Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a user to access an intranet from within a systems interface to back-end legacy systems. A user logs a computer into a systems interface which permits access to back-end legacy systems. The computer accesses the systems interface over a wireline or a wireless communications network. Preferably, the systems interface is located on at least a first network address. Preferably, the systems interface includes a first server with middleware for managing the protocol interface, the first server being located at the first network address. Preferably, the systems interface includes a second server for receiving requests and generating legacy transactions. When the user is logged on, a client application for the systems interface is running on the computer. Next, the user launches a shared network software application, preferably a browser. The user may or may not minimize the client application, but the user remains logged-on.

Abstract: In one aspect, a customer service information system includes a technician server configured to communicate with at least one input device used by a service technician at a customer service location and with a global satellite positioning system. The technician server is capable of directing the global satellite positioning system to obtain a set of coordinates associated with the customer service location upon receiving a data transmission from the input device.

Abstract: A system and method for documenting delays associated with a project. The present invention includes provisions that enables a field personnel working on a project on the field to document excusable delays as the delays are encountered. The field personnel is equipped with a communications device that has access to a server. During a communications session between the communications device and the server, the field personnel uses the communications device to upload project information related to the delays to the server. The server then invokes or updates a DMT to document the time associated with the delays. The delay time documented in the DMT is then subtracted from a total time reported by a maintenance clock associated with the project.

Abstract: A mobile gateway interface that enables a supervisor to conduct typical office transactions via a remote device while the supervisor is away from the office. The remote device can be one of several items, including, for example, wireless telephones, interactive pagers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers with wireless modem, and the like. The supervisor uses the remote device to log into the mobile gateway interface. After the authentication process, the supervisor makes a transaction request through the remote device. A transaction server, which is part of the mobile gateway interface, interacts with one or more resources to process or execute the transaction request. The resources can include an intranet, the Internet, and various legacy systems. Preferably, the mobile gateway interface includes one or both voice and front-end data servers that facilitate the authentication process and execution of the transaction request.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating directions for traveling from a first service location to at least a second service location. One exemplary method embodiment includes obtaining through a server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first service location; obtaining through the server at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second service location; transmitting the “from” and the “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and receiving directions from the mapping system based on the “to” and the “from” coordinates. Another exemplary method embodiment includes receiving first knowledge of one or more service personnel locations, receiving second knowledge of one or more service locations, and applying an algorithm with a computer using the first and the second knowledge to facilitate moving a service person to a most appropriate service location.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided for a telephone having a keypad and a display. The cover has a keypad portion for covering the keypad of the telephone to protect the telephone at the keypad, and a display portion for covering the display of the telephone to protect the telephone at the display.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating directions for traveling from a first service location to at least a second service location. One exemplary method embodiment includes obtaining through a server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first service location; obtaining through the server at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second service location; transmitting the “from” and the “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and receiving directions from the mapping system based on the “to” and the “from” coordinates. Another exemplary method embodiment includes receiving first knowledge of one or more service personnel locations, receiving second knowledge of one or more service locations, and applying an algorithm with a computer using the first and the second knowledge to facilitate moving a service person to a most appropriate service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for collecting and transmitting data obtained in association with service performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes the steps of: accessing an access device operatively connected to a technician server of the telecommunications system; displaying at least one screen on the access device, wherein the screen is adapted to receive data collected in association with the service performed at the customer location; completing the screen with at least a portion of the collected data; and, transmitting the completed screen to the technician server. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided. One system embodiment includes at least one access device operatively associated with a technician server. The access device is configured to display at least one screen adapted to receive data collected in association with the service performed at the customer location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.