Abstract: The method comprises defining a group having at least one member that has a knowledge of the selected subject. A personal agent is provided for each member of the group. The personal agent is configured to discover an availability of the corresponding member through selected availability policies submitted to the personal agent. A group agent is provided for the group configured to communicate with at least one personal agent in the group to report on the availability of the corresponding members of the group. An availability of at least one member of the group to communicate with a user about the selected subject over the digital communication network is determined using the group agent. The availability of the at least one member of the group is reported to enable the user to determine the availability of the group to communicate about the selected subject.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing route selection of a communication connection over diverse media are described. The diverse media include but are not limited to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and satellite transmission. A desktop such as a computer is associated with one or more end system terminals. The desktop stores tables which identify the selection of available media and optimization factors associated with each. Set up and tear down protocols for each media are also stored by the desktop. Tables containing routing preferences for each media is also maintained at the desktop. Upon connection initiation the available media is evaluated for optimum service in relation to a callers set of preferences. A reroute of the connection after initiation can be implemented if a preferred route becomes available.