Abstract: Generally described, the present invention relates to a messaging architecture for an online service. More specifically, the present invention relates to a messaging architecture and processes that facilitate the processing of messages delivered by the online service over a variety of communication networks. The messages may be special-purpose messages, customized messages, and/or a high volume of messages.

Abstract: A method for interacting with an online database through a variety of communications methods is described. Using e-mail programs, instant messaging applications, or SMS for mobile devices, a user of an online service composes and sends a language-based text message to an online service. A user services application implemented by the online service reads the incoming messages, verifies rights to the requested data, and determines whether the text message is a query or command. If the rights to the requested data have been confirmed by the mail reader application, the requested data is returned to the user in response to a query or the change is made to a record in the database in response to a command. In the case of e-mail, a confirmation step may be required in order to prevent spoofed e-mail commands.