applications residing on a single smart card. The invention uses a smart card gateway which provides a transparency in the communication between a caller station and a subscriber station and subscriber host associated with one of the applications. The smart card gateway facilitates transactions involving smart cards, and permits completed transactions to be recorded on the smart card as well as stored in a database associated with the smart card gateway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for employing a communications system with actively connects communicating entities to mediate transactions. Disclosed are general methods and apparatus for mediating transactions, methods and apparatus permitting information from one transaction to be used in other transactions, and methods and apparatus for performing credit card transactions in which the vendee need not disclose his credit card to the vendor. An implementation of a system for performing credit card transactions in a stored program-controlled telephone switching network is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to enable an "800" telephone number business subscriber to identify customers, whose incoming telephone calls were blocked, the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) of these calling customer is automatically recorded within the telecommunications network for later access by the business subscriber.