Abstract: An instant message is communicated from a controller device to a target device. The instant message includes a command and one or more optional parameters associated with the command. Upon authentication and validation of the instant message and the command (and any optional parameters), the command is executed. The target device generates a second instant message having at least one of a response, a result, and a status associated with at least one of the authentication, validation, and execution. The second instant message is communicated to the controller device. The controller device authenticates the second instant message and validates at least one of the response, the result, and the status. As a particular example, the controller device represents a communication device such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant, and the target device represents a media application server capable of supporting one or more communication sessions such as conference calls.

Abstract: A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program detect one or more events that are related to a conference call. The apparatus, method, and computer program then send one or more instant messages to one or more participants associated with the conference call. The one or more events could include, for example, a participant joining the conference call, a participant exiting the conference call, a participant failing to log into the conference call correctly, a participant transferring to another communication device during the conference call, a beginning of the conference call, and an end of the conference call.

Abstract: An instant message associated with a conference call is received. At least some of the contents of the instant message are converted into speech, which may be represented as an audio stream. The speech is then provided to at least one participant associated with the conference call. The speech provided to the at least one participant may further include additional speech in addition to the speech corresponding to the contents of the instant message. The additional speech could, among other things, identify a participant who sent the instant message.

Abstract: A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program allow a chairperson or other participant to enter a pass code for a conference call dynamically. Other participants are then prompted for the pass code. Participants who enter the correct pass code are allowed to join a conference bridge, while participants who enter an incorrect pass code are not.