Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for detecting the type of NAT firewall using messages provides the capability to determine the type of NAT in use without requiring special purpose hardware or software. A method for determining a type of a NAT firewall may comprise receiving a message from a device inside the NAT firewall, the message addressed to a first IP address and port of a device outside the NAT firewall, transmitting a plurality of messages to the device inside the NAT firewall, at least one of the plurality of messages addressed from the first IP address and port and at least one of the messages addressed from a second IP address and port, receiving responses to at least some of the plurality of messages transmitted to the device inside the NAT firewall and determining the type of the NAT firewall based on the received responses.

Abstract: A method and system for SIP access to media and conferences using a Media Server provides multiple connections to a resource while at the same time releasing the connection from the Media Server, therefore minimizing resources required on the Media Server and providing an increased number of connections. A method for providing media services may comprise receiving a request for media services from an initiating client device at a Media Server, determining, at the Media Server, a type of media resource needed to service the request and selecting a Resource Server based on the determined type of media resource, and establishing, by the Media Server, a media service connection between at least the initiating client device and the selected Resource Server to provide the requested media service, wherein the established media service connection does not include the Media Server.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for emergency broadcasting to telephones or audio and/or video-enabled devices from a server system provide more timely emergency notification and more effective coverage for such emergency notifications than existing systems. A method for broadcasting at least one message to end user devices may comprise determining at least one group including a plurality of end user devices to which to broadcast the at least one message, based on programmable criteria related to each end user device and independently of a private branch exchange, central office, or other physical connection of each end user device, and transmitting the at least one message to each end user device of the group of end user devices.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a subscriber of a user using a graphical user interface or telephone using the same user name and password is provided. As a result, subscribers need to memorize only one user name and/or password, saving precious time and energy to the subscriber because of the low risk of forgetting the user name and/or password. In addition, with the advent of cross-category products such as web phones (Web user interface integrated in a telephone) and soft phone (software on a personal computer reproducing the function of a telephone), it can become confusing for subscribers to remember which passwords and user name to use for which device. Having one password and one user name to remember makes the situation simpler.

Abstract: An efficient article and method for automating the process of changing the status of a voicemail (or other multimedia message or object) that is stored in a multimedia server (such as a voicemail server), when the voicemail has been associated with an email, and the email has been opened by the intended recipient.

Abstract: A method for establishing a data packet exchange communication session that allows the exchange of data packets between an originating client and a destination client in a data network having a client-server arrangement is provided. An originating client transmits communications session request data message to a communications management server via a first temporary signaling communications path. The communications session request data message contains at least a unique network address of a destination client. The communications management server, upon determining that said originating client is residing behind a first network firewall, determining whether said first network firewall will allow exchange of data packets between said originating client and any other client not residing behind said first network firewall.

Abstract: A method of controlling conference calls includes initiating a conference call between multiple conferees using a conferencing controller, placing each of the multiple conferees in a listen only mode using the conferencing controller, receiving a signal at the conferencing controller from a plurality of the conferees requesting active participation in the conference call, displaying a list of the plurality of conferees requesting active participation in the conference call, receiving from a user a selection of one of the plurality of conferees who have requested active participation in the conference call, and placing the one of the plurality of conferees in a talk mode using the conferencing controller. The method may also include monitoring a connection between the conferencing controller and a controlling application and notifying an operator if the connection is disrupted.