Abstract: A system and method that provides for “virtual attendance” in real-time, as well as provides for recording the event. The system generally includes at least one video camera, an interface with the Internet for transmission of real-time video, a server, and an optional recording device. The equipment is installed in the facilities of a non-profit or charitable organization by a service provider at no cost to the organization, and the service provider maintains and operates the system at no cost to the organization. The service provider then charges a fee to the person holding the event for use of the system. Revenues for providing the service are shared between the service provider and the organization providing the facilities for the event. Once the service provider recovers the cost of the equipment, the equipment is donated to the organization and, in addition, the organization receives a larger share of the revenues.

Abstract: A subscriber device receives notification and it is determined if an icon is to be displayed in response to the received notification. When the icon is to be displayed, the interactivity level or message severity is determined from the context of the received notification and preferences are retrieved from at least one data record corresponding to interactivity level configuration settings. An icon is then generated from the retrieved preferences and it is determined if there is a message associated with the icon from the received notification. If there is no associated message then the icon is displayed. However, when there is an associated message, the message is attached to the generated icon and then displayed.