A network-based intercom system and method comprises software and the necessary
portions of a computer network on which it is implemented. The software includes
a dispatcher module to be installed on any of the computers of the network, and
an intercom module to be installed on each of the participating computers in the
system. The system has the advantage that it can be installed on non-dedicated
computers, thus avoiding costly and inconvenient wiring and hardware installation.
The system provides automatic message receipt without unnecessarily interrupting
a recipient. This is achieved by signaling that a message has been sent by an assigned
audible tone that is unique to the addressee. Thus, the recipient becomes aware
that he or she has automatically received a message. The message is displayed in
a banner on the addressee's computer monitor for selective viewing based on an
order of priority. A recipient can respond directly to a message by interfacing
with a visual display associated with the message.