A system and method of sending, receiving and managing messaging data through a shell interface is provided. The system includes a plurality of communication services, at least one messaging client and a host server. The plurality of communication services provides fax, voicemail and/or pager messaging services. The host server provides an interface between the messaging client and the plurality of communication services. The messaging client has a shell interface. A messaging component is installed into the shell interface. At least one messaging entry is displayed through the shell interface. The displayed messaging entry identifies received faxes, voicemails and/or pager messages. One of the received faxes, voicemails and pager messages is selected through the shell interface, and an appropriate communication service is invoked for accessing the selected message.