User interface architecture and protocol for rich client controlled voicemail

A computer implemented method comprising:

• supplying a voice mail user interface;
• carrying out a voice mail control command associated with the voice mail user interface via a session initiation protocol, the voice mail control command expressed in a syntax of an XML-based protocol;
• based on the voice mail control command, causing a state transition of a voice mail server system interacting with the voice mail user interface;
• reporting the state transition according to an event definition expressed in the syntax of the XML-based protocol;
• reporting a success or failure of the voice mail control command according to a result definition expressed in the syntax of the XML-based protocol;
• and
• employing at least one parameter using a same syntax for the voice mail control command, the event definition and the result definition.

A computer-readable storage device storing instructions executable by a computing device to perform operations comprising:

• executing a client voicemail application;
• presenting an interface that displays a plurality of options for call forwarding, the options including an option to have calls forwarded during specific times set via the interface, to a recipient set by the interface, and based on a location;
• in response to selection of an option, communicating a command in an XML syntax to a voice mail server by way of the client voice mail application, in the form of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INFO request or response;
• and
• causing a state transition in the voice mail server by the command, the state transition being reported in an event definition of the XML syntax and having a success or failure reported according to a result definition of the XML syntax, the XML protocol being configured to employ parameters using a same syntax for the command, the event definition, and the result definition.