Messaging and document management system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system and method for transmitting electronic mail between a plurality of users, wherein the user is the sender (12) or the recipient (14) of the mail, but can also be both the sender and the recipient square. The system and method augment the Internet using a postal server (20) and software (electronic postal service) connected to the Internet (18). The sender (12) uses the postal sender software to choose to use electronic postal services for transmissions in conjunction with certain automatic premium services, and also selects optional premium services that are usually available at an additional cost. The systems and methods include billing and billing functionality using advanced services. The system and method may cooperate with a network serving multiple terminals (12, 14, 16). Advanced services include sender identification and authentication, mail screening for technical and content risks, encryption, confirmation of receipt and opening of mail; customized incentives for recipients(14) to open incoming mail, and post office "window ” and email save function.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and to U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 455,132, filed March 17, 2003. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to communication systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method that enable the public to send and receive email and messages via the Internet with guaranteed delivery, security, privacy, priority, and manageability. Background technique [0004] The Internet has revolutionized information sharing. Electronic mail, or e-mail, is already fairly well established on the Internet and is expected to grow strongly in the future. E-mail applications are also growing rapidly due to the proliferation of various forms of computing devices and the increased availability and accessibility of telecommunications bandwidth. In 2002, an estimated 31 billion e-mail messages were sent per day, and thi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While some people find this service attractive, there is a trade-off in this service where the sender cannot use the convenience of their own mailbox (aka their own email application) to mail the document

Second, the system is still largely physical, non-electronic processing, with all the limitations inherent in physical mail delivery

Third, the recipient cannot use his own email address (that is, his email application) to receive the document

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