Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for managing calls for a subscriber, including accessing a calling plan while the subscriber is in an existing active call with at least one other party. The call is placed or received by the subscriber at a first device. At least one service feature of the calling plan is invoked during the active call. This service feature includes an add callers feature for adding at least one additional party to the existing active call between the subscriber and the other party. The service feature additionally includes a transfer devices feature for transferring the existing active call to at least one additional device of the subscriber and hanging up on the first device by the subscriber to confirm the transfer of the call to the additional device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for managing calls from a calling party to a called party. The method includes receiving, an incoming call designated to arrive at the called party's telephone without ringing the called party's telephone. The method also includes retrieving profile information associated with the called party, wherein the profile information includes quiet time service. Further included in the method are the steps of prompting the calling party to leave a message; and allowing the called party's telephone to ring if the calling party does not wish to leave a message. The call management method of the present invention allows such a barge-through, irrespective of the identity of the calling party.

Abstract: An implementation of a voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) system for accomplishing two-way, three-way and conference calling between two or more parties is disclosed, in which new call features are readily adapted. The VoIP system is implemented in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) framework in which aspects of Distributed Feature Composition (DFC) architecture are modified and applied to overcome known limitations in the adaptability of existing VoIP frameworks.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a general-purpose media layer for a distributed feature system. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a distributed feature system environment is disclosed in which paths carrying media, e.g. voice or text, are fully separated from signaling paths. A plurality of media processing components are utilized to establish media channels separate from signaling channels and wherein each media processing component is assigned to one or more feature components in the distributed feature system.

Abstract: A method for placing a call intended for an enhanced network user on hold is disclosed. A calling party is enabled to select the type of information which is provided to the calling party while the calling party is on hold by using a Distributed Feature Network (DFN) architecture. The DFN includes a plurality of feature boxes with each feature box being created for the purpose of enabling a particular communication feature. A call intended for one of a group of ENUs is received by the DFN and an estimated hold time is determined for the call. The hold time is communicated to a caller associated with the call and the caller is provided with a list of options for information to be received by the caller while the caller is on hold. The caller's selection of a hold option is received by the DFN. A feature box is created for providing the caller with the selected information option, and the call is connected to the created feature box.

Abstract: A method for placing a call intended for an enhanced network user on hold is disclosed. A calling party is enabled to select the type of information which is provided to the calling party while the calling party is on hold by using a Distributed Feature Network (DFN) architecture. The DFN includes a plurality of feature boxes with each feature box being created for the purpose of enabling a particular communication feature. A call intended for one of a group of ENUs is received by the DFN and an estimated hold time is determined for the call. The hold time is communicated to a caller associated with the call and the caller is provided with a list of options for information to be received by the caller while the caller is on hold. The caller's selection of a hold option is received by the DFN. A feature box is created for providing the caller with the selected information option, and the call is connected to the created feature box.