Abstract: An approach for providing an on-line directory assistance services is disclosed. An on-line directory assistance system includes a server that receives a request message for information over a packet switched network from an access device. The server forwards the information to the access device in response to the request message, wherein the information includes basic content data and optional enhanced content data. The system also includes a database that stores the information. Further, the server selectively receives a modification message to modify the enhanced content data associated with the information from the access device. The server then updates the database based upon the modification message.

Abstract: An approach for providing an on-line directory assistance services is disclosed. An on-line directory assistance system includes a server that receives a request message for information over a packet switched network from an access device. The server forwards the information to the access device in response to the request message, wherein the information includes basic content data and optional enhanced content data. The system also includes a database that stores the information. Further, the server selectively receives a modification message to modify the enhanced content data associated with the information from the access device. The server then updates the database based upon the modification message.

Abstract: An approach for providing an on-line directory assistance services is disclosed. An on-line directory assistance system includes a server that receives a request message for information over a packet switched network from an access device. The server forwards the information to the access device in response to the request message, wherein the information includes basic content data and optional enhanced content data. The system also includes a database that stores the information. Further, the server selectively receives a modification message to modify the enhanced content data associated with the information from the access device. The server then updates the database based upon the modification message.

Abstract: An approach for providing retrieval of information over a packet switched network is disclosed. A client is configured to transmit a request message for information over the packet switched network. A stateless-server is configured to communicate with the client and to forward a portion of the information to the client in response to the request message, wherein the client transmits a selection message specifying whether the remaining portion of the information should be retrieved from the server. The server selectively forwards the remaining portion of the information to the client. The above approach has particular applicability to a communication system providing directory assistance services.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a call request within a telecommunications system includes and involves a client sub-system that is configured to generate a call request and to transmit the same via the Internet. The call request includes a call termination address and a service identifier. The call termination address corresponds to a call termination station that is coupled to a switching system that is coupled to the telecommunications system. Also included and involved is an intelligent services network that is coupled to the client sub-system via the Internet and which is operative to receive and validate the call request and to process the call request in accordance with the service identifier. A telephony gateway sub-system is coupled to the intelligent services network via the switching system and to the client sub-system via the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a call request within a telecommunications system includes and involves a client sub-system that is configured to generate a call request and to transmit the same via the Internet. The call request includes a call termination address and a service identifier. The call termination address corresponds to a call termination station that is coupled to a switching system that is coupled to the telecommunications system. Also included and involved is an intelligent services network that is coupled to the client sub-system via the Internet and which is operative to receive and validate the call request and to process the call request in accordance with the service identifier. A telephony gateway sub-system is coupled to the intelligent services network via the switching system and to the client sub-system via the Internet.

Abstract: In support of an interactive telephony services system, a presence gateway provides presence information regarding availability of a called party to communicate using an instant communications client.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting multi-media conferencing. Textual information (e.g., text associated with a presentation) is received for display during a conference session to multiple participants. For a particular participant, configuration information corresponding to the participant specifies language assistance for the textual information. Language assistance involves augmenting the textual information according to the configuration information for comprehension of the textual information by the particular participant. In one embodiment, the augmented textual information includes language translation of the textual information. Additionally, the augmented textual information can encompass definitions of terms, including acronyms. The augmented textual information is forwarded for display to the participant during the conference session.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for achieving completion of a telephone call by way of an instant communications client.

Abstract: A messaging response system is disclosed wherein a service providing system provides services to users via messaging communications. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple respondents servicing users through messaging communications may appear to simultaneously use a common “screen name” identifier.

Abstract: A messaging response system is disclosed wherein a service providing system provides services to users via messaging communications. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple respondents servicing users through messaging communications may appear to simultaneously use a common “screen name” identifier.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products are disclosed for determining billable usage of a communications system where services are provided involving telephony and instant communications. In some exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides for authorizing the fulfillment of service requests based upon information pertaining to a billable account.

Abstract: A media translator is disclosed for converting among speech signals and textual information, such as between telephony speech signals and textual information communicated via a messaging communications system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for achieving completion of a telephone call by way of an instant communications client.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for achieving completion of a telephone call by way of an instant communications client.

Abstract: An interactive telephony services system is provided with instant communications function. In accordance with some embodiments, presence information related to the availability of a called party to be contacted via instant communications affects the handling of telephone calls to the called party. In accordance with some embodiments, a telephone call may be connected to an instant communications client used by a called party.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products are disclosed for determining billable usage of a communications system wherein services are provided via instant communications. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for authorizing the fulfillment of service requests based upon information pertaining to a billable account.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed which provide for a communications gateway to be operatively coupled to a messaging system. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, communications are established via the gateway responsive at least to messaging communications involving the communications gateway.

Abstract: An approach for providing an on-line directory assistance service system for charging for directory assistance services that are provided over a packet switched network is disclosed. The system includes a server that tracks the number of directory listings that are transmitted to and displayed on a client access device (e.g., non-PC devices) and to prepare billing information based upon the number of directory listings. The system also includes a database that is coupled to the server and that stores the directory listings.

Abstract: An approach for providing an on-line directory assistance services is disclosed. An on-line directory assistance system includes a server that receives a request message for information over a packet switched network from an access device. The server forwards the information to the access device in response to the request message, wherein the information includes basic content data and optional enhanced content data. The system also includes a database that stores the information. Further, the server selectively receives a modification message to modify the enhanced content data associated with the information from the access device. The server then updates the database based upon the modification message.