Abstract: A method is provided that accesses a priority and a multimedia stream to be transmitted. The priority then is embedded within the multimedia stream. The multimedia stream thereafter is transmitted. Another method is provided that receives the multimedia stream that includes the priority. Here, another priority is accessed and both priorities are compared. The control of multimedia stream transmissions to other communication devices is based on this comparison.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining a first connection with respect to a conference call on a first endpoint associated with a user. The method also includes determining if the user has requested a second connection with respect to the conference call, and establishing the second connection with respect to the conference call if the user has requested the second connection. Finally, the method includes replacing the first connection with the second connection with respect to the conference call if the user has requested the second connection. Replacing the first connection with the second connection includes establishing the second connection with respect to the conference call through a second endpoint associated with the user. The second connection is established transparently with respect to the conference call, and replaces the first connection transparently.

Abstract: A method for reserving conference resources includes communicating a conference notification to each of a plurality of conference invitees. The conference notification is associated with a multipoint conference. The method includes receiving, from each of a first number of the plurality of conference invitees, a response to the conference notification indicating that the invitee will participate on the multipoint conference. The first number of the plurality of invitees comprises participating invitees. The method includes automatically determining, based on the responses to the conference notifications, a sufficient amount of resources to allow the participating invitees to communicate on the multipoint conference. The method also includes automatically reserving the determined sufficient amount of resources and hosting the multipoint conference between the participating invitees using the reserved resources.

Abstract: A method, system and reporting arrangement for providing an accurate address of a device which receives media are described. In particular, these method, system and reporting arrangement enable a request to be received for establishing communication with the device. In addition, the accurate address (which is an actual address) of the device is determined using the method, system and reporting arrangement. Thereafter, the request is responded to using a response, which includes the accurate address of the device that can be transmitted to the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method is provided which comprises recording a push-to-talk communication session comprising media segments, each media segment being associated with an endpoint device from which the media segment originated. A playback request for playback of at least one recorded media segment at an adjusted playback speed may be received and, in response to the playback request, a playback speed of the at least one recorded media segment may be adjusted relative to another recorded media segment. The recorded media including the segment with the adjusted playback speed may then be provided at a requesting endpoint device.

Abstract: A method of allocating, revoking and transferring resources from a pool of conference resources provided by a conference system comprises assigning a guaranteed status to at least some participants to a conference to be hosted by the system. At least some of the resources may be reserved for the guaranteed status participants, to enable the guaranteed status participants to participate in the conference. When another participant to the conference is received, the other participant may be assigned a provisional status. Unused resources in the pool of resources may be allocated as provisional resources to the provisional status participant and the participant is admitted to participate in the conference utilizing the provisional resources. The provisional resources may be reserved for, but are at the time not used by a guaranteed status participant. Borrowed resources may be reclaimed and transferred to the guaranteed status participant.

Abstract: A method, system and reporting arrangement for providing an accurate address of a device which receives media are described. In particular, these method, system and reporting arrangement enable a request to be received for establishing communication with the device. In addition, the accurate address (which is an actual address) of the device is determined using the method, system and reporting arrangement. Thereafter, the request is responded to using a response, which includes the accurate address of the device that can be transmitted to the device.

Abstract: A method of and system to determine which channels are accessible by a communication device in a push-to-talk communication network are disclosed. The method may comprise sending an identifying network connectivity message to the communication device across a particular network channel, the identifying network connectivity message including an identification code. The method further comprises querying the communication device for the identification code to determine if the communication device successfully received the identifying network connectivity message, thereby to establish if the particular network channel is accessible by the communication device.

Abstract: A communication system for providing multi-modal call management includes a communication manager, a notification database, and a personal assistant. The communication system can receive a call, collect caller identification information, generate a call notification, and send the call notification to one or more communication devices through one or more communication protocols. The communication system can also receive a response to the call notification and initiate an action regarding the call based on the call notification response. The communications system can perform all of these activities while maintaining the call in an offering state. The call management system allows a system user to manage an outstanding call using one or more of multiple communication devices, identified by the communication manager as being associated with the system user.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method for maintaining telephony Internet services includes providing a first pointer, the first pointer directing a terminal unit to access a first Internet server. A backup pointer is provided, the backup pointer directing the terminal unit to access one or more corresponding backup Internet servers. The first Internet server is accessed based on the first pointer. Upon system failure, the backup Internet server is accessed based on the backup pointer.

Abstract: A Network Auto-Discovery service is provided. In operation, an administrator inputs a set of IP (Internet Protocol) address ranges inside which the distributed system exists. The Auto-Discovery Unit (104) steps through the IP addresses in the ranges testing each one to determine if there is a machine at that IP address. If a machine is found at that address, an exploration process is begun. First, attempts are made to contact a Responder (112) on the machine. If one exists, the Responder (112) accepts the configuration information provided to it. Then the Responder (112) returns a set of objects that describe the hardware and software components of that machine. The returned information contains a list of management applications associated with system components. The Auto-Discovery Unit (104) then stores this information. The location and exploration process is repeated at scheduled intervals indefinitely.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method for maintaining telephony Internet services includes providing a first pointer, the first pointer directing a terminal unit to access a first Internet server. A backup pointer is provided, the backup pointer directing the terminal unit to access one or more corresponding backup Internet servers. The first Internet server is accessed based on the first pointer. Upon system failure, the backup Internet server is accessed based on the backup pointer.