Method and apparatus for providing verified message receipt in a messaging system

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing a verified message receipt in a messaging system (10) notifies users (30) when messaging system subscribers (40) retrieve messages (370). Verified message receipts can take the form of pages, faxes, automated call-backs or additional messages. In operation, when a user (30) leaves a message (370) for a messaging system subscriber (40), a verified message receipt flag (375) is raised and a user pager number (380) or user fax number (390), or user telephone number (395) is entered. A message origination and delivery device (20) includes many message boxes (300) for many subscribers (40). The message origination and delivery device (20) generates verified message receipts when subscribers (40) retrieve messages (370).