Abstract: A notification system is coupled to a plurality of message services including a voice mail server, an email server and an information server in an office. Messages left for a user (e.g. voice mail, email, CRM event, etc.) are deposited in folders maintained by the messaging services. The notification system detects additions to the user's folders and when a new message arrives, the notification system sends an alert to a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) enabled device (e.g. cell phone) configured for the user. The alert includes the total number of messages of each type received for the user, along with an indication of the most recently received message. The notification system may further monitor an information source for new information that may be of interest to the user (e.g. stock or product price quotes), and provide these in the alert notification if certain conditions are met (e.g. stock price exceeds a threshold).

Abstract: In accordance with a method and apparatus for providing unified communications and messaging management based on a user's presence information, a presence system is coupled to a PBX, a voice mail service and a LAN in an office. The presence system keeps track, in a secure manner, of registered users' current “presence context” (e.g. at desk, campus roam, at hotel, at home, etc.). When a call to a user is received by the PBX, the presence system forwards the call to the user in accordance with the user's current presence context. An IVR system may be provided to make communication and messaging options available to the caller, which options depend on the user's current presence context.