Importance

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Abstract

An audio teleconferencing apparatus includes one or more conference bridges for establishing an audio teleconference between conference attendees, and a conference controller for controlling the conference bridges to permit a conference scheduler to reserve an audio teleconference and facilitate connection of the conference attendees during the audio teleconference. The conference controller facilitates reconfiguring the audio teleconference, especially during and immediately before the teleconference. The conference controller may reconfigure the reserved audio teleconference responsive to a conference attendee, and based upon availability of the conference resources. In one embodiment, the reconfiguring is for permitting the audio teleconference to begin prior to a reserved starting time for the audio teleconference if a conference attendee calls into the audio teleconference a predetermined time before the reserved starting time. In another embodiment, the reconfiguring occurs upon monitoring progress of the audio teleconference and permits an extension of a length of the audio teleconference beyond a reserved length of time for the audio conference or permits addition of a conference attendee. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

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First Claim