Method and systems for providing communications services

• US RE42,694 E1
• Filed: 08/16/2007
• Issued: 09/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Writeback Technologies LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Coffee, Michael B.
• Primary Examiner(s): SMITH, CREIGHTON H
• Application Number:
  US11/889,838
• Time in Patent Office: 1,489 Days
• Field of Search: 709/224, 709/225, 709/226, 709/203
• US Class Current: 379/201.12
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42153 by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42161 via computer interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42178 by downloading data to substation equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42323 PBX's with CTI arrangements

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that allow a user to access communications services using a service node or a computer suitably connected to a communications-applications support system at a service provider'"'"'s facility. The user is provided with information as to the communications services available. These services may be ordered for implementation on and use with the service node or the user'"'"'s computer or on the computer used in connection with the support system. The implementation and performance of the communications services for the user be monitored, and if substandard, then remedial action may be taken by the system. Also, upgrades, maintenance, and new services may be transferred from the system to the user'"'"'s computer as appropriate. Advantageously, the user is relieved from provisioning, configuring, maintaining, updating, or educating individuals about these communications services.

Claims

1. A method to allow for providing a customer to readily obtain selected communications functions or selected communications services from a single source so as to save the customer from having to procure the selected functions or the selected services from different sources and save the customer from having the problems associated therewith, the method comprising:

receiving an electronic certificate identifying a computer of the customer;

authenticating the received certificate;

providing atransmitting to the computer of the customer with information regarding communications services or communications functions available to the customer;

receiving an order for a selected communications function or for a selected communications service from the computer;

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications function, executing the selected communications function, and maintaining function data on the customer and the selected communications function; and

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications service, causing the selected communications service to be implemented at the computer, and maintaining data on the customer and the selected communications service implemented at the computer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises information on telephone service, internet phone service, facsimile, paging service, data messaging service, integrated message service, intranet messaging service, extranet messaging service, remote access service, central office, private branch exchange (PBX) service, automatic call distributor (ACD) service, or personal locator call service.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving from the computer a deletion order for deletion of one of the selected communications services from the computer; and

in response to receiving the deletion order, causing deletion of the one of the selected communications services from the computer.

4. A method to allow for providing a customer to readily obtain selected communications functions or selected communications services from a single source so as to save the customer from having to procure the selected functions or the selected services from different sources and save the customer from having the problems associated therewith, the method comprising:

providingtransmitting to a computer of the customer with information regarding communications services or communications functions available to the customer;

receiving an order for a selected communications function or for a selected communications service from the computer;

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications function, executing the selected communications function, and maintaining function data on the customer and the selected communications function; and

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications service, causing the selected communications service to be implemented at the computer,

maintaining data on the customer and the selected communications service implemented at the computer,

monitoring implementation of the selected communications services service at the computer, and

ifin response to a determination the implementation is substandard, then taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

5. A method to allow for providing a customer to readily obtain selected communications functions or selected communications services from a single source so as to save the customer from having to procure the selected functions or the selected services from different sources and save the customer from having the problems associated therewith, the method comprising:

providingtransmitting to a computer of the customer with information regarding communications services or communications functions available to the customer;

receiving an order for a selected communications function or for a selected communications service from the computer;

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications function, executing the selected communications function, and maintaining function data on the customer and the selected communications function; and

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications service,

causing the selected communications service to be implemented at the computer,

maintaining data on the customer and the selected communications service implemented at the computer,

monitoring functionality of the selected communications services service at the computer, and

ifin response to a determination the functionality is substandard, then taking remedial action with respect to the implementation of the selected communications services service at the computer.

6. A method to allow for providing a customer to readily obtain selected communications functions or selected communications services from a single source so as to save the customer from having to procure the selected functions or the selected services from different sources and save the customer from having the problems associated therewith, the method comprising:

providingtransmitting to a computer of the customer with information regarding communications services or communications functions available to the customer;

receiving an order for a selected communications function or for a selected communications service from the computer;

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications function, executing the selected communications function, and maintaining function data on the customer and the selected communications function;

in response to receiving the order for the selected communications service, causing the selected communications service to be implemented at the computer, and maintaining data on the customer and the selected communications service implemented at the computer;

receiving an upgrade to one of the selected communications services implemented at the computer;

and

causing the upgrade to the one of the selected communications services to be implemented at the computer;

monitoring implementation of the selected communications service, including the upgrade, at the computer, and

in response to a determination the implementation is substandard, taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

