Abstract: A network architecture and methodology provides two stages or levels of network redirection to allow effective importation of storage into either or both of a client/requester and a server. Each level of redirection is achieved through the establishment of a bi-directional communication link, preferably by the creation of an access list or export file at each host containing a portion of a distributed resource. By using two levels of network redirection, a terminal communicates only with a single, predetermined server, thus permitting the use of user-friendly Lan server systems. The predetermined server communicates with the remainder of the network as a client through the network communication protocols, thus removing constraints on operating systems which may be running at hosts. Full access to the distributed resource is thereby made transparent to the user and operational limitations engendered by limitations of hard disk capacity at terminals and servers are overcome.

Abstract: A telephone response mechanism provides a response to a caller and an opportunity for the caller to leave a message. The telephone response mechanism is utilized when a telephone call arrives with no one to answer it. The response is made up of three portions. A first portion is automatically generated by a data processing system based upon the time of day, e.g. "Good morning". A second portion is a recorded message identifying the person being called, e.g. "This is John Doe. I am not currently available." The third portion is created from information obtained from a database on the data processing system, such as a calendar database or a personnel database. The third portion explains to the caller where the user (the person being called) is or when the user will return. The third portion is automatically updated whenever the user updates the database. A lockout feature is provided to deny the telephone response mechanism access to selected entries in the database.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for the efficient distribution of messages utilizing a data processing system. A distribution channel is selected in response to a user selection of a particular distribution media. If transmission via the selected distribution channel fails, an alternate distribution media is automatically selected and the message converted to that alternate distribution media. Transmission is then attempted utilizing the alternate distribution media via a different distribution channel. In one depicted embodiment of the present invention the process of automatically selecting a different distribution media and attempting transmission via a different distribution channel continues until such time as a transmission is successful or a specified maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred.