Abstract: A system and method for facilitating navigation of an interactive voice response (IVR) menu. When a subscriber desires a connection (e.g., telephone call) with an organization or other entity accessed though an IVR menu, the system maps or translates the IVR menu options into a textual or graphical format for presentation on a suitable subscriber device (e.g., computer, PDA, telephone). The mapped IVR options may be provided to the subscriber in real-time, while the subscriber is connected to the organization. Or, the mapping may be presented off-line so that the subscriber may select a navigation path or destination prior to a connection being established. The system may enter the menu choices (e.g., via DTMF signals) for the subscriber, and the caller may be connected to the call before or after the target of the call answers.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a voice (or data) connection between two parties based on their availability. The system receives from a first subscriber a call request involving a second subscriber. The second subscriber may be identified by telephone number or other identifier. The system automatically detects the availability of the second subscriber through subscriber input, proactive availability testing, a tool executing on the subscriber's computing or communication device, etc. When the first subscriber and second subscriber are determined to be available, the system signals a call processor to establish a voice connection between them. Subscribers may configure various preferences, including default rules regarding their availability for all or certain types of calls, how to classify calls (e.g., by caller identity, date, time, nature of call). The system may help establish anonymous calls or reach a party matching specified parameters (e.g.

Abstract: A subscriber data page includes data regarding a subscriber, such as name, residential address, shipping address, electronic mail address, telephone numbers, billing data (e.g., credit card number), photograph, sound file (e.g., a greeting), etc. The page is customizable so that different information may be displayed for different parties. For example, the subscriber may specify that particular parties (e.g., identified friends or relatives) may view one set of details while merchants may view a second set of details and unknown or public parties yet another set. A merchant may retrieve shipping, billing and/or other information from the subscriber's data page when the subscriber places an order with the merchant. Illustratively, a link or reference to the subscriber's data page may be sent to a called party when the subscriber requests a connection with that party (or vice versa), while the subscriber and called party are connected, or after the connection.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a telephone connection between a subscriber and a party identified on the basis of criteria specified by the subscriber. A request is received from the subscriber for a telephone connection with a general party, where the party is not identified by a telephone number. The party may be described by a brand, a good or service or as a particular department or group in an organization. The system selects a suitable party and, when the subscriber is determined to be available for the call, the system establishes a telephone connection with the party. The subscriber may be coupled to the telephone connection or the party may be directed to contact the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a telephone connection between two parties without disclosing either party's telephone number. The system receives from a first party a call request for a second party. The call request includes an identifier of the second party (e.g., electronic mail address, instant messaging user name) and data concerning the first party (e.g., telephone number, name, picture). The system informs the second party (e.g., via electronic mail) of the call request and solicits the second party's telephone number if not known. If the second party approves the call, the system establishes a telephone connection between them. System subscribers may configure various preferences, including default rules regarding their availability for all or certain types of calls, how to classify calls (e.g., by caller identity, date, time, nature of call). The system may be used to reach a party matching specified parameters (e.g., pizza shop, customer service department).