7. A method for providing communications services by a service provider to a user, comprising:

provisioning a computer for use by a the user on a network and functionally connected over the network to a server of the service provider, and causing the computer to be operative

for transmitting a certificate identifying the computer to the server,

for ordering a communications services service from the server,

for receiving the communications services service from the server,

for installing the communications services service received from the server so the communications services are service is available for use on the computer,

for executing the communication services communications service with or without interaction with the server, and

for displaying information relating to the installed communication communications services installed on the computer, and relating to other communications services available from the server;

and

provisioning the server as a communications applications support system (CASS) as functionally connected to the computer through the network, and causing the server to be operative

to authenticate the certificate received from the computer,

to respond to an order from the computer for a communications service by causing the communications service to be provided to the computer, and

to be accessible to the computer for execution of the communication services communications service with interaction with the server, and

to provide the computer with information relating to the communication services communications services installed on the computer, and to the other communications services available from the server.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the information comprises information on telephone service, internet phone service, facsimile, paging service, data messaging service, integrated message service, intranet messaging service, extranet messaging service, remote access service, central office, private branch exchange (PBX) service, automatic call distributor (ACD) service, or personal locator call service.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the action of said provisioning the server comprises causing the server to be operative

to receive a deletion order for deletion of one of the communications services from the computer;

and

in response to receiving the deletion order, to cause deletion of said one of the communications services from the computer.

11. The method of claim 7, A method for providing communications services by a service provider to a user, comprising:

provisioning a computer for use by a the user on a network and functionally connected over the network to a server of the service provider, and causing the computer to be operative

for ordering a communications services service from the server,

for receiving the communications services service from the server,

for installing the communications services service received from the server so the communications services are service is available for use on the computer,

for executing the communication services communications service with or without interaction with the server, and

for displaying information relating to the installed communication services communications service installed on the computer, and relating to other communications services available from the server;

and

provisioning the server as a communications applications support system (CASS) as functionally connected to the computer through the network, and causing the server to be operative

to respond to an order from the computer for a communications service by causing the communications service to be provided to the computer,

to be accessible to the computer for execution of the communication services communications service with interaction with the server,

to provide the computer with information relating to the communication services communications service installed on the computer, and to the other communications services available from the server,

to monitor functionality of the communications services service at the computer, and

ifin response to a determination the functionality is substandard, then to take remedial action with respect to the implementation of the communications services service at the computer.

10. A method for providing communications services by a service provider to a user, comprising:

provisioning a computer for use by a the user on a network and functionally connected over the network to a server of the service provider, and causing the computer to be operative

for ordering a communications services service from the server,

for receiving the communications services service from the server,

for installing the communications services service received from the server so the communications services are service is available for use on the computer,

for executing the communication services communications service with or without interaction with the server, and

for displaying information relating to the installed communication services communications service installed on the computer, and relating to other communications services available from the server;

and

provisioning the server as a communications applications support system (CASS) as functionally connected to the computer through the network, and causing the server to be operative

to respond to an order from the computer for a communications service by causing the communications service to be provided to the computer,

to be accessible to the computer for execution of the communication services communications service with interaction with the server,

to provide the computer with information relating to the communication services communications service installed on the computer, and to the other communications services available from the server,

to monitor implementation of the communications service at the computer, and

ifin response to a determination the implementation is substandard, then to take remedial action with respect to the implementation.

12. A method for providing communications services by a service provider to a user, comprising:

provisioning a computer for use by a the user on a network and functionally connected over the network to a server of the service provider, and causing the computer to be operative

for ordering a communications services service from the server,

for receiving the communications services service from the server,

for installing the communications services service received from the server so the communications services are service is available for use on the computer,

for executing the communication services communications service with or without interaction with the server, and

for displaying information relating to the installed communication services communications service installed on the computer, and relating to other communications services available from the server;

and

provisioning the server as a communications applications support system (CASS) as functionally connected to the computer through the network, and causing the server to be operative

to respond to an order from the computer for a communications service by causing the communications service to be provided to the computer,

to be accessible to the computer for execution of the communication services communications service with interaction with the server,

to provide the computer with information relating to the communication services communications service installed on the computer, and to the other communications services available from the server,

to receive an upgrade to one of the communications services implemented at the computer, and

to cause the upgrade to the one of the communications services to be implemented at the computer;

to monitor implementation of the selected communications service, including the upgrade, at the computer, and

in response to a determination the implementation is substandard, to take remedial action with respect to the implementation.

13. A system for providing a user with a variable slate of communications services implemented through a computer of the user, the system comprising:

a server configured for authenticating a certificate of the computer of the user and for implementing or deleting selected communications services on or in connection with a the authenticated computer of the user, over an external network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the server also including a database having configured for storing data relating to the user, or to the selected communications services provided to the user;

a network connecting the server to the computer of the user; and

the computer operative to receive and implement being configured for receiving and implementing the selected communications services for use on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

the computer further being operative to receive configured for receiving instructions from the user on implementation or deletion of any communications service on the computer or on the computer in connection with the server, and to communicate for communicating over the external network with the server to obtain the implementation or deletion of the any communications service.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the server comprises a communications applications support system (CASS).

