Abstract: In one embodiment, a HTTP connection is established from a phone that serves as a client to a server that maintains a mailbox. The mailbox includes fax messages each having properties that indicate a sender and a state that indicates at least a status of read or unread. The phone that serves as the client permits a user to view one or more of the fax messages. The states of fax messages at the server are received at the phone that serves as the client using the HTTP connection. The states of corresponding fax messages are identified at the phone that serves as the client. One or more synchronization actions are performed to synchronize the states of fax messages at the server and the states of the corresponding fax messages at the phone that serves as the client.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a server maintains a plurality of fax messages associated with a user. Each fax message of the plurality of fax messages has a state that indicates at least a status of read or unread for the fax message. A HTTP connection is established between the server and a phone that serves as a client through which the plurality of fax messages are viewable. States of one or more fax messages are identified at the server and at the phone that serves as the client. One or more synchronization actions are performed, using the HTTP connection, to synchronize the one or more fax messages at the server and the one or more corresponding fax messages at the phone that serves as the client.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for utilizing location information in a virtual private branch exchange (vPBX) system are described. In some implementations, the vPBX system can use the location information to determine an availability status of a user of a mobile device (e.g., out of the office, in the office, at home, busy, and the like). The vPBX system can obtain the geographic coordinates of the mobile device and correlate these coordinates with known coordinates for locations associated with the user (e.g., the user's office, home, or other predefined locations). An inference of the user's availability can then be determined based on the correlation (e.g., whether the user is currently out of the user's office, at the user's home, or at another location). The user's availability can be made available to other users associated with the vPBX system, and can be used for call management (e.g., routing).

Abstract: Examples of inbound call identification and management are described including a call management system that includes one or more repositories that can include data representing call action policies and data representing attributes associated with the caller devices and the callee devices. Further, the call management system can include one or more computing devices that include a call identifier (“IDer”) configured to characterize the attributes of the caller devices to form characterized attributes, a call management system controller configured to match the characterized attributes against routing criteria specified in the data representing the call action policies, and a call management system router configured to route calls from the caller devices to the callee devices responsive to a match between the characterized attributes and the routing criteria.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the provisioning of a single and multi-line virtual private branch exchange (PBX) including automated call distribution via a mobile device are described. In some implementations, the provisioning of the single and multi-line virtual PBX can be achieved using one or more unique provisioning interfaces. The unique provisioning interfaces can enable the setup and configuration of a virtual PBX service account instantaneously from any geographical location at anytime. Changes made to the virtual PBX service account can be immediately reflected back (e.g., in real-time) to the system providing the core operating environment.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for enabling integration between various internet- or non-internet based communication services (e.g., as provided by different communications platforms and service providers) using a universal platform are described. In some implementations, a service manager is provided that can integrate call management capabilities with multiple communications platforms using the universal platform to enable seamless communication between the various platforms. For example, interactions between individual users on one or more platforms can be tracked in a single conversation history as a threaded interface. The universal platform can integrate with various platforms and third party protocols and services to provide call features that include, for example, call forwarding, call handling, multiple greeting prompts, call screening rules, ring-out rules, international calling, caller ID rules, after hours, and announcement prompts.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for generating and displaying various user interfaces for configuring one or more call handling rules associated with managing virtual PBX services rendered at an extension are described. The user interfaces can be used to configure virtual PBX services for a single- or multi-extension environment. The virtual PBX services can provide, for example, a main number, and calls made to the main number can be managed according to one or more sets of call handling rules associated with the virtual PBX services and which can be configured through the user interfaces. The user interfaces can be web-based interfaces accessible through a browser, and can be accessed only after a user or administrator has setup and activated the virtual PBX services.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus including computer program products having instructions for porting numbers are provided. In one example system and method, a vPBX system can receive a request from a user to port an existing phone number to the vPBX system. The vPBX server can identify a porting authentication template, based on the requirements of an existing service provider. The vPBX server generate a fax document on the retrieved template. The vPBX server can populate the generated fax document with user information. The vPBX server can receive a user's hand signature from a touch-screen interface of a mobile device. The vPBX server can authenticate the fax document with the received signature, and transmit the authenticated fax document to the existing service provider. The vPBX server can provide the user with a temporary line number with forwarding functions until porting is completed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for utilizing location information in a virtual private branch exchange (vPBX) system are described. In some implementations, the vPBX system can use the location information to determine an availability status of a user of a mobile device (e.g., out of the office, in the office, at home, busy, and the like). The vPBX system can obtain the geographic coordinates of the mobile device and correlate these coordinates with known coordinates for locations associated with the user (e.g., the user's office, home, or other predefined locations). An inference of the user's availability can then be determined based on the correlation (e.g., whether the user is currently out of the user's office, at the user's home, or at another location). The user's availability can be made available to other users associated with the vPBX system, and can be used for call management (e.g., routing).

Abstract: A unified messaging system, method, apparatus, individual components and the like are disclosed. The unified messaging system comprises a server, a client and a synchronization application for synchronizing voicemail messages and fax messages on both the server and the client is disclosed. The server messages may include received messages and sent messages, each of which is indexed according to their respective indices and read/unread statuses. Similarly, the client messages may include received messages and sent messages, each of which is indexed according to their respective indices and read/unread statuses.

