Patent ID: 8279261

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for a management server to schedule a conference call, wherein the management server manages conferencing equipment, the method comprising: receiving, by the management server, an email comprising scheduling information for the conference call, wherein the scheduling information specifies a time and two or more endpoints for the conference call, wherein the managed conferencing equipment comprises at least one of the two or more endpoints; determining, by the management server, whether the conference call is possible based on the scheduling information and a schedule for the managed conferencing equipment; if the conference call is determined to be possible: scheduling the conference call by the management server, wherein scheduling the conference call comprises entering the scheduling information in the schedule for the managed conferencing equipment; sending, by the management server, a message to each participant in the conference call requesting that each participant specify a method of participation in the conference call; receiving, by the management server, an indication of a method of participation in the conference call from at least one participant; modifying, by the management server, the schedule for the managed conferencing equipment based on the method of participation indicated by the at least one participant.