Abstract: A system for associating an electronic request with at least one supplier, including a storage device for storing information regarding a plurality of suppliers of goods or services; a receiver for receiving information regarding an electronic request; a processor for processing information regarding the electronic request and creating an electronic venue; a transmitter for transmitting information regarding the electronic request and the electronic venue to a first supplier if the system determines that the first supplier is authorized to access the electronic venue and the electronic request, and also for transmitting information regarding the electronic request and the electronic venue to a second supplier if the system determines that the second supplier is authorized to access the electronic venue.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for associating requests with potential respondents to those requests. The system facilitates the purchasing of goods and/or services, knowledge-based inquiries, and matching common interest groups by associating requests with category designations and providing potential respondents with access to the requests.

Abstract: An automated ringback update system for customizing ringback signals is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the automated ringback update system via the recognition of a feature associated with a printed matter to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for customizing a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a first communication station associated with a first network service provider and a second communication station associated with a second network service provider. A network gateway is provided for connecting a call placed from the first communication station to the second communication station. The first network service provider receives information regarding a proximity location of the first communication station. The storage device transmits at least a portion of the at least one announcement to the first communication station that is related to information within a predefined geographical distance from the first communication station, where at least a portion of the at least one announcement is delivered as a call signal after establishing contact with a communication network.

Abstract: A smart ringback blocking and replacement system for delivering and/or selectively blocking signal content from a communications network is disclosed. Communications devices interact with the smart ringback blocking and replacement system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback replacement update system for creating or modifying ringback associations is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback update system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network signals and tones in a roaming, forked-call, forwarded-call, or mobility environment is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: An automated ringback update system for customizing ringback signals is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the automated ringback update system via the recognition of a feature associated with a printed matter to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for customizing a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a first communication station associated with a first network service provider and a second communication station associated with a second network service provider. A network gateway is provided for connecting a call placed from the first communication station to the second communication station. The first network service provider receives information regarding a proximity location of the first communication station. The storage device transmits at least a portion of the at least one announcement to the first communication station that is related to information within a predefined geographical distance from the first communication station, where at least a portion of the at least one announcement is delivered as a call signal after establishing contact with a communication network.

Abstract: A method for customizing a communications network, including receiving, at a ringback update system, information regarding a machine recognizable feature associated with a printed matter located on an article, where the information is obtained with a feature recognition unit. The feature recognition unit is associated with or resides in or on a communications station associated with a called party, and further the information regarding a machine recognizable feature is transmitted from the feature recognition unit or from a communications station associated with the feature recognition unit. In addition, the method includes accessing, with the ringback update system, a storage device containing at least one announcement, downloading the announcement in response to receiving the information regarding a recognition of a machine recognizable feature and replacing a call signal with at least a portion of the at least one announcement.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for replacing certain communications network signals and tones is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: A handset-originated ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network tones is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the handset-originated ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network signals and tones in a roaming, forked-call, forwarded-call, or mobility environment is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: A ringback/ringtone synchronization system for utilizing ringtones as replacement ringback announcements is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback/ringtone synchronization system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A system for customizing a communications network, the system including a first communications station associated with a calling party, a second communication station associated with a called party, a storage device containing at least one announcement, and a communications device for initiating a forked or forwarded call to locate the called party at the second communications station. The forked or forwarded call is initiated by the calling party whereby at least a portion of a call signal is replaced with at least a portion of the announcement. The announcement is associated with the calling party and is chosen by the called party and played to the calling party after initiation of the call but prior to active communication with the called party. Also, the call signal is selected from one of ringback signals, busy signals, network redirect signals, call progress signals, network announcement signals, or dial tone signals.

Abstract: A communications marketing system allows a client station accessing a computer network through a Network Service Provider (NSP) to receive advertisements whenever the connection path between the client station and the NSP is idle. The NSP monitors traffic to/from the client station to determine when the connection path is idle. An announcement server connected to the NSP transmits advertising messages and other information to the client station when the connection path is idle. The advertisements are displayed in a predetermined location of a browser client window of the client station. The advertisements can be played/displayed for a predetermined time period.