Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing financial data utilizing a communications network is described. In one embodiment, provisioning access is provided to a plurality of unrelated financial entities. The financial data received from the plurality of unrelated financial entities are stored in a secure data store, e.g., a secure network based mailbox.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing a call based on electronic calendar entries in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, a call request to establish a connection with a subscriber of network services is received. An electronic calendar associated with the subscriber is subsequently accessed. Afterwards, the call request is routed to a phone number associated to a present agenda activity detailed in the electronic calendar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber who is originating a call to a called party endpoint to specify call handling treatments when a busy or a no answer network condition is encountered when calling the called party endpoint with no subscribed network based voice mail service are disclosed. The subscriber, for example, can re-originate the call that is originally directed to a home phone number of the called party to a cellular phone number of the called party instead upon encountering a busy or no answer network condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calling parties to request the VoIP network to provide a special ring tone to be signaled as the occurrence of an urgent call to called parties are disclosed. Alternatively, a high frequency intercept tone or call waiting tone is also provided when the called parties are already engaged in conversation when an urgent call is incoming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a user to signal to the network that a call to be initiated or a call that is in progress needs to occur in a peer-to-peer relationship with the terminating endpoint. The network will then remove itself from the call signaling and media path and direct the signaling and media communication to occur directly between the two endpoints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to support video services by creating a display frame, such as a picture-in-picture display frame, on an active video display device, such as a television (TV), when an incoming call is received are disclosed. The calling party identification and the service logic to manipulate the call are displayed within the display frame. The network can provide service logic functions such as, but are not limited to, answering the call, sending to call to voice mailbox, providing a busy tone to the calling party, and forwarding the call to another SoIP endpoint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer businesses to advertise using commercials over streaming video contents to interact with interested consumers on a real time basis are disclosed. For example, the present method enables an advertiser to display phone numbers, e.g., toll free numbers, that the user can activate to participate in real time voice communication with the advertiser. This voice session can take place in an independent voice only session indicated in a separate display frame from the video session display frame on a television monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring pattern shifts in call patterns, e.g., call volumes and/or feature usage in a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network is disclosed. The present method collects performance data over a set period of time and constantly compares each periodic sample with the previous periodic sample on a rolling window basis. Changes of a pre-defined percentage threshold, e.g., approximately 30%, or more in a current sampled period are alarmed and monitored to preclude potential service disruptions. In one embodiment, upon receipt of these alarms, network elements that are vulnerable to discontinuities due to overload can be automatically reset or cleared of hung processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing trials and court proceedings to occur in a virtual manner using a one way video session and a two way voice session are disclosed. During the trials or court proceedings, the defendants and their testimony can be viewed by judges and jurors who remain in isolated rooms with their identities masked. Judges and attorneys can verbally intercede during the proceedings via a two way voice session but the video session for the duration of the trial is one way.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting service disruptions in a packet network is described. In one example, a plurality of data reports is received. A determination is then made as to whether a number of the plurality of data reports that pertain to a particular class has exceeded a predetermined threshold. In the event the threshold is exceeded, at least one notification is transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention enables an overlay capability to be invoked on network systems and elements that are designed to support multiple customer bases. Depending on the registered identification of the user, screens and other user interfaces that provide access to functions can be overlaid on the network component and segmented along customer classifications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer businesses to advertise using commercials over streaming video contents to interact with interested consumers on a real time basis are disclosed. Specifically, users who request a video session from the network may be exposed to commercial content while viewing the video content via a television monitor. The present method enables advertisers to display hyperlinks of their web sites to allow users to click on these hyperlinks using a pointer device to activate a web session. The web session would allow users to order products and services or obtain more information from the advertiser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing enterprises with the ability to provide telecommuting virtual number to these remote workers that are consistent with the dialing plans used internally at an enterprise location are disclosed. This telecommuting virtual number is routed through a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, to allow calls placed to and from these workers to be treated as local calls.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating at least one modification to at least one timeframe in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, a visual indicator is used to indicate the modification(s) made to the timeframe(s) associated with at least one test suite is provided. Similarly, a notification of the modification(s) is sent to at least one party impacted by the modification(s). In another example, approval for the modification(s) is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing transaction data in a packet network is described. In one embodiment, at least one routed call is received. Transaction data is subsequently obtained from the at least one routed call. In turn, the transaction data is provided to an entity (e.g., a business or store) associated locally to the at least one routed call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling consumers to scan RFID tags using home based endpoint devices that can transmit the scanned information to network based services are disclosed. Using the RFID scanned information, consumers can then access, retrieve and view additional information regarding products, in which RFIDs are embedded, on video display devices, such as televisions or video display monitors. This product related information can include interactive technical support, companion product information, or instructional guidelines.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.