Abstract: The present invention proposes a technique for establishing peer-to-peer multimedia interactions and data exchanges via a discovery mechanism which relies on a model of (chained) programmable switchboards which may be implemented to enable a step-by-step discovery process until the endpoint of the communication chain is actually reached. The novelty of the proposed system and distinct contrast to known systems is that each endpoint can actually program if, how and when it wants to be reached for each individual user initiating contact, and to provide the information on how to be reached to its potential users initiating contact along its own model.