Extended features to conferencing system using a web-based management interface

A system for providing enhanced conferencing control features in an Internet-based conference solution, comprising:

• a client network comprising:
• a controller for generating connection information and function request;
• an interface for receiving and operating on the connection information and function request;
• an application programming interface (API) for controlling hardware;
• and
• a computer telephony integration (CTI) unit for hosting software that communicates with the hardware;
• and
• a service provider network comprising:
• a conference server for receiving and executing the connection information and function request;
• and
• a wide area network coupling the client network to the service provider network for allowing communication between the client network and the service provider network.

In a system including a client network coupled to a service provider network over a wide area network, a method for providing enhanced conferencing control features in an Internet-based conference solution, comprising the steps of:

• generating at the client network connection information and a function request to control a conference;
• transmitting to the service provider network the connection information and function request;
• authorizing at the service provider network the client network connection information;
• and
• signaling the authorization information back to the client network.