Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for registering and retrieving contact information associated with a potential calling party. The registration method comprises receiving an originating address associated with the potential calling party, receiving contact information associated with the potential calling party and storing the originating address associated with the potential calling party in an originating address field of a record associated with the potential calling party and storing the contact information associated with the potential calling party in a contact information field of the record associated with the potential calling party. This increases the variety of contact information that can be left by the potential calling party, contributes to a greater efficiency with which the eventual called party may retrieve contact information associated with a voice mail message and also accelerates the process by which an actual calling party can leave contact information for the called party.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling distribution of content through a communications network uses a second, parallel network for delivery of a transaction indicia to a requesting party. The use of the parallel network enables the transaction indicia to be forwarded to the party independently of the communications network, thereby reducing the probability of a party fraudulently obtaining delivery of the content. Additionally, information associated with the parallel network can be used to restrict distribution of the content to parties within a predetermined domain, such as, for example, a geographical region. The content may be delivered to the party in an encrypted form, preferably using an encryption algorithm and key designed to enable decryption of the content on only the content delivery device from which the request for the content was originated.

Abstract: A method for execution by an owner of a mailbox in a voice mail system. The method comprises using an access device to access a voicemail message contained in the mailbox and entering a command instrumental in causing the voicemail message to be forwarded over a telephone network to a conversion entity. At the conversion entity, an electronic representation of the voicemail message is created and then the electronic representation of the voicemail message is rendered accessible to the owner of the mailbox, e.g., by sending an email message to a predetermined address. In this way, electronic representations of voicemail messages in a mailbox can be accessed by the owner of the mailbox using a device of choice, not necessarily the access device used initially to enter the command. Also, this functionality is achieved while allowing the voice mail system to remain a legacy voice mail system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently utilizing resources in a switched telephone network by providing call treatment at the closest available resource to the calling party preventing holding up network connection through to the terminating location if resources are not available at call termination equipment to handle a call. The selected calls are locally parked pending the availability of service termination resources to handle the call. The availability of service resources at the termination is determined before a selected call is extended through the network. Advantageously while the call is parked call treatment discrimination can be performed.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating information retrieved from a data network, with a telephone call initiated by an initial address message (IAM) at a multi-line facility, such as a call center or a voice access server (VAS), hinges on extracting an identifier string inserted into the user-user-interface field of the IAM, and accompanying the information. The information is used to perform an enhanced service feature which may include aiding the selection of an internal line at call center's call distributor, or the selection and customization of delivery of a service feature, at a VAS. The information may also be displayed at a display terminal associated with a call center agent handling the call.

Abstract: A system and method provide a call service features in response to call control information conveyed by a monitored bearer channel in a telecommunications network. A bearer channel monitor captures the call control information and relays the information to a call control application server. The call control application server analyzes the call control information, and provides call control instructions to a call control node that operates in the telecommunications network to effect the call service. The call control node serves as one or more virtual switching points in the network to directly control call routing without disconnecting a called or calling party, unless required as part of a service feature. Control from a center of the telecommunications network provides rapid and efficient call control without use of edge devices or duplication of bearer channels in the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently utilizing resources in a switched telephone network by providing call treatment at the closest available resource to the calling party preventing holding up network connection through to the terminating location if resources are not available at call termination equipment to handle a call. The selected calls are locally parked pending the availability of service termination resources to handle the call. The availability of service resources at the termination is determined before a selected call is extended through the network. Advantageously while the call is parked call treatment discrimination can be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating calling parties prior to call connection at a service facility uses the correlation of the call with a security message received over a data network. The correlation is made possible with an encoded string inserted into a field (such as the user-to-user information (UUI) field) of a call set-up signaling message used to initiate the call, and a correlate of the encoded string inserted into the security message. The authentication is provided at an authentication site that is logically separate from the service facility. The call is first connected to the authentication site, an authentication procedure is preferably selected and customized, and then performed. A security message is generated that includes information related to the client and the encoded string. The call is then disconnected from the authentication site, and reconnected to the service facility.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating information retrieved from a data network, with a telephone call initiated by an initial address message (IAM) at a multi-line facility, such as a call center or a voice access server (VAS), hinges on extracting an identifier string inserted into the user-user-interface field of the IAM, and accompanying the information. The information is used to perform an enhanced service feature which may include aiding the selection of an internal line at call center's call distributor, or the selection and customization of delivery of a service feature, at a VAS. The information may also be displayed at a display terminal associated with a call center agent handling the call.