Abstract: A file conversion system provides a plurality of network computing platforms, each computing platform having one or more conversion engines executing thereon. When a file is to be transferred, a plurality of destination file types is determined. If all destination file types are different from the file's current type, the file is converted to a file having a type corresponding to one of the destination file type. If the file needs to be converted, then a conversion path, potentially passing through multiple conversion engines associated with a least conversion cost is chosen to perform the conversion. The file is sent to the computing platform on which the conversion engines associated with the least cost conversion are executing. Moreover, the least cost conversion can take into account the destination cost. Conversion costs are determined using a table of costs for performing various conversions.

Abstract: Compliance with subscriber job delivery requirements is managed and tracked. Job requirements set forth in service level agreements are stored electronically as delivery parameters. A queue manager creates a prioritized list of delivery jobs. A delivery manager delivers the jobs in accordance with the prioritized list. A routing manager determines optimal routes, e.g., least cost route for delivery of each job. Retries of jobs that are not successfully delivered can be performed. delivery job sources include broadcast subscribers, high- and low-priority single address subscribers, free subscribers and off-peak subscribers.

Abstract: An automated message distribution system routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks and local area networks to the most desired route. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages enter into a local area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, and are sent to their destinations in a distributed manner. The paths or routes are calculating by using a set of customized rules. The customized rules are set to distribute messages evenly among the available paths.

Abstract: A control process controls transmission of digitally encoded messages (DEMs) over a data communications network to allow real-time performance. The control process establishes a communication path which DEMs are sent. The control process can operate according to any data communications protocol, including the protocol native to the communicating device. The control process can establish communication paths based upon least-cost routing determinations. When there is insufficient bandwidth or excessive latency, the control process can choose a secondary path over which to transmit a DEM.

Abstract: A telephony to data re-routing system (TDR) re-routes telephony communication over a wide-area network (WAN) or over a Public switched telephone network (PSTN). The TDR is coupled to a PBX which is configured to route telephony data to the TDR. The TDR processes the telephony data by converting it to a form that can be transmitted over the WAN. The TDR can also re-route the data back through the PBX for transmission over a PSTN. The TDR maintains the traditional telephony interface of dialing in response to a dial tone. Using the TDR, telephony users gain advantages offered by WAN data transmission including store-and-forward delivery, optimized bandwidth allocation, and secure data transmission without having to learn a new user interface. In addition, multiple call originator telephone devices can use a single TDR.

Abstract: A control process controls transmission of digitally encoded messages (DEMs) over a data communications network to allow real-time performance. The control process establishes a communication path which DEMs are sent. The control process can operate according to any data communications protocol, including the protocol native to the communicating device. The control process can establish communication paths based upon least-cost routing determinations. When there is insufficient bandwidth or excessive latency, the control process can choose a secondary path over which to transmit a DEM.

Abstract: A pro-active message delivery system which routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks to most cost-effectively deliver the messages, subject to security, privacy, and availability considerations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages entered into a wide area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, are sent to their destination using the most cost-effective route, by calculating the cost of sending the message via the available routes, and selecting the lowest cost route. Generally, the lowest cost route might use the node on the wide area network closest to the recipient of the message, or might use or node located in an area which charges off-peak rates at the time of transmission.

Abstract: An automated message distribution system routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks and local area networks to the most desired route. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages enter into a local area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, and are sent to their destinations in a distributed manner. The paths or routes are calculating by using a set of customized rules. The customized rules are set to distribute messages evenly among the available paths.

Abstract: A pro-active message delivery system which routes digitally-encoded messages via public-switched telephone networks and wide area networks to most cost-effectively deliver the messages, subject to security, privacy, and availability considerations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digitally encoded messages entered into a wide area network, either directly or via a public-switched telephone network, are sent to their destination using the most cost-effective route, by calculating the cost of sending the message via the available routes, and selecting the lowest cost route. Generally, the lowest cost route might use the node on the wide area network closest to the recipient of the message, or might use or node located in an area which charges off-peak rates at the time of transmission.