The user calls to the mobile device with a predetermined pattern. In one embodiment the predetermined pattern is coded on the duration of the unanswered calls and the duration between successive calls. The predetermined pattern may be time coded on the durations of successive calls. After detecting the predetermined pattern the mobile device answers the incoming call. The user may continue by identifying via the voice line, if that is required. The mobile device responds to commands provided via the voice line, for example by providing contact information as synthesized speech.

Systems and methods performed by an IP telephony system allow a user to request that his IP telephony device be set into a conference calling mode for an indefinite period of time. When the user's IP telephony device is in the conference calling mode, all parties that attempt to call the user's IP telephony device are added to a conference bridge tied to the user's IP telephony device. All incoming calls are treated in this fashion until the user cancels the conference calling mode and returns to a normal calling mode.

Systems and methods for adapting traditional landline telephones to make and receive Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls and other communications are described. In some embodiments, an adapter, adaptor, or other device or apparatus connects an IP router, such as a WiFi router or other access point, to a traditional landline telephone (e.g., a phone using dual-tone multi-frequency, or DTMF, signaling), enabling the traditional landline phone to make and/or receive VoIP calls.

Methods and apparatuses to provide telephonic connections to members of a social network. One embodiment includes: identifying a first member connected to a second member in a social network; determining whether profile data of the first member of the social network includes a telephonic reference of the first member; presenting a user interface element to the second member over a data communication network in response to a determination that the profile data of the first member includes the telephonic reference of the first member; and responsive to a selection of the user interface element, initiating a first telephonic connection to the first member using the telephonic reference of the first member and a second telephonic connection to the second member to provide a telephonic connection between the first member and the second member.

In one embodiment, a secure mechanism operates in conjunction with a three-way bridge in a contact center to protect against inadvertent exposure of sensitive information provided during a call. During the call, an agent may bridge on an interactive voice response system (“IVR”) onto the call prompting the party to enter sensitive information, such as a credit card account number, to effect a payment. The information may be provided by the party using dual-tone multiple frequency (“DTMF”) tones or speech. The IVR may provide a confirmatory announcement indicating the sensitive information received. A switch may be controlled by the IVR so that any sensitive information expected from the party or provided by the IVR in a confirmatory announcement is not presented to the agent or to a recording system. In this manner, the IVR suppresses the exposure of sensitive information to the agent and/or a recording system.

A configuration to provide wireless call hunting includes a system configured to receive an incoming call to a wireless number, the system further configured to implement a plurality of lines that are associated with the wireless number, the system further configured to determine if one or more of the plurality of lines of the wireless number are busy, and the system further configured to determine if one or more of the plurality of lines of the wireless number are available. The system further configured to prevent connecting to one or more of the plurality of lines of the wireless number that are busy, and the system further configured to connect to one of the plurality of lines of the wireless number that is not busy, where the system includes one of the following: a soft switch and mobile telephone switching office. A process is disclosed as well.

An improved system and method are disclosed for providing voice call continuity in an enterprise network. For example, an enterprise public branch exchange (PBX) may be configured with a pilot number that is used to provide VCC services when called by a client. Digit collection via DMTF signaling or other means may be used to collect destination information from the client. The enterprise network may use the collected digits to establish a communication session with another device that corresponds to the destination information.

A method for telephony includes receiving at an Internet telephony service provider a subscriber request to place a call to a telephone number. A cache associated with the internet telephony service provider is queried to check if the cache holds a record for the telephone number. If the cache holds the record, the record is obtained. If the cache does not hold the record, a request is sent to a database server that maintains a database of records associating endpoint user terminal telephone numbers of subscribers with respective packet network addresses of the endpoint user terminal. The call is placed to the endpoint user terminal telephone number via a public switched telephone network whilst the request is sent to the database server to retrieve the packet network address of the endpoint user terminal to which calls to the telephone number should be placed.

A telephone system is provided for transmitting telephone signals between first and second mobile stations. The system includes a first internet protocol interface configured to receive an incoming cell phone signal generated by the first mobile station and to transmit the phone signal to the internet. A second internet protocol interface is configured to receive the phone signal sent through the internet by the first internet protocol interface and to transmit the phone signal to the second mobile station, such that users of the first and second mobile stations can engage in a conversation where the phone signals are communicated over substantial distances through the internet.

A method includes establishing a circuit switched call with an automated answering system at a destination, the destination having a communication server associated therewith, transmitting a request to switch to Internet Protocol (IP) communication to the automated answering system, receiving an IP request acknowledgement message from the communication server responsive to transmitting the request to switch to IP communication, and establishing an IP communication session with the communication server responsive to receiving the IP request acknowledgement. Systems and computer program products are also disclosed.