Instant messaging using telephone sets

摘要

A method and an apparatus for providing Instant Messaging (IM) capability in digital telephone sets is disclosed. The invention allows telephone users to compose and display Instant Messages and to exchange contact lists with other telephone users or users of an Internet-based messaging system. The method of the invention in one embodiment allows digital telephones, with limited keys and display space, to support the full functionality of Instant Messaging. Quick compose and quick reply mechanisms allow sending common messages with minimum keypad button pushes. The invention also allows Computer Supported Telephony Application (CSTA) based messages to interface with the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, thus permitting IM exchanges between digital telephone set users and Window Messenger clients.