Storage of voicemail messages at an alternate storage location

Abstract

A method and system are provided for storing received voicemail messages to alternate storage locations. A subscriber to voicemail services provides a voicemail system with an address or a number of addresses to which the subscriber may forward voicemail messages for extended storage. The subscriber may provide an electronic mail address, facsimile device number, a forwarding telephone directory number, or the address of a wireless electronic device, such as a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant, or pager. After receiving and reviewing a voicemail message left for the subscriber at the voicemail system, the subscriber may select an alternate storage address to have the voicemail message forwarded to that address for extended storage and for subsequent review and use. The message may be converted from speech-to-text at the voicemail system prior to forwarding the message. If the message is converted to text format, the message may be sent to a forwarding facsimile device, or the message may be electronically mailed to an email address, Internet-based web page, or wireless electronic device. Alternatively, the message may be converted to a digital audio format and may be electronically mailed as an attachment to an electronic mail message to an address provided by the subscriber.