Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for sending a server-specified message from an application server to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) without setting up a call path between the application server and the CPE. The application server is coupled with a switch, which is in turn coupled with the CPE. The application server sends a request to the switch. The switch sends, based upon the request, a predetermined server-specified message to the CPE without setting up a call path between the application server and the CPE. The CPE is not rung and the predetermined message is not affected by the features of the line associated with the CPE.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a telecommunications switching system, at least one subscriber terminal coupled to the switching system, at least one telecommunications agency coupled to the switching system. The agency stores subscriber information and provides the information to external requestors in the form of subscriber service images defining services and features to be provided for subscribers. The subscriber terminal includes a portable subscriber module identifying the subscriber and optionally contains information defining services and features to be provided for the subscriber by the subscriber terminal and the switching system. The switching system has a facility for storing all subscriber-related information as a plurality of transient subscriber service images defining the services and features to be provided for subscribers having pending or active calls.

Abstract: The system for providing calling party privacy during subscriber call screening for a central office switching system enables a subscriber to monitor and intercept the last forwarded, active call to the Voice Messaging System, while providing the calling party with privacy as the voice messaging system provides the prerecorded instructions/message to the calling party. The calling party privacy feature delays call screening alerting to the subscriber to prevent the subscriber from monitoring the call connection until the calling party is recording their message on the voice messaging system. Depending on the method used, once the calling party privacy feature requirements are satisfied, the subscriber call screening system notifies the subscriber of the presence of a calling party who is recording a message for the subscriber on the Voice Messaging System.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for ordering the delivery of a plurality of messages to a destination telecommunications customer. Messages are received in an output gateway. If the customer is available, a message is immediately delivered. If the customer is not available, the message is stored in one of a plurality of queues, each queue corresponding to a precedence level for a received message. When the customer becomes available, stored messages are transmitted from the queue highest priority messages being transmitted first; lowest priority messages being transmitted last. Advantageously, this arrangement ensures that the most important messages are delivered to the customer as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a telecommunications switching system, at least one subscriber terminal coupled to the switching system, at least one telecommunications agency coupled to the switching system. The agency stores subscriber information and provides the information to external requestors in the form of subscriber service images defining services and features to be provided for subscribers. The subscriber terminal includes a portable subscriber module identifying the subscriber and optionally contains information defining services and features to be provided for the subscriber by the subscriber terminal and the switching system. The switching system has a facility for storing all subscriber-related information as a plurality of transient subscriber service images defining the services and features to be provided for subscribers having pending or active calls.