Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the likelihood that a first party will receive a timely response from a second party in response to a message initiated by the first party, and sending an indicator associated with the likelihood of receiving a timely response to a terminal associated with the first party. The likelihood of receiving a timely response can be determined from the response histories of the parties, the relationship of the parties, the types of messages and communication modalities, and presence information. The indicator also can be presented in conjunction with, or in addition to a presence indicator. Representative messages can include message-based communications such as text messaging, voice communications, and email communications. Timely responses can include the answering of a voice call, a return call, and reply to a message. Timeliness can depend on the communication modality that is used.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for handling a microflow includes receiving a workflow request that includes a task associated with the workflow and a contact address associated with the task, performing an operation associated with receiving the workflow request that includes at least one of opening a communication session with the contact address and sending a response to the workflow request to the contact address. The method further includes storing the task, prioritizing the task, and performing an operation associated with execution of the workflow including at least one of opening a communications session with the contact address, sending a status associated with performance of the task, and sending a completion status of the task.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for handling a microflow includes receiving a workflow request that includes a task associated with the workflow and a contact address associated with the task, performing an operation associated with receiving the workflow request that includes at least one of opening a communication session with the contact address and sending a response to the workflow request to the contact address. The method further includes storing the task, prioritizing the task, and performing an operation associated with execution of the workflow including at least one of opening a communications session with the contact address, sending a status associated with performance of the task, and sending a completion status of the task.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for handling a workflow includes receiving a workflow request that includes a task to be performed and a contact address associated with the task, and sending a message to the contact address such as an acceptance or rejection of the workflow request, a status regarding performance or completion of the task, an inquiry about the task, or a request to open a communications session for discussing the task. The method further includes storing the task in a workflow queue in a memory, dynamically prioritizing the task, and presenting an indication of one of the task, the workflow request, a message, and a request to open a communication session at a human-machine interface such as a display.

Abstract: A method for analyzing performance of a microflow can include logging a summary of information associated with a plurality of messages of the microflow that relates to a task and a contact address, logging a time stamp for each of the messages, logging a time stamp associated with performance of the task, and analyzing the information and time stamps to determine a metric relating to the microflow. The method can further include logging a summary of information associated with communication sessions, and the logging of the content of the messages. The metric can be compared to metrics of other microflows to evaluate the performance of a task of the microflow and evaluate messaging and communication sessions opened during execution of the microflow.

Abstract: A future-proof network comprising multiple independent core media and universal edge nodes is disclosed. The edge nodes are equipped to evaluate the performance of each of the core media. Network-fabric decoupling and, more importantly protocol decoupling, permit graceful retirement of inferior core media and growth of superior core media.