System and methods for communication between instant message users and short message service users

摘要

A routing system receives an instant message (IM) from a user via an IM service. The IM contains a source address associated with the IM user and a destination address associated with a contact in the IM user's“buddy”list. A temporary mobile device number is allocated to the IM user. The IM is converted to a text message suitable for delivery to the selected contact's mobile device via a short message service, whereby the temporary mobile device number allocated to the IM user is the source address of the text message. Upon receipt of the text message, the contact may compose and send a reply text message to the IM user via the temporary mobile device number. The reply text message is routed to the IM user via an IM service based on the temporary mobile device number allocated to the IM user.