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the server is operative to provide the computer with information on communications services available from the server;

and wherein the computer is operative to display the information.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer further is operative configured

to receivefor receiving input from the user with respect to execution of a selected communications service in connection with the server, and

to communicatefor communicating over the network with the server to obtain execution of the selected communications service;

and

wherein the server further is receptive to configured for receiving the communication from the computer and to execute for executing the selected communications service.

16. A system for providing a user with a variable slate of communications services implemented through a computer of the user, the system comprising:

a server configured for implementing or deleting selected communications services on or in connection with a the computer of the user, over an external network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the server also including a database having configured for storing data relating to the user, or to the selected communications services provided to the user;

a network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the computer operative to receive and implement being configured for receiving and implementing the selected communications services for use on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

the computer further being operative to receive configured for receiving instructions from the user on implementation or deletion of any communications service on the computer or on the computer in connection with the server, and to communicate for communicating over the external network with the server to obtain the implementation or deletion of the any communications service;

and

wherein the server further is operative to monitor configured for monitoring implementation of the selected communications services or the any communications service on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

ifin response to a determination the implementation is substandard, then to takefor taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

17. A system for providing a user with a variable slate of communications services implemented through a computer of the user, the system comprising:

a server configured for implementing or deleting selected communications services on or in connection with a the computer of the user, over an external network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the server also including a database having configured for storing data relating to the user, or to the selected communications services provided to the user;

a network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the computer operative to receive and implement being configured for receiving and implementing the selected communications services for use on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

the computer further being operative to receive configured for receiving instructions from the user on implementation or deletion of any communications service on the computer or on the computer in connection with the server, and to communicate for communicating over the external network with the server to obtain the implementation or deletion of the any communications service;

and

wherein the server further is operative to monitor configured for monitoring implementation or deletion of the any communications services service on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

ifin response to a determination the implementation is substandard, then to takefor taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

18. A system for providing a user with a variable slate of communications services implemented through a computer of the user, the system comprising:

a server configured for implementing or deleting selected communications services on or in connection with a the computer of the user, over an external network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the server also including a database having configured for storing data relating to the user, or to the selected communications services provided to the user;

a network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the computer operative to receive and implement being configured for receiving and implementing the selected communications services for use on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

the computer further being operative to receive configured for receiving instructions from the user on implementation or deletion of any communications service on the computer or on the computer in connection with the server, and to communicate for communicating over the external network with the server to obtain the implementation or deletion of the any communications service;

and

wherein the server further is operative to monitor configured for monitoring functionality of the selected communications services at the computer, and

ifin response to a determination the functionality is substandard, then to takefor taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

19. A system for providing a user with a variable slate of communications services implemented through a computer of the user, the system comprising:

a server configured for implementing or deleting selected communications services on or in connection with a the computer of the user, over an external network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the server also including a database having configured for storing data relating to the user, or to the selected communications services provided to the user;

a network connecting the server to the computer of the user;

the computer operative to receive and implement being configured for receiving the selected communications services for use on the computer or for use on the computer in connection with the server, and

the computer further being operative to receive configured for receiving instructions from the user on implementation or deletion of any communications service on the computer or on the computer in connection with the server, and to communicate for communicating over the external network with the server to obtain the implementation or deletion of the any communications service;

and

wherein the server further is operative configured

to receivefor receiving an upgrade to one of the selected communications services implemented at the computer, and

to causefor causing the upgrade to the one of the selected communications services to be implemented at the computer;

for monitoring implementation of the one of the selected communications services, including the upgrade, at the computer, and

in response to a determination the implementation is substandard, for taking remedial action with respect to the implementation.

21. A method for providing a set of communications applications to a service module provided by a customer of a communications application provider, comprising:

receiving, by a processing device associated with the communications application provider, a certificate identifying the service module;

authenticating the received certificate;

receiving, by the processing device associated with the communications application provider, a request from the service module for the set of communications applications; and

transmitting, by the processing device to the service module, the set of communications applications, wherein the set of communications applications is configured to be installed on the service module.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a communications application in the set of communications applications is a fee-based service.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

receiving, by the processing device from the service module, usage data associated with a communications application in the set of communications applications; and

determining a charge to be applied to a user of the communications application based on the usage data.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein a communications application in the set of communications applications includes educational information associated with the communications application.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

receiving, by the processing device, a password from the service module requesting the set of communications applications; and

verifying the password prior to transmitting the requested set of communications applications.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes an IP telephony service.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a call delivery service.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a messaging service.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a facsimile service.

31. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a data transport service.

32. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes an electronic commerce service.

33. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a remote access service.

34. The method of claim 21, wherein the set of communications applications includes a message delivery service.

35. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

transmitting, by the processing device, a message informing the service module that an upgrade to a communications application in the set of communications applications is available.

36. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

receiving, by the processing device, a request from the service module for an upgrade to a communications application in the set of communications applications; and

transmitting, by the processing device to the service module, the requested upgrade.

37. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

receiving, by the processing device, a request from the service module for removal of a communications application in the set of communications application; and

transmitting, by the processing device to the service module, instructions for removing the communications application.

38. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

providing information regarding a communications application in a set of communications applications available for remote installation.

39. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

receiving, by the processing device from the service module, a request to invoke a communications application; and

executing the requested communications application in response to a determination the service module is authorized to access the requested communications application.

25. A method for providing a set of communications applications to a service module provided by a customer of a communications application provider, comprising:

receiving, by a processing device associated with the communications application provider, a request from the service module for the set of communications applications;

transmitting, by the processing device to the service module, the set of communications applications, wherein the set of communications applications is configured to be installed on the service module; and

providing, by the processing device to the service module, information regarding a communications application in the set of communications applications available for remote installation.

40. A system for providing a set of communications services to a service node provided by a customer of an application provider, comprising:

means for storing a plurality of communications services; and

a module configured to

receive a certificate identifying the service node,

authenticate the certificate, and

transmit, in response to receipt of a request from the service node, a set of communications services of the plurality of communications services from the means for storing to the service node, wherein the set of communications services is configured to be installed on the service node.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the storing means stores a service profile for the customer.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the storing means stores a service profile for a user associated with the customer.

43. The system of claim 40, wherein the storing means stores usage information associated with the customer.

44. The system of claim 40, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

45. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

receive from the service node usage data associated with a communications service; and

determine a charge to be applied to a user of the communications service based on the usage data.

46. The system of claim 40, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services includes educational information associated with the communications service.

47. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

receive a password from the service node requesting the set of communications services; and

verify the password prior to transmitting the requested set of communications services.

48. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

49. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

50. The method of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

51. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

52. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

53. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

54. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

55. The system of claim 40, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

56. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

transmit a message informing the service node that an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services is available.

57. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

receive from the service node a request for an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services; and

transmit the requested upgrade to the service node.

58. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

receive from the service node a request for removal of a communications service in the set of communications services; and

transmit to the service node instructions for removing the communications service.

59. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

provide information regarding a communications service in the set of communications services available for remote installation.

60. The system of claim 40, wherein the module is further configured to:

receive from the service node a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

execute the requested communications service in response to a determination the requesting service node is authorized to access the requested communications service.

61. The system of claim 40, further comprising:

a media gateway configured to receive communications in accordance with a plurality of communications protocols and to route the communications to the service node.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the media gateway is coupled to a public data network and to a public switched telephone network.

63. The system of claim 61, wherein the media gateway is configured to route the communications to a user device based on user routing instructions provided by the service node.

64. A system for providing a set of communications services to a service node provided by a customer of an application provider, comprising:

means for storing a plurality of communications services; and

a module configured to transmit, in response to receipt of a request from the service node, a set of communications services of the plurality of communications services from the storing means to the service node, and to provide information regarding a communications service in the set of communications services available for remote installation,

wherein the set of communications services is configured to be installed on the service node.

65. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions, execution of which by a computing device causes the computing device to perform operations enabling the provision of a set of communications services on a service module provided by a customer of a service provider, the operations comprising:

receiving a certificate identifying the service module;

authenticating the certificate;

receiving from the service module a request for a set of communications services from the service module; and

transmitting the requested set of communications services to the service module,

wherein the set of communications services is configured to be installed on the service module.

66. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

67. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving from the service module usage data associated with a communications service in the set of communications services; and

determining a charge to be applied to a user of the communications service based on the usage data.

68. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services includes educational information associated with the communications service.

69. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving a password from the service module requesting the set of communications services; and

verifying the password prior to transmitting the requested set of communications services.

70. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

71. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

72. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

73. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

74. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

75. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

76. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

77. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

78. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting a message informing the service module that an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services is available.

79. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving from the service module a request for an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services; and

transmitting the requested upgrade to the service module.

80. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving from the service module a request for removal of a communications service in the set of communications services; and

transmitting to the service module instructions for removing the communications service.

81. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

providing information regarding a communication service in the set of communications services available for remote installation.

82. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving from the service module a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service in response to a determination the service module is authorized to access the requested communications service.

83. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions, execution of which by a computing device causes the computing device to perform operations enabling the provision of a set of communications services on a service module provided by a customer of a service provider, the operations comprising:

receiving from the service module a request for a set of communications services from the service module; and

transmitting the requested set of communications services to the service module, and providing information regarding a communications service in the set of communications services available for remote installation,

wherein the set of communications services is configured to be installed on the service module.

84. A method for providing a set of communications services at a service module provided by a customer of a communications service provider, comprising:

authenticating a service platform of the service module to a server by transmitting a certificate to the server, wherein the server is provided by the communications service provider;

modifying by the service module the set of communications services provided at the service module based on a request from a user of the service module;

receiving by the service module a request to invoke a communications service in the modified set of communications services; and

invoking by the service module the requested communications service.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein modifying the set of communications services comprises:

adding a communications service to the set of communications services.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein modifying the set of communications services comprises:

removing a communications service from the set of communications services.

87. The method of claim 84, wherein modifying the set of communications services comprises:

upgrading a communications service in the set of communications services.

88. The method of claim 84, further comprising:

generating and storing usage data associated with the use of the requested communications service.

89. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services provided at the service module includes a fee-based communications service.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein said receiving a request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the fee-based communications service.

91. The method of claim 88, further comprising:

determining a cost for a use of the requested communications service based on the generated usage data.

92. The method of claim 84, further comprising:

defining first and second user groups, wherein a first set of individuals is associated with the first user group and a second set of individuals is associated with the second group; and

assigning access rights to the plurality of communications services per the defined first and second user groups.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein said receiving a request to invoke a communications service includes identifying an individual making the request.

94. The method of claim 93, further comprising:

determining access rights of the individual to the requested communications service based on a user group membership of the individual.

95. The method of claim 84, further comprising:

providing educational information regarding one or more communications service in the set of communications services.

96. The method of claim 84, wherein modifying the set of communications services comprises:

transmitting to the server a request for an additional communications service;

receiving from the server the requested additional communications service; and

installing the requested additional communications service.

97. The method of claim 96, further comprising:

authenticating the service platform to the server prior to transmitting the request.

98. The method of claim 96, further comprising, prior to transmitting the request:

authenticating a service platform to the server via a password assigned by the communications service provider to a provider of the service platform.

99. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

100. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

101. The method of claim 100, further comprising:

receiving call delivery data for an individual.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein said receiving a request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the call delivery service, wherein the request identifies the individual.

103. The method of claim 102, further comprising:

receiving a call for the individual; and

routing the call based on the call delivery data for the individual.

104. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

105. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

106. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

107. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

108. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

109. The method of claim 84, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

110. The method of claim 109, further comprising:

receiving message delivery data for an individual, wherein the message delivery data defines a communication medium for delivery of received messages for the individual.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein said receiving a request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the message delivery service, wherein the request identifies the individual.

112. The method of claim 111, further comprising:

receiving a message for the individual; and

routing the message based on the message delivery data for the individual.

113. The method of claim 84, further comprising:

receiving by the service module an upgrade to the communications service in the set of communications services; and

installing the upgrade to the communications service.

114. The method of claim 84, wherein modifying the set of communications services comprises:

transmitting to the server a request to remove a communications service from the set of communications services; and

removing the communications service.

115. The method of claim 84, further comprising:

transmitting usage data to the server, wherein the server provides a bill based on the usage data.

116. The method of claim 84, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on the server.

117. The method of claim 116, further comprising:

transmitting a request to invoke the communications service provided on the server; and

coupling a user device to the server for use of the communications service.

118. A service node for providing a set of communications services at a location remote from a communications service provider, comprising:

means for storing the set of communications services; and

a service module configured to modify the set of communications services upon request from a user of the service node,

wherein the means for storing stores an authentication certificate identifying the service node,

wherein the service module is configured to authenticate the service node to a server using the authentication certificate, and

wherein the server is provided by the communications service provider.

119. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is further configured to invoke an instance of a communications service in the set of communications services upon receipt of a request for the communications service.

120. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is configured to add a communications service to the set of communications services.

121. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is configured to remove a communications service from the set of communications services.

122. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is configured to upgrade a communications service in the set of communications services.

123. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is further configured to generate and store usage data associated with use of the set of communications services.

124. The service node of claim 123, wherein the usage data includes indication of users of communications allowed by the set of communications services.

125. The service node of claim 123, wherein the usage data includes indication of recipients of communications enabled by the set of communications services.

126. The service node of claim 123, wherein the usage data includes statistics related to the use of the set of communications services.

127. The service node of claim 118, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

128. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

129. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

130. The service node of claim 129, wherein the means for storing stores call delivery data for a user.

131. The service node of claim 130, wherein the service module is further configured to route a call received for a user based on the stored call delivery data for the user.

132. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

133. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

134. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

135. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

136. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

137. The service node of claim 118, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

138. The service node of claim 137, wherein the means for storing stores message delivery data for a user.

139. The service node of claim 138, wherein the service module is further configured to route a message received for the user based on the stored message delivery data for the user.

140. The service node of claim 118, wherein:

the means for storing stores educational information regarding a communications service in the set of communications services; and

the service module is configured to provide, upon request, educational information associated with the communication service.

141. The service node of claim 120, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit to the server a request for an additional communications service;

receive the requested additional communications service from the server; and

install the requested additional communications service.

142. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module is configured to authenticate the service node to the server prior to the request for the communications service.

143. The service node of claim 118, wherein the service module further is configured to receive a password from a user of the service node and to authenticate the service node to a server using the received password.

144. The service node of claim 122, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit to the server a request for an upgrade to a communications service;

receive the requested upgrade from the server; and

install the requested upgrade on the service node.

145. The service node of claim 121, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit to the server a request to remove a communication service;

receive acknowledgment of the removal request from the server; and

remove the communication service from the service node.

146. The service node of claim 118, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on a remote server.

147. The service node of claim 146, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit a request to invoke the communications service provided on the remote server; and

couple a user device to the remote server for use of the communications service.

148. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions, execution of which by a computing device causes the computing device to perform operations enabling the provision of a set of communications services at a service module provided by a customer of a communications service provider, the operations comprising:

authenticating a service platform of the service module to a server via a certificate identifying the service platform, wherein the server is provided by the communications service provider;

modifying by the service module the set of communications services based on a request from a user of the service module;

receiving by the service module a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

invoking the requested communications service.

149. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operation of modifying the set of communications services comprises:

adding a communications service to the set of communications services.

150. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operation of modifying the set of communications services comprises:

removing a communications service from the set of communications services.

151. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operation of modifying the set of communications services comprises:

upgrading a communications service in the set of communications services.

152. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating and storing usage data associated with a use of the requested communications service.

153. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein a communication service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

154. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 153, wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the fee-based communications service.

155. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 152, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining a cost for the use of the requested communications service based on the generated usage data.

156. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

defining first and second user groups, wherein a first set of individuals is associated with the first user group and a second set of individuals is associated with the second group; and

assigning access rights to the plurality of communications services per the defined first and second user groups.

157. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 156, wherein the request to invoke a communications service identifies an individual making the request.

158. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 157, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining access rights of the individual to the requested communications service based on a user group membership of the individual.

159. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

providing educational information regarding the set of communications services.

160. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting to the server a request for an additional communications service;

receiving the requested additional communications service from the server; and

installing the requested additional communications service.

161. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 160, wherein the operations further comprise:

authenticating the service platform to the server prior to transmitting the request.

162. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 160, wherein the operations further comprise:

authenticating the service platform to the server via a password assigned by the communications service provider to a provider of the service platform.

163. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

164. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

165. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 164, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving call delivery data for an individual.

166. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 165, wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the call delivery service, wherein the request identifies the individual.

167. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 166, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving a call for the individual; and

routing the call based on the call delivery data for the individual.

168. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

169. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

170. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

171. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

172. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

173. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

174. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 173, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving message delivery data for an individual, wherein the message delivery data defines a communication medium for delivery of received messages for the individual.

175. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 174, wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the message delivery service, wherein the request identifies the individual.

176. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 175, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving a message for the individual; and

routing the message based on the message delivery data for the individual.

177. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting to the server a request to remove a communications service from the set of communications services; and

removing the communications service.

178. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting usage data to the server, wherein the server provides a bill based on the usage data.

179. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on the server.

180. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 179, wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting a request to invoke a communications service provided on the server; and

coupling a user device to the server for use of the communications service.

284. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 148, wherein the operations further comprise:

receiving an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services; and

installing the upgrade to the communications service.

181. A method for providing a set of communications services on a customer platform provided by a customer of a communications service provider, comprising:

authenticating the customer platform to a remote server via a certificate identifying the customer platform, wherein the remote server is provided by the communications service provider;

requesting, by the customer platform to the remote server, the set of communications services;

receiving the set of requested communications services from the remote server; and

installing the set of requested communications services on the customer platform.

182. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

receiving by the customer platform a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service.

183. The method of claim 181, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

184. The method of claim 182, further comprising:

generating usage data associated with the invoked communications service.

185. The method of claim 184, wherein the usage data includes information associated with a recipient of the invoked communications service.

186. The method of claim 184, wherein the usage data includes information associated with an extent of use of the invoked communications service.

187. The method of claim 184, wherein the usage data includes information associated with an originator of the invoked communications service.

188. The method of claim 182, wherein the receiving a request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke a fee-based communications service.

