Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing a persistable data decompression stream that enables large downloads to restart from a place other than the beginning if they are interrupted during the decompression process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic load balancing system. The dynamic load balancing system includes a resource management master managing bare servers that do not execute services and having a hierarchical structure and a service master dynamically allocating the bare servers to a load balancing server or a service execution server or dynamically releasing the pre-allocated load balancing server or service execution server by the bare servers, in consideration of monitoring information on a state or performance of a server and service requirements to be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods of utilizing delta coding in acceleration proxy servers. The method including storing, at a proxy server, a plurality of dictionary pages within a page storage disk and indexing, at the proxy server, the plurality of dictionary pages with fingerprint identifiers. The fingerprint identifiers are configured to uniquely identify data strings within each of the plurality of dictionary pages. The method further includes receiving, at the proxy server, a data request. The request includes a plurality of fingerprints associated with the requested data.

Abstract: A file, including visual information or auditory information may be uploaded to a processing device. Respective portions of content of the file may be identified for compressing and saving at respective bit rates. A number of component files may be created, compressed and saved, at the respective bit rates, based on the identified respective portions of content of the file. A network page, including a reference to the uploaded file, may be created. The reference to the uploaded file, in the network page, may be replaced with references to the compressed, saved component files and the network page may be saved. A processing device of a user may request the network page and the compressed, saved component files. A reasonable facsimile of the file may be reproduced based on an aggregate of the compressed, saved component files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently transforming a multicast stream is provided. The method includes transforming the multicast stream in a content engine. The multicast stream has a first bandwidth. The content engine receives a request for the multicast stream from a multicast receiver with a second bandwidth availability. Thereafter, the content engine transforms the multicast stream to a multicast stream with a third bandwidth. The third bandwidth is less than or equal to the second bandwidth. The transformed multicast stream is sent to the multicast receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a communication system includes a local area network, a first client device and a first server device in communication with the first client device through the local area network. The first server device communicates an audio-visual stream and remote user interface data to the first client device through the local area network. The first client device renders a display using the audio-video stream and the remote user interface. The first client device generates a key command and communicates the key command to the first server device in response to the remote user interface data.

Abstract: This invention concerns direct currency conversion, that is automatic currency conversion at point of payment for card transactions. In particular it concerns a method for operating equipment associated with a financial transaction. The method includes the steps of: Presenting a card related to a customer's account. Recording a card number from the card. Applying all or part of the card number to a tree structure, and automatically processing that number by the tree one bit at a time to arrive at an end node of the tree coded with information related to the currency of the customer's card account. Determining the currency of the customer's card account. Comparing the currency of the customer's card account with one or more currencies predetermined for the equipment. Where the comparison indicates different currencies, providing direct currency conversion services. In other aspects it concerns the equipment itself, and a method of preparing a tree structure for use by the equipment.

Abstract: For facilitating data compression, a set of logical extents, each having compressed logical tracks of data, is mapped to a head physical extent and, if the head physical extent is determined to have been filled, to at least one overflow extent having spatial proximity to the head physical extent. Pursuant to at least one subsequent write operation and destage operation, the at least one subsequent write operation and destage operation determined to be associated with the head physical extent, the write operation is mapped to one of the head physical extent, the at least one overflow extent, and an additional extent having spatial proximity to the at least one overflow extent.

Abstract: A network communications system and method are disclosed. In at least one implementation, the network communications system includes a network appliance configured to receive from a client device via a client-side wide area network, an HTTP non-compliant request stream including one or more HTTP non-compliant requests formatted according to an HTTP non-compliant application level protocol. The network appliance is further configured to translate the one or more HTTP non-compliant requests of the HTTP non-compliant request stream from the HTTP non-compliant application level protocol into one or more HTTP compliant requests of an HTTP compliant request stream. The network appliance is further configured to forward the HTTP compliant request stream including the one or more HTTP compliant requests to one or more server devices via a server-side local area network.

