CommPortal Assistant

CommPortal Assistant simplifies and enhances the subscriber experience by providing a lightweight desktop PC integration with the CommPortal™ web interface. Automatic notifications and instant access to frequently used calling features, including click-to-dial, make CommPortal Assistant a highly functional daily solution for business and residential subscribers alike.

High Function Toolbar

The CommPortal Assistant toolbar enables your subscribers to access communication services at anytime from the desktop. This reinforces the value of your offering to subscribers who can now access most advanced telephony services from their computers, without having to change applications or open a web browser. The toolbar allows users to

• search their CommPortal contact list
• search contacts in an external LDAP directory
• synchronize contacts with Microsoft Outlook™
• initiate click-to-dial outgoing calls
• enable/disable key call services.

This integrated approach even provides extensions that allow Microsoft Outlook to initiate click-to-dial outgoing calls, enabling users to leverage their combined contact lists from either application (CommPortal or Outlook).

Integrated Notifier and Incoming Call Pop-up

CommPortal Assistant Notifier transparently maintains contact with web-based CommPortal so that it can alert subscribers whenever they receive a new voicemail via a pop-up notification, or "toast." The toast displays the name of the caller, their number and the time of the message. Residing in the Windows system tray, it offers a notification area icon that shows voicemail status and provides a shortcut to CommPortal. Similarly, Incoming Call Pop-up displays the calling number and, where available, the caller's name – drawn automatically from the subscriber's CommPortal contact lists, Business Group configuration, or network-supplied information. Having checked the identity of the caller, the subscriber can pick up the phone and take the call, or can use intuitive buttons on their PC to send the call to voicemail or forward it to another line.

Instantly Change Status

CommPortal Assistant allows users to easily change their status in much the same way they're already used to doing through their instant message clients. A simple point and click allows users to select

• Ring my phone - deactivates any other service that might be in effect
• Do not disturb - activates the do not disturb (DND) feature
• Forward calls - to any of the previous 5 numbers used for forwarding or to a different number they can input
• Find Me Follow Me.

CommPortal Assistant also can leverage subscriber rules from MetaSphere Incoming Call Manager™, a CommPortal based service that offers even greater control over how they receive calls.