FACILITATING INSTANT MESSAGING OUTSIDE OF USER-DEFINED BUDDY GROUP IN A WIRELESS AND NON-WIRELESS ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A method, system and computer program product for instant message communication in a wireless and non-wireless environment (figure 9A,9B). The invented system includes an apparatus that facilitates conversation with individuals not included in the user's buddy group, non-buddies (183). The system includes at least one additional routing code (4561) reserved for conversing with non-buddies. The first time during a user session that the system receives a message originating from or destined for a non-buddy, before routing the message, the non-buddy's personal identifier is associated with one of the reserved routing codes (4561). The mobile user can then reply to the message using the same automated <> function available for replies to buddies. The non-buddy routing code assignment is only for the duration of a user session. When the mobile user signs off from the system, the routing code becomes available for reassignment.