Patent ID: 8576270

Claim:
A method for routing packet-based network video calls, the method comprising: receiving destination endpoint status information from a destination endpoint, wherein the destination endpoint status information is received from a resource status data store, and wherein the destination endpoint status information is collected in the resource status data store in response to polling the destination endpoint; receiving a video call request from an originating endpoint to initiate a video call to the destination endpoint; determining, using a microprocessor, if the destination endpoint is available to accept the video call from the originating endpoint based on the received destination endpoint status information and a predefined destination availability rule; and if the destination endpoint is unavailable, using a microprocessor to forward the video call to a video call mailbox associated with the destination endpoint and provide a visual indication of the redirection, record a video message at the video call mailbox, and send a notification to an electronic mail address associated with the destination endpoint, the notification including information about the video message and a link directed to a server configured to allow access to the video call mailbox.