Abstract: Architecture for a communication system providing a user experience that includes a conversation environment and a meeting embodiment in a single application. A navigation menu enables the user to select between multiple communications environments, including a conversations environment. Multiple conversation threads can be accessed in various conversation formats, including formats associated with instant messaging, group chat, a telephone call, voice, video, email, application sharing, or an online meeting. A meeting environment can be navigated for accessing one or more meetings. Other suitable communications environments can be also be navigated from the same navigation menu, besides the conversation environment and meeting environment. The communications system and application also includes a selection pane for displaying a list of the conversation threads or meetings, depending on the environment selected by the user. A preview pane can also be included in the communications system.

Abstract: A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.

Abstract: Static user information such as address, title, phone number(s), email address(es) and dynamic user information such as location, calendar, current phone number(s), etc. are combined in a dynamically updateable subscriber contact card for publishing to other applications. The subscriber contact card also includes user defined access controls for restricting access to portions of the information by select users. Other applications provide services such as communication services based on up-to-date information through the subscriber contact card.

Abstract: A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.

Abstract: Architecture for a communication system providing a user experience that includes a conversation environment and a meeting embodiment in a single application. A navigation menu enables the user to select between multiple communications environments, including a conversations environment. Multiple conversation threads can be accessed in various conversation formats, including formats associated with instant messaging, group chat, a telephone call, voice, video, email, application sharing, or an online meeting. A meeting environment can be navigated for accessing one or more meetings. Other suitable communications environments can be also be navigated from the same navigation menu, besides the conversation environment and meeting environment. The communications system and application also includes a selection pane for displaying a list of the conversation threads or meetings, depending on the environment selected by the user. A preview pane can also be included in the communications system.

Abstract: Static user information such as address, title, phone number(s), email address(es) and dynamic user information such as location, calendar, current phone number(s), etc. are combined in a dynamically updateable subscriber contact card for publishing to other applications. The subscriber contact card also includes user defined access controls for restricting access to portions of the information by select users. Other applications provide services such as communication services based on up-to-date information through the subscriber contact card.

Abstract: Callers are enabled to choose among available communication modes based on information about a called party's mobile status. Mobile status information including whether or not the called party is in motion, their speed if they are in motion, a direction of their movement, as well as their location, can be received from sources such as a presence server, a GPS service, and other information sources. Inferences are made based on the received information and available and/or recommended communication modes suggested to the caller.