Abstract: Dynamic utilization of condensing metadata is enabled by condensing information being communicated to/from a mobile device. The communication exchange occurs between a mobile device and an internet service, and it involves a mobile internet service proxy. The information is condensed responsive to condensing metadata and uncondensed using the condensing metadata. In an example embodiment, condensing metadata comprises encoding metadata for tags and compression metadata for other data. In a first described implementation, a mobile internet service proxy effectuates a static installation of condensing metadata to the mobile device from the internet service. In a second described implementation, the internet service lacks condensing metadata. The mobile internet service proxy therefore retrieves the schema defining the relevant information and dynamically generates condensing metadata.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently restoring information are disclosed. In an embodiment, this may comprise transferring space reduced data from a server to an intermediate shared storage at a time determined by the server, transmitting the transferred data from the intermediate shared storage to a first client at a time convenient for the first client, transmitting the transferred data from the intermediate shared storage to a second client at a time convenient for the second client, and reconstituting the space reduced data.

Abstract: A method and system of multimedia service performance monitoring is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (a) a reference point acquires and stores the association relationship between multimedia packet identification number and the corresponding multimedia information; (b) a sample point orders the received packets according to the multimedia packet identification numbers, detects the integrality of the packets, and feeds the identification numbers of the lost multimedia packets back to the reference point if there are lost packets; (c) the reference point obtains the corresponding multimedia information according to the identification numbers of the lost multimedia packets returned by the sample point and the stored association relationship between the multimedia packet identification number and the corresponding multimedia information, and then evaluates the multimedia service quality of the sample point.

Abstract: A compression method for a data transfer that is independent of computer architecture and/or a decompression method for a data record that contains structural indicators and variable values are provided. The method includes the following steps: provision of a string automaton, which represents the structuring rules of the data record in a unit that compresses the original data record; input of the data record into the string automaton; generation of a second, shorter data record by the string automaton, the record containing the variable values of the first data record and control symbols that are specific to the string automaton equipment, the symbols representing a switch from an automaton condition to a sequence condition; and transmission of the second data record to a similar string automaton, which interprets the control symbols, whereby a copy of the original data record with an identical data structure is generated.

Abstract: A service gateway provides a proxy between a client protocol and a plurality of standard communication protocols. The service gateway provides asymmetrical routing, data compression and encryption to optimize client processing power and communication link bandwidth. The service gateway enables content translation between clients and service providers. The service gateway keeps track of client available memory and sequence numbers in messages to generate error codes when applicable. A store and forward message capability is provided along with abstract session identifiers. The service gateway supports user datagram protocol.

Abstract: Selective compression of data, wherein it is determined which of a number of compression algorithms do not incur an overhead that exceeds available resources. Then, one of the determined algorithms is selected to maximize compression.

