Abstract: A system and method for caller identification, named certified caller ID (CCID) provides an enhancement to existing calling line identification services by providing the terminating end of a telephone call with a cryptographically-certified identity of the caller, rather than the identity associated with the calling telephone line. Advantageously, in the operation of CCID, the caller's identity is authenticated by a token, such as a smart card or other integrated circuit device which is capable of executing a cryptographic authentication protocol, optionally in conjunction with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or biometric confirmation. Beneficially, CCID works in conjunction with several associated Customer Local Area Signalling Services (CLASS), e.g. Selective Call Acceptance, Selective Call Forwarding and Distinctive Ring to provide special call treatment based on the identity of the caller.

Abstract: An integrated telecommunication collaboration system which allows the close integration of desktop computer applications, data communications, and public switched telephone network voice connections. Client software which implements the invention includes a voice agent for establishing telephone sessions, a data agent for establishing associated data sessions, a communications agent which synchronizes the date and voice agents, and an integration agent which integrates the data and voice communications with a computer operating system, and with various applications. The integrated telecommunication collaboration system controls the establishment of harmonized calls by sending and receiving various requests and status messages to and from a server, and another client.

Abstract: A graphical call status presentation system. A computer implemented method indicates the status of a communication session using graphical user interface elements. The graphical user interface elements are displayed on a toolbar which can be part of a desktop application or the computer operating system. A state persistence agent in conjunction with application-specific macros controls the graphical user interface elements. The system keeps a user informed of the status of various components of a communication session and also prevents the user from trying to activate functions which cannot be used.

Abstract: An audio conference system includes an audio telephone connection and a separate network computer connect. In arranging a conference with the audio conference system, a conference time and potential participants are designated. At the conference time, the audio conference system directs the public switched telephone network to place a telephone call to each of the potential participants and sends an invitation to a computer systems associated with the potential participants regarding the audio conference. The potential participants then return an indication of whether they desire to be audio conference participants and computer conference participants. If so, the audio conference system will send each computer participant display data with information about the audio conference including who is participating in the conference. Additional display data may also be included such as documents that are to be discussed during the conference.