Abstract: A system includes an egress apparatus communicatively coupled with an ingress apparatus via at least one bi-directional network connection established for a given site. Each of the ingress and egress apparatuses includes packet categorizer to categorize each of the egress data packets based on packet evaluation thereof with respect to prioritization rules. Packet routing control places each outgoing data packet (from the ingress or egress apparatus) in one of multiple according to the categorization of each respective packet to control sending the packets according to the priority of the respective queue into which each packet is placed.

Abstract: As an example, a method includes storing, in non-transitory memory, prioritization rules that establish a priority preference for egress of data traffic for a first location. The first location includes a first location apparatus to control egress of data traffic for the first location apparatus and a second location apparatus at a second location, which is different from the first location, to receive data traffic and cooperate with the first apparatus to measure bandwidth with respect to the first location. The first location apparatus is coupled with the second location apparatus via at least one bidirectional network connection. The method also includes estimating capacity of the at least one network connection for the egress of data traffic with respect to the first location. The method also includes categorizing each packet in egress data traffic from the first location based on an evaluation of each packet with respect to the prioritization rules.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring availability of a contact are described. The apparatus includes an interface module for receiving a selection from a user that indicates the contact to be monitored. The apparatus also includes a presence change alert manager that is coupled to the interface module and is coupled to a network. The presence changer alert manager is configured to determine at least one relevant type of availability for the contact and to determine if availability information obtained from the network corresponds to a change in a relevant type of availability for the contact. The apparatus further includes a notification manager coupled to the presence change alert manager. If the presence change alert manager determines that the obtained availability information corresponds to a change of a relevant type of availability for the contact, the notification manager generates a notification alerting the user of the change.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring availability of a contact are described. The apparatus includes an interface module for receiving a selection from a user that indicates the contact to be monitored. The apparatus also includes a presence change alert manager that is coupled to the interface module and is coupled to a network. The presence changer alert manager is configured to determine at least one relevant type of availability for the contact and to determine if availability information obtained from the network corresponds to a change in a relevant type of availability for the contact. The apparatus further includes a notification manager coupled to the presence change alert manager. If the presence change alert manager determines that the obtained availability information corresponds to a change of a relevant type of availability for the contact, the notification manager generates a notification alerting the user of the change.

Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.

Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.

Abstract: A telephony system is presented that enables a phone to access a directory and use the directory in conjunction with other phone functions. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, a function module, a filter module, a presentation module, a phone interface module, and a storage interface module. A server sends a signal to a phone regarding the contents of a directory. A server also enables a user to navigate through the directory, filter the directory, and perform call functions on phone numbers associated with directory entries.