Ubiquitous voice messaging

摘要

Methods and apparatus for providing ubiquitous and configurable communications between users is provided. Ubiquity and other features are provided using a common identifier linking two or more users. In one embodiment, a common identifier is automatically provided when call forwarding is directed to a designated phone number. In another embodiment, a user can cause a common identifier to be created linking the user with a user of their choice by sending a text message to a designated address. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

主权项

1. A method for processing communications in a server system, the server system comprising at least one processor, the method comprising:
providing a receiver identifier associated with the server system for receiving messages; receiving a first message comprising a request to associate a first device identifier and a second device identifier with a common identifier; locating the first device identifier within a database of device identifiers; associating the common identifier with the first and second device identifiers, wherein the server system configures a first communication device associated with the first device identifier to communicate with the server system using the common identifier for a communication with a second communication device associated with the second device identifier, and wherein the server system configures the second communication device associated with the second device identifier to communicate with the server system using the common identifier for a communication with the device associated with the first device identifier; and sending a second message to the first communication device informing the first communication device of the common identifier associating the first and second device identifiers.