Abstract: The present invention enables an inter-network to provide enhanced conferencing services (such as, for example, multiple discussions, whispering and filtering) which includes one or more conference networks coupled to a service provider network over a public Internet, where the service provider network includes control features for establishing conferencing sessions. In particular, the present invention provides a conferencing (audio and/or video and/or the like networked conferencing with control features supportive of sub-conferencing) technology that incorporates enhanced control features (multiple discussions, whispering and filtering and the like) in an Internet-based solution by extending the traditional concept of “room” to “table” and “avatar” to organize a conferencing session.

Abstract: A telephony communications network supporting translation of private signaling codes for transmission over a private and/or IP network. A digital telephone emits a private signaling code for accessing a particular PBX function. An adapter coupled to the digital telephone translates the private signaling code into a SIP invite, request, response, information, notification message, and/or instant message if the private signaling code is destined for the IP network. If the private signaling code is not destined for the IP network, the private signaling code is not translated and is transmitted over the private network. If the private signaling code is destined for the IP network, the private signaling code is translated into a SIP message and transmitted over the IP network to a SIP user agent. A PBX is also coupled to the adapter that receives the private signaling codes. The codes are transmitted to the PBX for rendering a function for the digital telephone.

Abstract: An enhanced session initiation protocol (SIP) server is located at a call center for generating message bodies to be included within SIP request and/or response messages. A particular message body may provide information to a caller regarding status of a current call. If the call is unauthorized, the message body may further provide the caller with instructions as to the steps that need to be taken to become authorized. If the call is authorized, the message may provide the caller with other personalized information and/or promotional information in addition to the call status message. The SIP server may further compose messages to be transmitted to a call center agent. The SIP messages sent to the call center agent may include the caller's profile information for allowing the agent to have the information on hand prior to voice conversation.

Abstract: An integrated PBX and SIP telephony communications network supporting transmission of private signaling codes over SIP. A telephone emits a private signaling code for accessing a particular PBX function. An enhanced IP translator coupled to the telephone encapsulates the private signaling code within a SIP invite, request, response, information, notification message, and/or instant message. The SIP message with the encapsulated private signaling codes is transmitted over a communications network to a PBX. The PBX is also coupled to an enhanced IP translator that receives the SIP message and decapsulates the embedded private signaling codes. The codes are transmitted to the PBX for rendering a function for the telephone. A SIP user agent aware of the private signaling codes may also access functions provided by the PBX by encapsulating/decapsulating private signaling codes into/from SIP messages.

Abstract: An enhanced IP telephone taking advantage of the many call-related functions provided by existing PBX systems. The enhanced IP telephone includes a thin computer telephony integration (CTI) client transmitting to a CTI server a command associated with a particular call-related function provided by a PBX unit. The CTI server translates the command to a PBX command, and transmits the PBX command to the PBX unit for providing the particular call-related function to the enhanced IP telephone. Instead of the thin CTI client, the enhanced IP telephone may include an enhanced IP signaling protocol stack for accessing the PBX functionality using its signaling protocol. A CTI translator translates the enhanced signaling command to a CTI command for transmitting to the CTI server.

Abstract: A system for transmitting text messages over an enterprise network is disclosed. The system includes a network end device having a messaging application for constructing text message in a first format and a messaging server coupled to the network end device via the enterprise network for converting the text message from the first format to a second format. The messaging server may then forward text messages in the second format to a PBX via the enterprise network for transmitting the text message to one or more PBX phones. The messaging server may determine the PBX phones entitled to receive the message based on a stored policy rule.

Abstract: A system for conducting multimedia SIP sessions via multiple hosts, such as a PC and a telephone. Display data is transmitted to the session participant via the PC, and voice data is transmitted to the session participant via the telephone. An SIP split user agent proxy server receives an incoming SIP call from a calling client and transmits call signals associated with display data to the PC for allowing the PC to display documents, video, graphics, and/or text related to the call. Call signals associated with voice are transmitted to an SIP emulation client coupled to the telephone for allowing the telephone to engage in the voice communication.

Abstract: A system and method for providing call accounting services in a secure, cost-effective manner. A network enterprise includes an intelligent ticket collector (ITC) that retrieves call detail record (CDR) data generated by one or more private branch exchange units. The ITC retrieves the CDR data and transmits it, through encrypted email or other encrypted means, to a service provider over the Internet. The service provider receives, decrypts, and processes the CDR data for generating a call accounting report.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a SIP session between calling and called end-points. A SIP server receives a SIP INVITE request for establishing the SIP session. The SIP INVITE request includes standard routing information in its header. The SIP server receives the SIP INVITE request and responds by transmitting to the calling end-point a HTML link associated with a web server. In rendering the contents of the HTML link, the calling end-point transmits an HTTP request to the web server including voice cookie information. The voice cookie information may include information gathered about the caller such as the caller profile information, transaction information, caller intent information, or recent and past history associated with a web site domain. The web server forwards the voice cookies to the SIP server. The SIP server determines an address of the called end-point as a function of the routing information in the SIP INVITE request and the voice cookie information.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient and accurate establishment of SIP sessions between calling and called end-points. A calling endpoint creates a SIP INVITE request including a header portion and a body portion. The header portion includes standard routing information and the body portion includes additional information about the user and relevant to caller's intent. A SIP server receives a SIP INVITE request and determines an address of the called end-point as a function of the standard routing information contained in the header and the additional caller information contained in the body. The SIP server routes the session to the determined address.

Abstract: A switch with emulation client in a data communication network adhering to a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) . The switch is coupled to a legacy telephone which initiates or receives telephonic communication with a SIP-observant telephone or another legacy telephone over the SIP-observant network. The emulation client translates between PBX and SIP messages to allow the legacy telephone to communicate seamlessly over the SIP observant network. The switch is further coupled to a location server which storing redirection information for redirecting calls made to a particular number. The calls are preferably redirected based on the location where the user is scheduled to be at the time of the call.

Abstract: A system and method for centralizing property management and/or call accounting services for a hotel through a network-based service provider. This architecture allows hotels to migrate from existing premise-based systems for PMS and Call Accounting to a centralized system without the need for replacing the existing PBX system at each hotel premise. An internetwork for providing property management services includes a client network and a service provider network. The client network transmits to the service provider network a call parameter for a completed call. The service provider network preferably determines a cost for the completed call based on the call parameter and transmits the call cost information back to the client network to charge the cost to an account.