A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A VALIDITY PERIOD IN ASSOCIATION WITH A PRESENCE ATTRIBUTE

摘要

A method and presence attribute information server is provided for managing a validity period in association with a presence attribute. The presence attribute information server includes a processor, an interface unit, and a storage unit. The interface unit is coupled to the processor, and includes a network interface for receiving and transmitting user presence attribute information. The storage unit is coupled to the interface unit and the processor, and includes presence attribute information organized and arranged as one or more entries in a data structure. Each presence attribute information entry has an identifier field identifying the type of presence attribute, a presence attribute value field, and a validity period field. In at least one embodiment, the presence attribute information is maintained as an application being executed as part of a user device, where the interface unit additionally includes a data input device for receiving user attribute information from the user.