Abstract: As SIP usage becomes prolific in 3G wireless communications, challenges are presented to using the current SIP protocols for real-time communications due to the limited signaling compression offered via SIP become. Signaling introduces unwanted delays on limited bandwidth and increases the call setup time. Additionally, SIP messages are large—from a few hundred bytes to several kilobytes—and compression is not offered on all available fields. The invention provides for compression of the VIA field of SIP messages through several techniques and thereby achieves lower signaling delays that reduce complex call setup delays and reduce the loss of bandwidth to necessary in-call signaling.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing identification of chunk portions in data de-duplication. The method includes detecting sequences of stored identification of chunk portions of at least one data object, indexing the detected stored identification of chunk portions based on a sequence type, encoding first repeated sequences of the stored identifications with a first encoding, encoding second repeated sequences of the stored identifications with a second encoding, and avoiding repeated stored identifications of chunk portions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for compressing a first stream of data, the first stream of data comprising a plurality of input words. The computer-implemented method includes receiving the plurality input words, and adaptively compressing the plurality of input words into a plurality of compression codes. The computer-implemented method further includes outputting the plurality of compression codes upon encountering an end-of-file signal in the first stream of data, wherein the plurality of compression codes are fewer in number than the number of unique bit patterns requiring unique compression codes under LZW (Lempel Ziv & Welch) compression.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the interchange of enterprise data through an open platform is disclosed. This open platform can be based on a standardized interface that enables parties to easily connect to and use the network. Services operating as senders, recipients, and in-transit parties can therefore leverage a framework that overlays a public network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compressing data for network transport in support of continuous availability of applications are described. One computer-implemented method of compressing data includes receiving a current instance of data in an input buffer. A candidate chunk of data is selected from the input buffer. A signature hash is computed from a signature length range of data within the candidate chunk. A matching dictionary entry having a matching signature hash from a multi-tiered dictionary is identified. The matching dictionary entry prospectively identifies a location of a prior occurrence of a selected range of consecutive symbols including the signature length range of data within at least one of the current instance of data and a prior instance of data in the input buffer. A dedupe processed representation of the instance of data is formed wherein a dedupe item is substituted for the selected range of consecutive symbols if the selected range is verified as recurring.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A method of processing data from a file includes obtaining a first portion of the file, creating a first compression unit by compressing at least the first portion of the file, obtaining a second portion of the file, creating a second compression unit by compressing at least the second portion of the file, and storing the first and second compression unit such that each of the first and the second compression units can be individually accessed. A method of processing data from a file includes receiving a request to access a portion of the file, determining one or more sub-units that include compressed data associated with the portion of the file, de-compressing the compressed data in the one or more sub-units to obtain de-compressed data, and transmitting the de-compressed data in response to the request.

Abstract: Next generation pervasive wireless ecosystems and mobile information apparatus are herein disclosed and enabling millions of users to migrate to pervasive digital living and enterprise. Wireless communications may include the mobile information apparatus accessing wireless local area network or by direct wireless communication. The mobile information apparatus may include a wireless unit compatible with Bluetooth and/or IEEE802.11. Mobile information apparatus may conduct a local area wireless search within short distances for discovering wireless devices in its vicinity, receive an attribute related to the discovered wireless device, establish secure wireless communication with the discovered wireless device, and transfer or synchronize digital content or applications to/from the discovered wireless device. The discovered wireless device may be other mobile apparatus, wireless televisions, wireless audio devices, wireless speakers, wireless printers, among others, in a digital living room or office.

Abstract: Voice data from speech start till mute are transmitted as a section voice file to the opposite side voice data transmitting and receiving system, thus permitting voice data transmission free from voice interruption. By transmitting voice data from the speech start till the mute it is possible to eliminate packet losses in the data transmission channel and perform voice communication in the same voice quality as in the transmitting side. Besides, because of the use of HTTP communication port it is possible to obtain voice communication exceeding the rooter without any special setting.

Abstract: In a gateway device holding a traffic relay function, the storage cost and the retrieval time for a great amount of access logs are prevented from increasing. The gateway device includes a traffic relay function, a protocol analysis function, a log output function and a log retrieval function. These functions output an access log in compressed or uncompressed form in compliance with a rule for each protocol designated by the manager in accordance with the degree of importance. The retrieval is carried out for the uncompressed file.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for preparing and installing update packages for compressed files. In the context of a method, a method for preparing an update package is provided that includes receiving an original file and a modified file, causing the original file and the modified file to be decompressed, and generating one or more delta files based on the decompressed original file and the decompressed modified file. A corresponding method for installing an update package is also provided that includes receiving the update package comprising one or more delta files corresponding to an original file, causing the original file to be decompressed, generating one or more modified subfiles based on the one or more delta files and the decompressed original file, and generating a compressed modified file by compressing the one or more modified subfiles.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods provide for the compression and decompression of packet headers. An uncompressed header can be compressed in size to form a smaller, compressed header, such that the compressed header can include values that can be used to re-produce the uncompressed header. A compressed header can include at least two such values. A first value of the at least two values can be computed based on a second, earlier uncompressed header and can be used to derive the uncompressed header. Similarly, a second value of the at least two values can be computed based on a third uncompressed header and can be used to derive the same uncompressed header. Accordingly, the uncompressed header can be derived based on the first value and the second uncompressed header, or based on the second value and the third uncompressed header. The uncompressed header, second uncompressed header, and third uncompressed header can be associated with different packets.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for enabling scene-based variable compression (“the technology”). In some embodiments, the technology can receive an indication of a compression level for a first content type, wherein the compression level specifies a tolerance level for lossy compression; receive a request for content, the content having at least two portions, wherein a first portion has first content of the first content type and the second portion has second content of a second content type, a first compression method associated with the indicated compression level and a second compression method associated with a different compression level. The technology can transmit the content, wherein the first portion of the content was compressed using the first compression method and the second portion was compressed using the second compression method.