Abstract: System and methods for preventing abusive use of a click-to-call callback function of virtual PBX services are disclosed. In some implementations, a challenge-response procedure can be implemented, and a click-to-call request is allowed when a correct response is timely received. In some implementations, one or more system wide policies can be applied in determining whether a click-to-call request should be allowed or denied. A system policy for blocking and unblocking requests having a particular request parameter (e.g., source IP address) is disclosed. An account specific policy for setting the state of a particular account targeted by a click-to-call request as normal, warning, or blocked, based on the current status of the particular account is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vPBX server manages calls in a bridged line appearance (BLA) group. A BLA group can include extensions for location-aware mobile devices. The vPBX server contains location based forwarding rules that can be applied together with BLA redirection rules in managing incoming calls. A single extension can appear as a user interface element (e.g., an icon or button) on multiple mobile devices. Using the user interface element, a primary user can view a secondary user's status, including the secondary user's location information. The vPBX server allows the primary user to redirect the incoming calls to devices in accordance with the forwarding rules and the redirection rules.

Abstract: A mobile device can be assigned to an extension configured as a Queue Agent (“QA”) in a call-queuing enabled virtual private branch exchange (vPBX). This and other mobile or fixed devices can be interconnected to form a virtual call center. Each extension can be assigned various rules, which specify how the incoming calls are answered at the extension and how calls in the call queue are selected for answering by the QA. As part of the rules, the vPBX system forwards calls from a call queue to the QA based on QA's availability status. If a location-aware mobile device is associated with the QA, the vPBX system can determine the QA's availability status based on a geographic location of the mobile device. A most geographically proximate agent can be selected for answering the call.

Abstract: A fax document can be either uploaded to a fax server in a vPBX network or generated dynamically. For dynamic generation, pre-configured templates can be stored either on a mobile device or on a fax server. A user can use a mobile device connected to a vPBX network as a controlling device to direct generation of faxes on a fax server. The generation of faxes can be customized based on a geographic location of the mobile device. The generated fax can be downloaded onto a mobile device. The user can digitally sign the fax using a touch-screen input device on the mobile device. The digitally signed fax can be transmitted to a destination device.

Abstract: System, apparatus, computer program products and methods for preventing fraud attacks (e.g., on a virtual PBX service provider) are disclosed. In some implementations, a set of fraud evaluation processes are performed, an overall fraud evaluation score is incremented as each of the set of fraud evaluation processes are performed and a step result is obtained. A user request (e.g., account activation) can be denied or accepted based on the overall fraud evaluation score. In some implementations, the set of fraud evaluation processes can include one or more of: an internal fraud evaluation process, a process for checking multiple trial accounts associated with a common account parameter, a process for geolocation verification of multiple account parameters, a process for device type verification for a contact phone number, a process for credit card verification, and a process for placing a contact number verification call.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products for managing calls using a call management system are described. The call management system can receive a call from a communication device and directs the call to a call database containing configuration information for supporting outbound calls. If the call management system detects or obtains notification of a failure associated with the call database, the system automatically bypasses the call database and makes the outbound call using default configuration and call routing information. A second or backup database is used to log call details which can be copied or moved to the call database after the call database is back in service.

Abstract: A positioning system (e.g., GPS) integrated in, or coupled to, a mobile device determines the position of the mobile device. An availability status manager (ASM) in a vPBX acquires the position of the mobile device. The ASM can contain rules on how to route or otherwise control incoming phone calls based on availability status of one or more mobile devices in the vPBX network. When a call is received by the vPBX, the ASM determines the availability status of the receiving mobile device based on the geographic location of the receiving mobile device. The ASM then routes the call to the receiving mobile device, to another mobile device, or to a landline based on the availability status of the receiving mobile device and the availability status based rules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for instant activation of virtual PBX services on a mobile device are disclosed. In one aspect, a user request for activating virtual PBX services is received on a mobile device. An available primary identification number for the virtual PBX services is retrieved from a telecommunication service provider (TSP). A user interface is presented on the mobile device including a first interface portion presenting the available primary identification number and a second interface portion configured to receive a user identifier. Upon receiving the user input specifying the user identifier and while the user interface is still presented on the mobile device, a user instruction for activating the virtual PBX services is received. Upon receiving the user instruction, the user identifier is sent to the TSP. Then, a confirmation is received from the TSP.

Abstract: A unified messaging system, method, apparatus, individual components and the like are disclosed. The unified messaging system comprises a server, a client and a synchronization application for synchronizing voicemail messages and fax messages on both the server and the client is disclosed. The server messages may include received messages and sent messages, each of which is indexed according to their respective indices and read/unread statuses. Similarly, the client messages may include received messages and sent messages, each of which is indexed according to their respective indices and read/unread statuses.

Abstract: System and methods for providing telecommunication functions on a mobile device are disclosed. An inbound call request is received, a call control interface is presented for a user to choose among a plurality of communication modes by which an inbound call is to be established. Call control data selecting a mode of communication is received through the call control interface. Communication is established according to the selected mode of communication. An outbound call request identifying a callee device is send from a mobile device through a packet network to a telecommunication service provider, and a call connection from the mobile device to the telecommunication service provider is established through the telecom network. The telecommunication service provider places a call to the callee device and combines the call connection from the mobile device to the connection to the callee device to establish a single joint call connection.