Abstract: In a queue management system for servicing of a number of clients representing different client types, a controlling queue queues clients in a predetermined order. A queue manager allocates and reallocates a number of processing queues, less than the number of client types, to match different ones of said client types. The queue manager then places successive ones of the clients in the controlling queue into a processing queue matching the client type if there is a matching processing queue and allocates or reallocates an empty or emptied processing queue to the client type if there is no matching processing queue but there is an empty processing queue. A server empties the processing queues in batches. In the environment of a telephone system the clients are messages and the client types are codings in the messages for various destinations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth which enable users of a network which supports the AMIS Analog Protocol to define numbering plans which shorten and simplify addressing an AMIS message to specific AMIS Sites. These user friendly numbering plans are referred to generally herein as "Enhanced Addressing" schemes. The methods and apparatus contemplated by the invention also support the construction and utilization of the "System Number", as defined in the AMIS Analog Protocol, particularly in conjunction with performing Enhanced Addressing.

Abstract: Partitioned point-to-point communications networks and configured to include a plurality of overlapping network portions, from "fully connected" point-to-point communications networks that are being expanded (to include additional sites), reconfigured and/or which are being upgraded (or otherwise modified) to support new and possibly incompatible communications protocols. The partitioning facilitates adding sites to a fully connected network, particularly where a predetermined maximum network size is reached, without having to redesign the network. In addition, modifying communication protocols used in such a network (for example, when upgrading a portion of the network to support a new feature), without having to change protocols for all sites at once is facilitated.

Abstract: Methods are set forth which enable users of a voice messaging system network which supports the Audio Messaging Interchange Specification (AMIS) Analog Protocol to define numbering plans which shorten and simplify addressing an AMIS message to specific AMIS Sites. These user friendly numbering plans are referred to generally herein as "Enhanced Addressing" schemes. The methods contemplated by the invention also support the construction and utilization of the "System Number", as defined in the AMIS Analog Protocol, particularly in conjunction with performing Enhanced Addressing.

Abstract: A method is provided for coordinating and controlling the execution of processes related to internetworked voice mail communications. In the method of the invention, status signals defined by an internetworking protocol and representing status information respecting the transfer of voice mail messages between dissimilar voice mail networks are operated on by one or more of the internetworked voice mail networks in a manner to cause such signals to be translated to processes carried out by such an internetworked voice mail network, such processes being generally of a character to provide information or functions useful to operators and/or users of such a voice mail network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a universal addressing plan for a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites wherein a telephone numbering plan for a telephone network can be mirrored among the sites in the network, notwithstanding whether the sites utilize the public switched network or on a private network.