Virtual IM Buddy in an Instant Messaging System to Provide Authentification Information

摘要

An instant message (IM) virtual buddy is provided for communicating authentic messages to a client IM application of a client data communication device. The client IM application, using an encryption key associated with the virtual buddy, authenticates messages originating from the virtual buddy. The virtual buddy may be provisioned as a part of the IM application. The encryption key is preferably a public key of a public/private key pair in accordance with asymmetric encryption techniques. Users of client devices may receive authentic messages from the virtual buddy such as an enterprise, service or software provider and trust the source and content of the message.