189. The method of claim 184, further comprising:

determining a cost for a use of the requested communications service based on the generated usage data.

190. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

defining first and second user groups, wherein a first set of users is associated with the first user group and a second set of users is associated with the second group; and

assigning access rights to the set of communications services per the defined first and second user groups.

191. The method of claim 190, further comprising:

receiving by the customer platform a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services, wherein the request to invoke a communications service identifies a user making the request.

192. The method of claim 191, further comprising:

determining access rights of the user to the requested communications service based on a user group membership of the user.

193. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

receiving by the customer platform a request for educational information regarding a communications service; and

providing the requested educational information.

194. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

transmitting, by the customer platform to the remote server, a request for an additional communications service;

receiving the requested additional communications service from the remote server; and

installing the requested additional communications service on the customer platform.

195. The method of claim 194, further comprising:

authenticating the customer platform to the remote server prior to transmitting the request.

196. The method of claim 194, further comprising, prior to transmitting the request:

authenticating a customer platform to the server via a password assigned by the communications service provider to a provider of the customer platform.

197. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

198. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

199. The method of claim 198, further comprising:

receiving call delivery data for a user.

200. The method of claim 199, further comprising:

receiving a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service,

wherein receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises;

receiving a request to invoke the call delivery service, and

wherein the request identifies the user.

201. The method of claim 200, further comprising:

receiving a call for the user; and

routing the call based on the call delivery data for the user.

202. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

203. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

204. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

205. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

206. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

207. The method of claim 181, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

208. The method of claim 207, further comprising:

receiving message delivery data for a user, wherein the message delivery data defines a communication medium for delivery of received messages for the user.

209. The method of claim 208, further comprising:

receiving a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service,

wherein receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises;

receiving a request to invoke the message delivery service, and

wherein the request to invoke the message delivery service identifies the user.

210. The method of claim 209, further comprising:

receiving a message for the user; and

routing the message based on the message delivery data for the user.

211. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

receiving, by the customer platform from the remote server, an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services; and

installing the upgrade to the communications service.

212. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

transmitting, by the customer platform to the remote server, a request to remove a communications service from the set of communications services; and

removing the communications service from the customer platform.

213. The method of claim 181, further comprising:

transmitting usage data to the remote server, wherein the remote server provides a bill based on the usage data.

214. The method of claim 181, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on the remote server.

215. The method of claim 214, further comprising:

transmitting a request to invoke a communications service provided on the remote server; and

coupling a user device to the remote server for use of the communications service.

216. A service node for providing a set of communications services at a location remote from a communications service provider, comprising:

means for storing the set of communications services and an authentication certificate identifying the service node; and

a service module configured to authenticate the service node to the remote server using the authentication certificate, to request the set of communications services from a remote server, and to install the set of requested communications services at the service node.

217. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is further configured to invoke an instance of a communications service in the set of communications services upon receipt of a request for the communications service.

218. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is configured to add a communications service to the set of communications services.

219. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is configured to remove a communications service from the set of communications services.

220. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is configured to upgrade a communications service in the set of communications services.

221. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is further configured to generate and store usage data associated with use of the plurality of communications services.

222. The service node of claim 221, wherein the usage data includes indication of users of communications enabled by the plurality of communications services.

223. The service node of claim 221, wherein the usage data includes indication of recipients of communications enabled by the plurality of communications services.

224. The service node of claim 221, wherein the usage data includes statistics related to the use of the plurality of communications services.

225. The service node of claim 216, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

226. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

227. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

228. The service node of claim 227, wherein the means for storing stores call delivery data for a user.

229. The service node of claim 228, wherein the service module is further configured to route a call received for a user based on the stored call delivery data for the user.

230. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

231. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

232. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

233. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

234. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

235. The service node of claim 216, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

236. The service node of claim 235, wherein the means for storing stores message delivery data for a user.

237. The service node of claim 236, wherein the service module is further configured to route a message received for the user based on the stored message delivery data for the user.

238. The service node of claim 216, wherein;

the storage means stores educational information regarding a communications service in the set of communications services, and

the service module is configured to provide, upon request, educational information associated with the communication service.

239. The service node of claim 218, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit to the remote server a request for an additional communications service;

receive the requested additional communications service from the remote server; and

install the requested additional communications service.

240. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is configured to authenticate the service node to the remote server prior to the request for the set of communications services from the remote server.

241. The service node of claim 216, wherein the service module is further configured to receive a password from a user of the service node and to authenticate the service node to the remote server using the received password.

242. The service node of claim 220, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit to the remote server a request for an upgrade to a communications service, wherein the remote server is provided by the communications service provider;

receive the requested upgrade from the remote server; and

install the requested upgrade on the service node.

