Abstract:
A user may utilize a communication device to contact an information/call center (21-27) where an operator provides personalized information and communication services such as listing, contacts and appointements information. When a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call over the Internet. Additionally, appointments information is delivered to the user via a voice connection, SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. Also, a calendaring service helps the user plan a future event and an appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user's calendar. At least, one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and preferred ways of receiving them. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, methods of delivery of information to the user, etc.
Abstract:
A system and method is described for providing concierge-like services to individuals requesting such services comprising a pool of operators agents capable of receiving the request for concierge-like services and generating an electronic ticket representing such request and a pool of fulfillment agents capable of receiving the electronic ticket and engaging in such action as necessary to fulfill the request. The agents are networked to directory assistance and concierge databases and to third-party providers of concierge services to facilitate the process.
Abstract:
Individuals and groups of individuals, such as corporations, are provided access to one or more private directories. The private directories can be edited by an administrator. Access to the private directories may be limited by administrators of the private directories. Access to private directories is provided via a connection to directory assistance providers. Directory service providers are capable of facilitating the administration of the private directories as well as connecting users of private directories to contacts in the private directories. Access to the private directory may be obtained via an internet connection.
Abstract:
A user may utilize a communication device to contact an information/call center (21-27) where an operator provides personalized information and communication services such as listing, contacts and appointements information. When a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call over the Internet. Additionally, appointments information is delivered to the user via a voice connection, SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. Also, a calendaring service helps the user plan a future event and an appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user's calendar. At least, one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and preferred ways of receiving them. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, methods of delivery of information to the user, etc.
Abstract:
Telephone users desiring concierge-type services may connect via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator or voice server. For example, the users may communicate to the provider a concierge-type service request for making a restaurant reservation. The provider may process the request in real time through an on-line reservation system (ORS) or off-line, in accordance with the invention. In processing the request off-line, a pool of fulfillment agents may engage in such action as necessary to fulfill the request. The agents are networked to directory assistance and concierge databases and to third-party providers of concierge services to facilitate the process.
Abstract:
A user may utilize a communication device to contact an information/call center (21-27) where an operator provides personalized information and communication services such as listing, contacts and appointements information. When a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call over the Internet. Additionally, appointments information is delivered to the user via a voice connection, SM S, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. Also, a calendaring service helps the user plan a future event and an appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user's calendar. At least, one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and preferred ways of receiving them. For example, the profile may specify use o f a special skilled operator, methods of delivery of information to the user, etc.
Abstract:
A user of a personal information manager (PIM) may conveniently input an appointment time in the PIM according to a time zone (e.g., Eastern time zone) different from the default time zone (e.g., Pacific time zone) on which the PIM operates. When the appointment data including the appointment time is synchronized into a database, in accordance with an inventive time-shift approach, the appointment time is initially accepted into the database, and then corrected based on a time range specified by the user, appointments within which are time-shifted from the default time zone to another time zone also specified by the user. In accordance with a second, inventive time-zone qualifier approach, the user when entering the appointment time in the PIM also provides a time-zone qualifier specifying a time zone different from the default time zone. Based on such a qualifier, in a data synchronization, an administrator of the database corrects the appointment time in the PIM to reflect the specified time zone before it incorporates the appointment time into the database. 1