INTEGRATION OF E-MAIL WITH INSTANT MESSAGING SERVICES

摘要

A system for instant communication in real time is described wherein it is determined if a user with a given e-mail address Is available for on-line messaging. The system takes in a group of e-mail addresses and automatically looks for screen names that are available for instant messaging. Once a screen name is available for online communication, an icon appears next to the screen name. Instant messaging is achieved by pressing the icon. The screen names, the icons and the e-mail addresses all appear in the same window, thereby, integrating traditional e-mail addresses with instant messaging services making real time communication an effective tool.