Abstract: An embodiment may include circuitry that may be capable of performing compression-related operations that may include: (a) indicating, at least in part, in a data structure at least one position of at least one subset of characters that are to be encoded as a symbol, (b) comparing, at least in part, at least one pair of multi-byte data words that are of identical predetermined fixed size, (c) maintaining, at least in part, an array of pointers to potentially matching strings that are to be compared with at least one currently examined string, and/or (d) allocating, at least in part, a first buffer portion to store at least one portion of uncompressed data from an application buffer that is to be input for compression to produce a compressed data stream. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A decompressor, a compressor and methods in an Internet Protocol (IP) network for reporting cause of missing packets. A cause of unsuccessful reception or sending of a compressed packet addressed is reported to a compressor/decompressor node. The compressor/decompressor node decides or predicts if a decompression context associated with the decompressor is invalidated by analyzing the cause of the unsuccessful reception and, optionally, analyzing a re-initialization agreement between the compressor and the decompressor. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the compressor/decompressor node use the decision or prediction to exchange information to reinitialize the decompression context associated with the decompressor. In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the detection of the unsuccessful sending or reception is performed at a Medium Access (MAC) layer associated with the compressor/decompressor node.

Abstract: The invention relates to message-based communication between at least two units (100; 200) participating in a communications session. A first communications unit (100) generates and stores a state (10) comprising unit-associated data applicable for multiple messages to be communicated between the unit (100) and a second unit (200). A copy of this state (10) is then transmitted to the second unit (200), where it is stored. The state (10) and state copy can now be used in message processing for the purpose of reducing the message size and reducing utilization of communications resources. Data contained in the state (10) or state copy and found in the message (m1) is removed from the message prior transmission thereof. The resulting reduced-size message (m1?USD) is transmitted to the receiving unit, where the message (m1?USD) is anew processed by re-entering the data, removed by the transmitting unit, into the message (m1?USD) using the state copy or state. The original message (m1) is then recreated.

Abstract: Techniques for HTTP header compression are described herein. In an implementation, an electronic device may be configured to enable compression/decompression of HTTP messages, including compression/decompression of information in the headers of the messages. A HTTP message is generated that contains at least a header and a body. The HTTP message is reformatted to place at least some of the header information into the body. Then, the body of the reformatted message having the header information is compressed to form a compressed HTTP message. Decompression may be applied by a recipient of the compressed HTTP message to reconstruct the original HTTP message.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a compression proxy service that dynamically selects resources or other content for compression and delivery to user devices. The resources are selected based on evaluation of compression characteristics relating to the resources. A manifest is defined to identify the selected resources, or to identify the resources not selected for processing by the compression proxy service. The user devices employ the manifest to determine whether to send requests for the resources to the compression proxy service or to another source (e.g., an origin web site). Some embodiments provide a reduction in network traffic while making efficient use of the compression proxy service.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus stores a plurality of conversion conditions for converting input image data and, if the image data is converted according to each conversion condition, information indicating a relationship between a data size of the image data before conversion and a data size of transmission data that is acquired after conversion by associating the conversion conditions and the information with each other; sets the conversion condition for converting the input image data according to an instruction from a user, estimates the data size of the transmission data that is acquired if the input image data is converted according to the set conversion condition, using the stored information; and issues a notification to the user based on a result of the estimation.

