Abstract: Generalized conferencing is implemented using a special conferencing matrix that maps conference inputs to conference outputs. The conferencing matrix defines respective output media to be provided to each of the conference participants based on respective input media received from the other conference participants.

Abstract: A real-time collaboration center and method for using the same are described herein which enables a caller (end-user) to have a real-time collaboration session with a call center agent. In one embodiment, the real-time collaboration center is able to create a new real-time collaboration session for a caller where the caller is routed to the real-time collaboration session in which they might be joined by an automated call center agent which could provide product information and/or gather information to/from the caller while they wait for the live call center agent. When a live call center agent with the appropriate skill set becomes available, then he/she receives an invitation to join the real-time collaboration session where the two parties can then interact with voice, instant messaging, application/desktop sharing, and other media.

Abstract: Speed conferencing is facilitated using a speed conference group. A conference server provides a conference room for managing a conference call between conference participants belonging to the speed conference group. The conference server uses the speed conference group to call the conference participants within that speed conference group to invite the conference participants to join the conference call in the conference room.

Abstract: An IP telephone appliance providing secure voice communication and data transmission for itself and other IP devices and applications associated with it. The IP telephone appliance incorporates a processor for converting voice signals received from a user into VoIP packets, and an IPSec stack encoding packets prior to transmission. The IP telephone appliance also encodes packets on behalf of other devices and applications prior to transmitting the packets to a destination. When encoded voice or data packets are received from a source device, the IP telephone appliance decodes the packets and determines their destination. If the IP telephone appliance is the ultimate destination, the voice/data packets are converted to voice/telephony signals and provided to the user. Otherwise, if the ultimate destination is another device on the network, the IP telephone appliance forwards the decoded packets to the ultimate destination.

Abstract: Communications between oil platform operators and radio users on oil platforms are facilitated using a conference server that provides software-based conference rooms enabling the oil platform operators to speak and listen to desired radio users and other oil platform operators.

Abstract: A presence aware Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system is provided that has capabilities of presence subscription, notification and management. The system sends notifications to subscribed user agent clients (UACs) indicating that the telephone set is off-hook or on-hook. If the telephone set user interacts with a PBX's IVR or voicemail systems, additional types of notification messages such as “out-of-the-office”, “do-not-disturb”, and the like may also be sent. The system may also provide capability for granting or rejecting subscriptions to UACs that want to monitor a telephone user's presence state. Optional external subscription and notification servers, coupled to the PBX via IP and telephony trunks, may operate on behalf of the PBX and provide additional presence services.

Abstract: An IP telephone appliance providing secure voice communication and data transmission for itself and other IP devices and applications associated with it. The IP telephone appliance incorporates a processor for converting voice signals received from a user into VoIP packets, and an IPSec stack encoding packets prior to transmission. The IP telephone appliance also encodes packets on behalf of other devices and applications prior to transmitting the packets to a destination. When encoded voice or data packets are received from a source device, the IP telephone appliance decodes the packets and determines their destination. If the IP telephone appliance is the ultimate destination, the voice/data packets are converted to voice/telephony signals and provided to the user. Otherwise, if the ultimate destination is another device on the network, the IP telephone appliance forwards the decoded packets to the ultimate destination.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed including a first digital telephone set, a second digital telephone set, or its processing equivalent, having a private branch exchange (PBX)-paging server interface, and a PBX operative between the first digital telephone set and the second digital telephone set, wherein the second digital telephone set transmits text messages received from the first digital telephone set to a paging server via the PBX-paging server interface and wherein the paging server transmits the text messages to a pager.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting call detail record (CDR) data in a multi-site enterprise environment and providing call accounting services based on such information. A single multi-site IP buffer box (MIBB) receives CDR data from several private branch exchange (PBX) units over an IP network in real time. The MIBB maintains a table with the IP addresses of each PBX unit from which CDR data may be received. Each IP address is associated with a particular PBX and/or enterprise site. For each CDR ticket received, the MIBB identifies the particular PBX unit transmitting the CDR ticket based on the source address of the transmitting PBX unit. The MIBB then generates a CDR message including the CDR data and information on the particular PBX unit and/or enterprise site to which the CDR data pertains. The MIBB transmits the CDR message to a call accounting processor over a serial or network connection if the call accounting processor is enabled.