Arrangement for accessing an ip-based messaging server by telephone for management of stored messages

Abstract

An arrangement for accessing messages in an IMAP message store via telephone using a unified web-based voice messaging system as an e-mail client for the IMAP message store. The unified Web-based voice messaging system includes a browser configured for generating an audio file that stores received voice signals specifying a messaging operation, and an application server. The application server is configured for outputting an HTML page in response to a user request via the HTTP connection, the HTML page having an XML element that defines data for an audio operation to be performed by an executable audio resource within a web browser or a proxy browser. The application server includes a speech recognition process configured for identifying the messaging operation by interpreting the audio file. Upon identifying the messaging operation and associated operand, the application server outputs a function call for the identified messaging operation to the IMAP message store. The application server also includes text to speech capabilities, enabling an e-mail message or fax message to be converted to an audible format for playback by the browser for the telephony user. Hence, a telephony user can access and manage voice, e-mail, or fax messages stored on the IMAP message store.