Abstract: A system and a method for managing electronic contact database are disclosed. A method according to an embodiment comprises the steps of providing a recipient electronic address; providing an electronic mail message; encoding a network address including an indication of a file name and a network file server within the provided electronic mail message, the encoded network address indicative of a unique recipient and indicative of the network file server and a file name from which to retrieve data from the network file server; and, transmitting the electronic mail message to the provided recipient electronic address. A mail server supports the methods for managing electronic contact database.

Abstract: A method of notifying a user of an electronic communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing an electronic message including address data to an electronic communication process in execution within a computer system; identifying the address data within the provided electronic message; comparing address data within the provided electronic message with further address data stored on the computer within an address list; providing a notification to the user associated with the electronic message when a result of the comparison indicates that at least some of the identified address data is other than within the further address data, the notification other than a prompt to add the identified address data to the further address data.

Abstract: A method is proposed for automatically updating and maintaining contact information for various contacts stored in a contact database without requiring an individual to manually update their contacts by using an automated reply process for the maintaining of contact information, as well as only requiring one individual to be a member of the service. Updating of the contacts with the automated reply process installed is more frequent.

Abstract: Automatically populating contact information fields of a contact information database, such as for instance an electronic address book is performed without requiring an individual to manually enter data for the contact. A message is sent to the newly added contact requesting that they fill in their contact information. When the individual is a member of a service filling in the contact information is automatable.

Abstract: A method is proposed for automatically updating and maintaining contact information for various contacts stored in a contact database without requiring an individual to manually update their contacts by using an automated reply process for the maintaining of contact information, as well as only requiring one individual to be a member of the service. Updating of the contacts with the automated reply process installed is more frequent.