초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a unified messaging system and method which is more convenient and advantageously combines or makes use of existing communication channels or networks. Part of the system and method relies on a data communication network forming an intermediate leg of the distributio

The present invention relates to a unified messaging system and method which is more convenient and advantageously combines or makes use of existing communication channels or networks. Part of the system and method relies on a data communication network forming an intermediate leg of the distribution network. Telephone communication is typically used for initial or final legs. Voice mail, E-mail, facsimiles and other message types can be received by the system for retrieval by the subscriber. Communications may be centralized and retrieval of messages can be accomplished using one of a number of separate and distinct approaches. Thus, data communication networks such as the Internet can become global voice mail and facsimile mail systems.

대표청구항 ▼

A communication system comprising a plurality of commercial access providing computers where each commercial access providing computer is associated with INTERNET to allow subscribers to use the services offered by INTERNET, said communication system having many registered subscribers who are collec

A communication system comprising a plurality of commercial access providing computers where each commercial access providing computer is associated with INTERNET to allow subscribers to use the services offered by INTERNET, said communication system having many registered subscribers who are collectively unrelated and each subscriber is associated with one of said commercial access providing computers, providing each subscriber with an E-mail address for INTERNET, a fax address telephone address and a voice mail telephone address, where a message addressed to any of the addresses results in said associated commercial access providing computer receiving and storing the addressed message for retrieval by the respective subscriber, said commercial access providing computers allowing each subscriber to access and retrieve messages stored on his behalf or a summary of messages stored on his behalf by using either a telephone set which forms a telephone communication with said associated commercial access providing computer or using a computer and modem which forms a telephone communication with one of said commercial access providing computers, and wherein said plurality of commercial access providing computers use INTERNET to exchange information therebetween, and wherein subscribers of the system can access any of said commercial access providing computers for retrieval of messages stored on behalf of a subscriber, said commercial access providing computers cooperating such that messages stored for a subscriber in said associated computer are transferred using INTERNET from said associated access providing computer to one of the other commercial access providing computers which has been contacted by the subscriber for retrieval of communications stored on his behalf.