Abstract: Aspects of customized delivery of content by a broadband gateway are provided. A broadband gateway may be operable to determine one or more characteristics of acquired content. The gateway may be operable to determine, based on the determined characteristics, whether the acquired content may be compatible with a device. In instances that the acquired content is not compatible with the device, the gateway may transcode the acquired content to make it compatible with the device. The one or more characteristics may comprise an identity or a type of a provider associated with the acquired content, a quality of the acquired content, power consumption associated with communicating the acquired content to a destination device, or power consumption associated with presenting or otherwise processing the acquired content on a destination device.

Abstract: A system and method for creating one or more audio files. One or more original files are converted into the one or more audio files. A hierarchy associated with the one or more original files is assigned to the one or more audio files. An indication is given that the one or more audio files are associated with the one or more original files. The one or more audio files are communicated through an audio interface in response to a request to access the one or more audio files.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing interactive services using unicast wireless networks and broadcast wireless networks. A method includes receiving content interaction information indicative of interactions by a user with content presented at a wireless user terminal, obtaining at least one service parameter, and providing a service using the content interaction information and the at least one service parameter, wherein the service is provided using one of the unicast wireless network or the broadcast wireless network. The content for which content interaction information is received is provided to the wireless user terminal using a broadcast wireless network and the content interaction information is received over a unicast wireless network. The service that is provided may include providing modified content over the broadcast wireless network, providing personalized content over the unicast wireless network, operating a proxy for a network-based service, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate compressing multiple headers in wireless communication networks that utilize relay nodes. Relay nodes and/or other access points can insert headers in packets related to routing the packets. The multiple headers can be compressed at a transmitter and decompressed at a receiver to save bandwidth over a radio interface. Recursive compression and/or decompression can be utilized at least in part by recursively calling a compression/decompression engine or context, such that no modification is required of the engine or context. The recursive compression/decompression can compress and/or decompress packet headers until a certain type of header is reached (or a certain type of header is no longer found in the packet), according to a tunnel depth, according to newly defined compression and/or decompress profiles, and/or the like.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes an on-site monitoring (OSM) data archival portion having one or more sensors configured to monitor a machine and generate corresponding monitoring data. The system also includes an on-site monitoring (OSM) archiver configured to receive and store the monitoring data collected by the one or more sensors. The system further includes an export service configured to export a portion of the monitoring data from the OSM archiver into one or more compressed files. The system also includes an export background intelligent transfer service (BITS) configured to establish a secure connection and send the one or more compressed files to an off-site location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing reduced object data to devices. Context can be received from a device. The context can be used to determine what portion of an object is used by an application executed on the device. The object can be reduced prior to communicating the data to the device, thereby conserving resources associated with the device.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, computer systems, and computer program products for processing a previously compressed data stream in a computer environment are provided. In one embodiment, the computer environment is configured for separating a previously compressed data stream into an input data block including a header input block having a previously compressed header. Sequences of bits are included with the input data block. Compression scheme information is derived from the previously compressed header. The input data block is accessed and recompressed following the header input block in the previously compressed data stream one at a time using block-image synchronization information. Access to the block-image synchronization information is initialized by the compression scheme information to generate an output data block. The block-image synchronization information is used to provide decompression information to facilitate decompression of the results of the output data block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting a current image of a sequence of digital images between a server device and a client device which are connected by a communication network. Each image of the sequence is encoded in a multi-resolution format, each resolution comprising a set of non independent elementary entities. The method of the invention comprises detecting motion, carried out on spatial entities defined with respect to said elementary entities, between the current image and a reference image, then determining a first set of elementary entities comprising the elementary entities relating to said at least one moving spatial entity and determining a second set of elementary entities which are necessary for reconstructing said moving spatial entities. Finally, at least part of each of the elementary entities of said first and second sets is sent to the client device.

