Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing a prepaid metering system an electric utility meter interface. The prepaid metering system includes a meter interface a customer interface unit and a revenue management system.

Abstract: A unified messaging system is provided that includes two-way synchronization and replication of messages. The unified messaging system includes a workstation, a voice-mail server, and an e-mail server. The workstation may be a personal computer, for example. The workstation includes an agent to monitor messaging activities within the workstation mailbox. Also, the voice-mail server includes a proxy e-mail client (PEC) to operate and retrieve e-mail messages in the absence of the workstation. In accordance with the system and method of the invention, two-way synchronization and replication is provided. The two-way synchronization and replication operates between the workstation and the voice-mail server. Specifically, the replication operates between the e-mail store, e.g., the mailbox, of the workstation and the voice-mail store of the voice-mail server. The replication duplicates messages in each of the mailbox of the workstation and the voice-mail message store of the voice-mail server.

Abstract: A telephone switching system and computer implemented method to enhance the integration of an independent voice mail system and a telephone exchange switch. The system also includes telephone sets in communication with the switch and a voice mail system with the telephone sets which include a display device and a manual switch that provide an interactive relationship between the telephone set and the user. Predetermined messages are exchanged serially between the voice mail system and the telephone exchange switch to provide enhanced functionality of the telephone switching system.