In a move that will tie its triple-play customers closer together, cable operator Comcast said Monday it will establish a communications center that will enable customers to use e-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, and address books from an integrated Web-based dashboard.

Called SmartZone, the application draws on technology from different companies, including Plaxo, which will provide a "smart address book" feature, and Zimbra, which will provide messaging technology. Hewlett-Packard is providing key networking services in the application for Comcast.

Using a single online address book, customers will be able to listen to voice mail online and then forward it using e-mail. Instant messages and video instant messages can also be sent in real time.

In addition, the dashboard interface will give users the capability of managing different applications including call forwarding, do-not-disturb feature, and voice mail playback options.

SmartZone -- scheduled to be deployed later this year -- will be free of charge for most Comcast customers.