A method is provided in an application server configured for responding to hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) requests. The method includes storing, in response to a first HTTP request, an XML document that specifies for a user, a call number of a second party. The stored XML document is retrieved based on a second HTTP request by the user. A first HTML document is generated based on the retrieved XML document. The first HTML document has instructions including the call number for accessing the second party. A second HTML document is generated based on a prescribed input received from the second party. The second HTML document has instructions for connecting the second party with the user. Hence, a user may speak with a called party without ever having to remain on hold.
A networked telephony system and method allow users to deploy on the Internet computer telephony applications associated with designated telephone numbers. The telephony application is easily created by a user in XML (Extensible Markup Language) with predefined telephony XML tags and easily deployed on a website. The telephony XML tags include those for call control and media manipulation. A call to anyone of these designated telephone numbers may originate from anyone of the networked telephone system such as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone System), a wireless network, or the Internet. The call is received by an application gateway center (AGC) installed on the Internet. Analogous to a web browser, the AGC provides facility for retrieving the associated XML application from its website and processing the call accordingly. The architecture and design of the system allow for reliability, high quality-of-service, easy scalability and the ability to incorporate additional telephony hardware and software and protocols.
A number of geographically dispersed automated product design systems and support systems are connected to a network. A user of a design system requesting assistance in using the design system is connected to an operator of one of the support systems. A display and control connection is established between the user system and the support system such that the operator of the support system can monitor and control the user system. A discussion connection is established between the user of the user system and the operator of the support system such that the user can submit inquiries to and receive responses from the operator while the operator is viewing the information being displayed to the user at the user system.
