Vertical Networks, Inc.

Converged Data Solutions, Inc.

National Semiconductor Corporation

Rpx Corporation

Consolidated IP Holdings, Inc.

Scott K Pickett

Adeline Pang

Uthayakumar Kumarasamy

Timothy J Kusumi

Mark L Kamenetsky

Gregory Eugene Pounds

David Warren Hawley

Edward T Nelson

Thomas M Luich

William Daniel Strauss

Christopher Sean Johnson

Sanjay Popli

Dolores Seraphina Atemasov

Arthur L Swift, Iv

Rafael C Camarota

Frederick Sarkissian

Richard Surprenant

Shankar Moni

Benjamin S Ting

Frederick Furtek

William John Delveaux

Frederick K Leung

Tim Garverick

Shao-Pin Chen

Jim Sutherland

Venkata Alturi

Arthur Smith, Jr

Shin-Mann Day

Jos&eacute; Alfredo N&uacute;&ntilde;ez

Chris A Trees

John T Johnston

Glenn A Olsen

Chong-Ming Lee

Michael T Yeager

The present invention discloses improved systems and methods for multisite management of computer server systems and in particular converged communication systems based on a decentralized architecture. Certain and various aspects relating to atomic error handling, transaction-based authentication/security, intelligent bandwidth management, decoupled data/configuration messaging, improved scalability, auto-detection functions, business metrics, etc., also are disclosed. A console is disclosed that communicates with each of a plurality of converged communications systems, e.g., preferably through the use of sockets. The actual traffic load is decentralized among the computer server systems, as each one uses direct connections (e.g., via an enhanced file transfer protocol) to access update/configuration data as needed. In addition, an improved communication protocol is disclosed that is optimized for the multisite management architecture of the present invention. An improved set of graphical user interface (GUI) features are described that improve the efficiency of the management of multiple systems.

Systems and methods for improved multisite management and reporting of converged communication systems and computer systems

A system for managing voice communications provides voice prompts in one or more particular languages or language variants. High level grammatical rules are defined for the set of voice prompts in the particular language. The grammatical rules for the set of voice prompts are stored in the system. A set of audio tiles are developed in the particular language. The audio files in the particular language are stored in the system. A request is received from a user, and the system initiates a request for a voice prompt. A sequential list of audio files is developed, and when the sequential list of audio files is played by the system, the requested voice prompt is played to the user in the particular language. The sequential list of audio files is produced based on the grammatical rules and voice communications are managed in the system.

Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses and methods for implementing language capabilities using the same

A system for managing voice and data communications for at least one user is coupled to at least one wide area telecommunications network and includes at least a processor and data storage resources. A first bus is adapted to couple video data between the system and a video unit coupled to the system under control of the processor. A second bus is adapted to couple audio data between the system and a microphone unit coupled to the system under control of the processor, and audio data are coupled to a TDM bus in the system operating under control of the processor. A digital transmission link of the wide area telecommunications network couples the video and audio data from the system, under control of the processor. A user participates in a video call with the video data, while concurrently the user participates in a telephone call with the audio data. Voice communications of the telephone call that stay in a circuit-switched form are provided via the TDM bus, and the video call and the telephone call can provide a conference call.

Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses and methods for performing telephony and data functions using the same

In a communications system, a first packet network is provided. Packetized data is transferred between the system and one or more packet-based devices. A TDM network is provided, and data is transmitted in frames having slots. Data transmitted via the TDM network includes data for voice communications for telephony devices. The TDM network is selectively coupled to the first packet network and a WAN. A processor and a control bus interface circuit control transfer of packetized data and transmittal of data for voice communications. The processor controls processing of packetized data and data for voice communications. A switch/multiplexer selectively controls providing data to/from particular slots. The processor selectively controls voice communications from telephony devices over the TDM network and packet-based communications over the packet network. Voice communications that stay in a circuit-switched form occur over the TDM network and the WAN.

Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses

Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur in multiple modes/protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode/protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router or switch functions. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. In particular, systems and methods for generating required telephony voltages directly on station cards, rather than on the basis of a large, central ringing or other power supply that supply such telephony voltages to each of the station cards, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of station cards are provided in the telephony or communications system. One or more DC power supplies provide a source of DC voltage, such as 12 volts, to each of the station cards. The station cards are coupled to a processor of the system. The station cards may support a plurality of analog and/or digital telephony devices, such as telephones facsimile, voice mail, recording, speakerphone, conferencing or other type telephony devices.

