TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM

摘要

An apparatus and methodology are provided that initiates voice calls in response to receipt of text-based messages having a plurality of diverse messaging formats. Each text-based message encapsulates text conforming to a predefined syntax that includes at least one target text field representing a participant of a voice call. A database stores short names and associated telephone numbers. The target text fields are expected to match the short names stored in the database. The text is extracted from each received text-based message and parsed to identify the at least one target text field therein. The database is accessed to retrieve a first telephone number associated with a short name corresponding to the at least one target text field. A voice call is initiated to at least the first telephone number retrieved from the database. In the preferred embodiment, the database is accessed and updated in accordance with user input communicated over an Internet connection (e.g., user- interaction with a web browser). The plurality of diverse messaging formats preferably include SMS-type text-based messages, IM-type text-based messages, and IP-type text-based messages that are addressed to a reserved IP address.