Abstract: The present invention provides a centralized messaging service method and apparatus in which a message is sent to each of a subscriber's messaging services. When a sending party wishes to leave a message for a receiving party, the sending party activates his/her user device and enters the access number for the centralized message service. The centralized message service receives the communication signals from the sending party which include a receiving party identifier and the message to be sent. The centralized message service then retrieves profile information from a database corresponding to the messaging services of the receiving party based on the receiving party identifier entered by the sending party. The centralized message service then forwards the message to a portion of the receiving party's messaging services based on the profile information retrieved from the database.

Abstract: An easy to use (easy-reach) dialing system that connects a calling party with a called party based on data received over a first communication channel and a second communication channel. A calling party calls an easy-reach device and sends data to the easy-reach device over a second communication channel. The easy-reach device calls the called party based on data received over the second communication channel and connects the calling party with the called party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for updating the telephone number in a subscriber's profile to the telephone number at the subscriber's current location based on a revertive call. When a revertive call is received by a system from a subscriber, the subscriber's number is identified and compared to a default number in the subscriber's profile. The call is connected and the system checks whether the telephone number is the same as the number stored in the subscriber's profile. If the subscriber's number is different than the number stored in the subscriber's profile, after the call is terminated, the system queries the subscriber as to whether the subscriber would like to have calls forwarded to his or her current telephone number for a particular length of time.

Abstract: Accordingly to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing caller initiated third party billing in a telecommunication system is disclosed. First, a predetermined number is dialed by the subscriber to access the third party billing feature. The subscriber is then prompted to enter proper identification and the telecommunication system authenticates the subscriber identification. Once the subscriber's identification has been authenticated, the system retrieves the subscriber's account information. The system then determines the phone number of the selected telephone the subscriber wants to make calls from. The system then sends the subscriber's account information and the phone number the subscriber wants to make the calls from to a billing server. The billing server then sends the subscriber's account information to a local exchange carrier responsible for the selected telephone.

Abstract: Call center functions are provided to a plurality of remotely located customer service representatives (CSRs) via a data network, such as the Internet. Each CSR station includes a telephone and a computer. Separate log-in procedures for the computer and the telephone improve system security. Incoming calls are routed to an available CSR. A call control server provides call control pages that include a set of clickable commands (e.g., transfer, hold, conference, speed-dial buttons, and the like) and telephone digits to CSR computers that allow CSRs to remotely control telephone calls. A merchant server can also provide a merchant application page to CSR computers to allow CSRs to process customer calls.

Abstract: A paging service decides whether a subscriber may be paged, or is busy and should not be paged, depending on the subscriber's location. The subscriber's location is either transmitted by his 2-way pager, or determined by determining the identity of the cell site used to relay the pager's signal. The status corresponding to a cell site may be fixed, or may vary with a schedule or subscriber preference information stored in a memory.

Abstract: An intelligent pager remotely manages an E-Mail server that receives E-Mail messages transmitted over an E-Mail network. Useful E-Mail messages can be identified by the pager and separated from the junk mail. The pager remotely controls the server to forward messages as directed by the recipient. The E-Mail server sends a summary of the E-Mail message to the pager over a different network so that the pager can select a forwarding destination for the message. The pager sends a selection signal to the E-mail server which then forwards the E-Mail message to the selected destination. The E-Mail message can be forwarded by the server over another network, such as the public telephone network, to a computer or a FAX machine at the recipient's office, home or other destination.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a parent to control the use of an ancillary credit or debit transaction card which is issued to a child. A central computer communicates with an issuer computer having a data base containing account information and spending limits for the transaction card and the parent can set a spending limit for the ancillary card given to the child. When the child presents the ancillary transaction card to a merchant in payment of merchandise, the merchant swipes the card and contacts a central computer for card authorization. If the credit limit of the ancillary card holder has been exceeded according to the data base, a method of contacting the parent is transmitted to the central computer.

Abstract: A technique is provided for establishing data communications links and associated telephone calls between customers and customer service representatives. Customers access the Internet from clients. A merchant provides an on-line catalog using a Web server. When the customer requests that a customer service representative contact the customer, linking information is provided to the client. When one of the customer service representatives is available, the server sends a notification packet to the client to notify the customer and to provide the customer with an opportunity to decide whether or not to continue. If the customer decides to continue, an Internet communications link and telephone call are established between the customer and the customer service representative based on the linking information.

Abstract: E-Mail messages transmitted over an E-Mail network are routed to an E-Mail server servicing the recipient, where useful E-Mail messages can be identified, separated from the junk mail, and forwarded as directed by the recipient. The E-Mail server sends a summary of the E-Mail message to the recipient over a different network so that the recipient can select a forwarding destination for the message. The recipient sends a selection signal to the E-mail server which then forwards the E-Mail message to the selected destination. The E-Mail message can be forwarded by the server over another network, such as the public telephone network, to a computer or a FAX machine at the recipient's office, home or other destination.

Abstract: A communication system for remotely re-selecting and re-transmitting received electronic mail at a destination terminal to another destination terminal using a remote communication device, e.g., a two-way pager. The system includes an electronic mail server coupled to an electronic mail network, a backbone and an alert network. The electronic mail server receives electronic mail messages from the electronic mail network or from the backbone network. Each received mail message includes a sender identification, an E-mail identification and a destination terminal. The server generates and transmits over the alert network a select signal and a message summary to the communication device when an E-mail has been received from a destination terminal. A communication device stores the message summaries and displays them as a user scrolls the message summaries. The user through a keyboard in the device may select and revise a message summary by entering a new destination in the message summary.