Abstract: Method for transmitting data in a transmission system, the data being transmitted in the form of packets including a compressed header field and a data field and according to a format suited to the transmission system comprising the following steps: recovering the data packet to be transmitted including a compressed header and useful data, identifying the header part from the useful-data part, applying a corrector coding which is selected at the level of the header, and providing the resulting new packet to the link layer, while also communicating the protection mode used, generating the link header according to the transmission format of the relevant transmission system integrating the mode of protection used, and the adaptation of the CRC checksum of the link layer, on reception, performing the error corrector decoding in two steps.

Abstract: A method and system for transport data compression between a server and a client based on patches to the dictionaries used for encoding the data. The method includes requesting the server for data, returning the data and a dictionary patch to the client where data having been compressed based on a previously used dictionary and the dictionary patch, and decompressing the returned data using the dictionary and the dictionary patch. The dictionary patch includes updates to the previously used dictionary. Each dictionary has a dictionary identifier that the server and client use to identify the dictionary in their requests and responses. The identifier might be a unique identification or a network session number. Upon receiving a response, the client updates the previously used dictionary with information in the patch and decompresses the returned data using the updated dictionary.

Abstract: Smart routing between peers in a point-to-point link based system begins when a device of a plurality of devices in a point-to-point link interconnected system receives a packet from an upstream link or a downstream link. The processing continues when the device interprets the packet to determine a destination of the packet. If the device is the destination of the packet, the device accepts the packet. If, however, the device is not the destination of the packet, the device forwards the packet on another upstream link or another downstream link without alteration of at least one of: source information of the packet and destination information of the packet.

Abstract: A method of determining, at a mobile device, side information including compression state information. The method includes receiving, from a server, a unique side information identifier identifying a unit of side information used by the server for compressing data, determining, based on the side information identifier, if the unit of side information is resident on said device, and if the unit of side information is resident on the mobile device, loading the side information for decompressing the data. Otherwise, if the unit of side information is not resident on the mobile device, the method includes requesting the unit of side information from one of the server and another device.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, computer systems, and computer program products for processing a previously compressed data stream in a computer environment are provided. In one embodiment, the computer environment is configured for separating a previously compressed data stream into an input data block including a header input block having a previously compressed header. Sequences of bits are included with the input data block. Compression scheme information is derived from the previously compressed header. The input data block is accessed and recompressed following the header input block in the previously compressed data stream one at a time using block-image synchronization information. Access to the block-image synchronization information is initialized by the compression scheme information to generate an output data block. The block-image synchronization information is used to provide decompression information to facilitate decompression of the results of the output data block.

Abstract: Content is received from a content source that is to be converted and provided to a subscriber. The subscriber is then associated with a document object model and rules for transforming the content according to the document object model. The content is mapped to the document object model using the rules to result in modified content so that the modified content can be provided to the subscriber. In one arrangement, an accompanying architecture includes a mobile device, an intelligent content gateway server (or group of servers), and one or more remote content sources. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for voice transmission over high level network protocols. On the Internet and the World Wide Web, such high level protocols are HTTP/TCP. The restrictions imposed by firewalls and proxy servers are avoided by using HTTP level connections to transmit voice data. In addition, packet delivery guarantees are obtained by using TCP instead of UDP. Variable compression based on silence detection takes advantage of the natural silences and pauses in human speech, thus reducing the delays in transmission caused by using HTTP/TCP. The silence detection includes the ability to bookend the voice data sent with small portions of silence to insure that the voice sounds natural. Finally, the voice data is transmitted to each client computer independently from a common circular list of voice data, thus insuring that all clients will stay current with the most recent voice data. The combination of these features enables simple, seamless, and interactive Internet conferencing.