Systems and methods for generating power in a communications system

An improved systems and methods for multisite management of computer server systems and in particular converged communication systems based on a decentralized architecture are disclosed. Certain and various aspects relating to atomic error handling, transaction-based authentication/security, intelligent bandwidth management, decoupled data/configuration messaging, improved scalability, auto-detection functions, business metrics, etc., are also disclosed. A console communicates with each of a plurality of converged communications systems, e.g., preferably through the use of sockets. The actual traffic load is decentralized among the computer server systems, as each one uses direct connections (e.g., via an enhanced file transfer protocol) to access update/configuration data as needed. In addition, an improved communication protocol is disclosed that is optimized for the multisite management architecture of the present invention. An improved set of graphical user interface (GUI) features are described that improve the efficiency of the management of multiple systems.

Systems and methods for improved multisite management of converged communication systems and computer systems

A method for providing a report database is disclosed. A server system coordinates management activities for a plurality of localized devices. An abstraction layer references the localized devices as 'locations' rather than physical equipment, which are distinct from an IP address. The server system communicates with an individual device of the plurality of localized devices via the abstraction layer to request software distribution information without requiring user initiation at the individual device. Communications between the server system and the individual device are performed using a protectable communications protocol that includes an atomic error handling capability to enable one or more transaction instructions to be reversed upon an error in one of the plurality of transaction instructions.

Methods for managing localized devices providing voice/data services in a plurality of geographically diverse locations. A console system is provided to coordinate management activities for software on the plurality of localized devices. The console system communicates with an individual device of the plurality of localized devices via a protectable communications protocol to provide software configuration information to the individual device. The software configuration information provides the individual device with information sufficient to establish a direct link with a software distribution server in order to receive software data without requiring user initiation at the individual device. The protectable communications protocol includes an atomic error handling capability to enable one or more transaction instructions to be conditionally executed. Marketing feedback statistics may be collected from the plurality of localized devices sufficient to assess the response to an advertisement.

Methods for managing a plurality of devices using protectable communication protocol, including determination of marketing feedback to assess a response to an advertisement

A system for managing voice and data communications coupled to a wide area telecommunications network. Video data is coupled between the system and a video unit under control of a processor. Audio data is coupled between the system and a microphone unit under control of the processor. The audio data are coupled to a TDM bus in the system operating under control of the processor. The video and audio data are coupled to a digital transmission link of the wide area telecommunications network. A user participates in a video call with the video data, while concurrently the user participates in a telephone call with the audio data. Voice communications of the telephone call that stay in a circuit-switched form are provided via the TDM bus. The video call and the telephone call provide a conference call.

Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur in multiple modes/protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode/protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system.

A communications system provides voice or data services in a plurality of geographically diverse sites. A plurality of localized devices provide portions of voice or data services at each site. The localized devices are managed with a console system. The console system coordinates management activities for the plurality of localized devices. A protectable communications protocol is utilized for communications between the console system and the plurality of localized devices. The console system communicates with an individual device of the plurality of localized devices via the protectable communications protocol to provide software distribution instructions to the individual device. The software distribution instructions provide the individual device with information sufficient to establish a direct link with a software distribution server in order to receive software distribution data without user intervention.

Methods for managing a plurality of localized devices in geographically diverse locations

Methods for providing a report database for a plurality of localized devices using an abstraction layer and atomic error handling

Systems and methods for TDM/packet communications using telephony station cards including voltage generators

A video conferencing method is provided in a system for managing voice and data communications to a plurality of users. Computer data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of computers coupled to the system over one or more packet buses. Voice data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of telephone devices coupled to the system. The voice data is coupled to a TDM bus in the system, and the voice data and/or the computer data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link. Video and audio data are coupled between the system and a video conferencing unit and coupled to the TDM bus. The video and audio data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link of the telecommunications network. A video conference participant participates in a video conference with the video conferencing unit over the digital transmission link, while concurrently a user participates in a telephone call with one of the telephone devices over the digital transmission link.

Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligenty bridged TDM and packet buses and methods for performing telephony and data functions using the same

Systems and methods for providing configurable caller ID information are disclosed. A communications service includes a caller ID configuration function. The communications service controls packetized call data, and outbound caller ID options are configurable via the caller ID configuration function.

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Scott K Pickett