| 摘要 |
<p>A system and a method are proposed which enable a first user ('sender') to communicate in multiple communication formats, such as voice calls, faxes, voice mail, fax mail, email, messaging, and instant messaging, with a second user ('receiver') identified by a single user identifier, such as a telephone number or conventional email address. A provider associated with the server identifies the format (automatically or according to an indication by the sender), optionally changes it, and transmits the message appropriately, for example as a real time connection or as a non-real time communications. Services that were earlier available for voice telephony, such as directory services, are enabled for other communication formats. Thus, the invention allows a user to subscribe to a telephone service and use the telephone number for other non-real-time communications applications.</p> |
