APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SMART NETWORK APPLIANCES

摘要

An apparatus and method for real-time monitoring and controlling of network or network appliance activity through use of instant messaging software on a smart network appliance are provided. Network and network appliance activity are monitored by a smart network appliance and communicated to a user, server, or other network appliance via instant messaging. The smart network appliance acts as an instant messaging client, with its own screen name and buddy list. A command set is provided in the smart network appliance to enable the buddies in the buddy list to order the smart network appliance to perform an action by sending an instant message to the smart network appliance, the instant message including a command from the command set.