Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for the transmission of data files over a network has particular application in connection with store-and-forward systems. A message transmission is composed using a chosen data format, which may be chosen from graphics, facsimile, audio, video or text file formats. A unique identifier code, corresponding to the data format, is annexed to the message file, and the unified transmission is sent to a reception host facility through the network. The reception facility stores the message, advising the particular recipient of its reception and the nature of the data, obtained upon inspection of the identifier code. Because the code is exterior to the message, the data format may be determined without examination of the message contents, such that the integrity and privacy of the message is maintained. The host facility may maintain a listing of the data formats accessible by recipients associated with the facility to allow an acknowledgement of reception capability to be forwarded to the sender.

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First Claim