Communication management features

A computer-readable tangible medium that stores a computer program for answering communications, comprising

• a first routine that receives an incoming communication sent by a sender and intended for a communication device of a recipient;
• a second routine that answers the communication, and places the communication on hold;
• a third routine that injects an audio, video, text, and/or graphic message into a communication channel between the recipient and the sender, wherein the message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication;
• and
• a fourth routine that provides a promise fulfillment feature that alerts the recipient to the communication and any promise to follow-up with the sender made in the injected message.

A communication device for answering communications including a memory and a processor, the device comprising:

• means for receiving an incoming communication sent by a sender and intended for a communication device of a recipient;
• means for answering the communication, and placing the communication on hold;
• means for injecting an audio, video, text, and/or graphic message, wherein the message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication;
• and
• means for providing a promise fulfillment feature that alerts the recipient to the communication and any promise to follow-up with the sender made in the injected message.