Abstract: In one aspect, a method for realizing a presence service with a buddy list that can be displayed on a display device of a terminal is provided. In an activated state, the buddy list itself is displayed, and in a deactivated state, the buddy list itself is not visible. The buddy list is updated by a control device during a change in state of at lest one subscriber to be monitored and/or of at least one device assigned to the subscriber. According to the invention, the updating of the buddy list ensues in the deactivated state by means of the control device while using a method other than one used in the activated state.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for realizing a presence service with a buddy list that can be displayed on a display device of a terminal is provided. In an activated state, the buddy list itself is displayed, and in a deactivated state, the buddy list itself is not visible. The buddy list is updated by a control device during a change in state of at lest one subscriber to be monitored and/or of at least one device assigned to the subscriber. According to the invention, the updating of the buddy list ensues in the deactivated state by means of the control device while using a method other than one used in the activated state.

Abstract: A conferencing system integrates multiple conference types into a mixed mode conference. The mixed mode conference may integrate text messaging (such as instant messaging) conferences, voice conferences, and other types of conferences. The conferencing system may enhance communication possibilities by allowing individuals that cannot participate in one type of conference to nevertheless communicate with others engaged in that type of conference.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for identifying a speaker participating in a conference. During the conference or collaboration event, users may participate in the conference via user or client devices (e.g., computers) that are connected to or in communication with a server or collaboration system. A person participating in and/or moderating a conference may want to know which of the other participants is speaking at any give time, both for those participants that have a unique channel to the conference (e.g., a single participant participating in the conference via a single telephone or other connection) as well as participants that are aggregated behind a single channel to the conference (e.g., three participants in a conference room with a single telephone line or other connection to the conference).