243. The service node of claim 216, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on the remote server.

244. The service node of claim 243, wherein the service module is further configured to:

transmit a request to invoke the communications service provided on the remote server; and

couple a user device to the remote server for use of the communications service.

245. A service node for providing a set of communications services at a location remote from a communications service provider, comprising:

means for storing the set of communications services; and

a service module configured to

request the set of communications services from a remote server, wherein the remote server is provided by the communications service provider;

install the set of requested communications services at the service node;

transmit to the remote server a request to remove a communication service in the set of communications services;

receive acknowledgment of the removal request from the remote server; and

remove the communication service from the set of communications services at the service node.

246. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions, execution of which by a computing device causes the computing device to perform operations enabling the provision of a set of communications services on a customer platform provided by a customer of a service provider, the operations comprising:

authenticating the customer platform to the remote server via a certificate identifying the customer platform;

requesting a set of communications services from a remote server;

receiving the set of requested communications services from the remote server; and

installing the set of requested communications services on the customer platform.

247. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

receiving a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service.

248. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is a fee-based service.

249. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

generating usage data associated with the invoked communications service.

250. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 249, wherein the usage data includes information associated with a recipient of the invoked communications service.

251. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 249, wherein the usage data includes information associated with an extent of use of the invoked communications service.

252. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 249, wherein the usage data includes information associated with an originator of the invoked communications service.

253. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 248, wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises:

receiving a request to invoke the fee-based communications service.

254. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 249, the operations further comprising:

determining a cost for a use of the requested communications service based on the generated usage data.

255. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

defining first and second user groups, wherein a first set of users is associated with the first user group and a second set of users is associated with the second group; and

assigning access rights to the set of communications services per the first and second defined user groups.

256. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 255, wherein the request to invoke a communications service identifies a user making the request.

257. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 256, the operations further comprising:

determining access rights of the user to the requested communications service based on a user group membership of the user.

258. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

receiving a request for educational information regarding a communications service; and

providing the requested educational information.

259. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

transmitting to the remote server a request for an additional communications service;

receiving the requested additional communications service from the remote server; and

installing the requested additional communications service.

260. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 259, the operations further comprising:

authenticating the customer platform to the remote server prior to transmitting the request.

261. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

authenticating the customer platform to the remote server via a password assigned by the communications service provider to a provider of the customer platform.

262. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes an IP telephony service.

263. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a call delivery service.

264. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 263, the operations further comprising:

receiving call delivery data for a user.

265. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 264, the operations further comprising:

receiving a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service,

wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises;

receiving a request to invoke the call delivery service, and

wherein the request to invoke the call delivery service identifies the user.

266. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 265, the operations further comprising:

receiving a call for the user; and

routing the call based on the call delivery data for the user.

267. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a messaging service.

268. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a facsimile service.

269. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a data transport service.

270. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes an electronic commerce service.

271. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a remote access service.

272. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein the set of communications services includes a message delivery service.

273. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 272, the operations further comprising:

receiving message delivery data for a user, wherein the message delivery data defines a communication medium for delivery of received messages for the user.

274. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 273, the operations further comprising:

receiving a request to invoke a communications service in the set of communications services; and

executing the requested communications service,

wherein the operation of receiving the request to invoke a communications service comprises;

receiving a request to invoke the message delivery service, and

wherein the request to invoke the message deliver service identifies the user.

275. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

receiving an upgrade to a communications service in the set of communications services; and

installing the upgrade to the communications service.

276. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

transmitting to the remote server a request to remove a communications service from the set of communications services; and

removing the communications service.

277. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, the operations further comprising:

transmitting usage data to the remote server, wherein the remote server provides a bill based on the usage data.

278. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 246, wherein a communications service in the set of communications services is provided on the remote server.

279. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 278, the operations further comprising:

transmitting to the remote server a request to invoke a communications service; and

coupling a user device to the remote server for use of the communications service.

280. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 274, the operations further comprising:

receiving a message for the user; and

routing the message based on the message delivery data for the user.

281. A method for providing communications services via a local area network (LAN), comprising:

receiving, at a service module in the LAN, a communications message for delivery to a first user of the LAN, wherein the service module includes a set of communications services for the LAN;

routing the received communications message over the LAN to a device associated with the first user; and

receiving a request from a second user to modify the set of communications services provided by the service module.

282. The method of claim 281, further comprising:

receiving a communications message via a first communications protocol and routing the communications message over the LAN via a second communications protocol.

283. A service node for providing a set of communications services at a location remote from a communications service provider, comprising:

means for storing the set of communications services and an authentication certificate identifying the service node, wherein the set of communications services is user-configurable; and

a service module configured to communicate with user devices via a plurality of communications protocols, and to authenticate the service node to a server using the authentication certificate, wherein the server is provided by the communications service provider.