Method and apparatus for enabling a calling party to leave a voice message for a called party

摘要

A method for execution by a network entity to allow a calling party to leave a message for a called party, the calling party using a communication device to call the called party, the network entity being connected to the communication device via a communications network. The method may comprise: consulting at least one source of information in an attempt to obtain message destination information associated with the called party; if the attempt is successful, providing an opportunity for the calling party to leave a message for the called party; receiving a voice message provided by the calling party via the communication device; generating an electronic message representative of the voice message provided by the calling party; and causing transmission of the electronic message based on the message destination information. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

主权项

1. A network apparatus for allowing a calling party to leave a message for a called party, the calling party using a communication device to call the called party, said network apparatus comprising:
an interface for communicating with the communication device via a communications network; and a processing unit coupled to said interface and operative for:
determining that the calling party is attempting to establish a telephone call with the called party;determining whether the calling party subscribes to a messaging service;consulting at least one source of information to obtain message destination information associated with the called party's telephone number;upon determining that the calling party subscribes to the messaging service, providing an opportunity for the calling party to leave a voice message for the called party via the communication device;generating an electronic message representative of the voice message provided by the calling party; andcausing transmission of the electronic message based on the message destination information.