Abstract

A virtual assistant system (VAS) (102) supports call services (104), message services (106) and profile services (108) and interfaces to both a telephone network (114) and to a data network (116). The telephone network (114) may be the PSTN and/or another telephone network. The data network (116) may be the Internet, an Intranet or another data network in which communications are packet based. The call services (104) include call receipt services, call initiation services, conference calling services and other types of services in which calls are initiated, routed and/or completed and that are typically provided by a telephone company. The message services (106) include voice mail, email, Faxes, video mail, and other types of messages that include one or more types of media, e.g., audio or visual. The profile services (108) uniquely identify each subscriber and provide contact information for the subscriber. [All communications (email, voice mail, Fax, etc.) for the subscriber are received via a single telephone number. For example, the subscriber has account 8001234567 for calls, voice mail, Fax, IP calls, etc. and 80012345678@VAS.com for email. Based upon the content of the reach lists and corresponding schedules, the VAS (102) routes communications and messages to the subscriber and also notifies the subscriber of incoming communications. The single number, IP address (network address) and/or email address may also be used to access all messages for the subscriber.]