Abstract: A method and computer program product for identifying one or more instant messaging contacts associated with a first instant messaging contacts list, and identifying one or more instant messaging contacts associated with a second instant messaging contacts list. The one or more instant messaging contacts associated with the first instant messaging contacts list are compared to the one or more instant messaging contacts associated with the second instant messaging contacts list. One or more comparison instant messaging contacts are determined.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically recognizing a potential recipient of an electronic message. The method includes receiving content input for an electronic communication. The electronic communication includes at least one field of a plurality of fields, including a subject line, a message body, and a recipient address field. The at least one field of the electronic communication is populated with the content input. The method also includes parsing the content input of the at least one field of the electronic communication. The method also includes semantically analyzing the parsed content input of the at least one field of the electronic communication to identify a content qualifier of a recipient rule. The method also includes suggesting a potential recipient of the electronic communication based on the content qualifier of the recipient rule associated with the content input of the at least one of field of the electronic communication.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for analyzing a plurality of relationships of a user. A social network of the user is defined based upon, at least in part, at least a portion of the plurality of relationships of the user. The social network identifies one or more relationship users. A relationship score is associated with the one or more relationship users. An instant messaging availability status of the user is indicated to the one or more relationship users based upon, at least in part, the relationship score associated with the one or more relationship users.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining one or more authorized users capable of granting do-not-disturb circumvention privileges, and receiving an indicator of a grant of do-not-disturb circumvention privileges to a circumventing user by the one or more authorized users. A do-not-disturb status of an instant messaging user is circumvented based upon, at least in part, the grant of do-not-disturb circumvention privileges.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to collaborative computing and provide a method, system and computer program product for deriving and communicating attention spans in a collaborative computing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, an attention span management method can be provided for a collaborative computing environment. The method can include monitoring computer activity for a collaborator to a collaboration, computing an attention span based upon the monitored computing activity, and generating an alert in the collaboration if the attention span crosses a threshold boundary indicating an unacceptable level of distraction for the collaboration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to instant messaging and provide a method, system and computer program product for instant messenger based social introductions. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for instant messaging based social introductions can be provided. The method can include selecting contacts from a buddy list of an instant messenger, retrieving attributes for each of the selected contacts, and generating introduction text for each of the selected contacts. Specifically, the introduction text can introduce a particular one of the selected contacts and can incorporate attributes for the particular one of the contacts. Finally, the method can include instant messaging the introduction text for each of the selected contacts to another of the selected contacts.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for reserving scheduling time includes defining a reserve time period in a scheduling system for a user. A reserve user group is defined including one or more reserve users, and the reserve user group is associated with the reserve time period. Scheduling permissions are assigned for the reserve time period based upon, at least in part, the associated reserve user group.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for establishing a trust relationship between a first user of a collaboration platform and at least a second user of the collaboration platform. Information concerning calendar-related events for the at least a second user is automatically forwarded to the first user.

Abstract: A method and computer program product or managing instant messaging status include identifying an instant messaging unavailable status for a user, and identifying a point-in-time collaborative intersection between the user and one or more collaborative users. The instant messaging unavailable status of the user is penetrated to allow instant messaging communications from at least a portion of the one or more collaborative users during the point-in-time collaborative intersection.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for managing communications with a user include defining one or more communication profiles for a user, in which defining the one or more communication profiles includes defining one or more communication channels for the user, and defining a preferred communication schedule for each of the one or more communication channels. The preferred communication schedule is associated with a respective one of the one or more communication channels. Communications with the user by a contacting user are managed based upon, at least in part, the one or more communication profiles for the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an email warning including analyzing one or more communication activities of a user. A pattern of communication activity may be defined based upon, at least in part, the analyzed one or more communication activities of the user. An attempted communication activity may be compared to the pattern of communication activity. A notification may be provided to the user if the attempted communication activity is inconsistent with the pattern of communication activity.

Abstract: A user interface (UI), which reflects exchanges in the past and the future between a user and entities. The UI includes a background having a user defined granularity, a plurality of dots, which each represent at least one collaborative exchange of a user and which are each arranged on the background, a graphic connection between any two or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, a first graphic which includes first level information, and a second graphic which includes second level information. For any set of one or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, the dot closest to or within the central area includes a graphical identifier that indicates whether the entity is currently available for a new exchange.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for receiving an indication of a meeting being scheduled between a plurality of attendees. At least one of the attendees is designated a moderator of the meeting. The actions of the designated moderator are monitored to determine if the designated moderator is capable of performing one or more moderator responsibilities associated with being the designated moderator. If it is determined that the designated moderator is incapable of performing the one or more moderator responsibilities, an alternate moderator chosen from the plurality of attendees is designated.

Abstract: A system and method for circumventing a do-not-disturb status of an instant messaging user including defining a policy of circumvention rights for circumventing do-not-disturb status in instant messaging. A do-not-disturb status of an instant messaging user is identified, and the do-not-disturb status of the instant messaging user is circumvented based upon the policy of circumvention rights.

Abstract: A method for electronic mail (email) distribution and collaboration, the method includes: composing an email message; designating one or more recipients for the email message; assigning a status to each of the one or more recipients; specifying an order of delivery of the email message to the one or more recipients; specifying a required response time period to the email message by the one or more recipients; and specifying a priority order of responses to the email message by the one or more recipients.

Abstract: A system and method, where messages which are exchanged in email, provide recipients (and originators) with the capability to confirm authenticity. A substring of a message is examined, is validated and, if any modifications have been made, the modifications are highlighted to the originator and the receivers so that the originator and the receivers know that the original message has been modified. Also, the system and method of the present invention preserve the time, date and identity of the maker of the modifications.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for evaluating the likelihood of meeting attendance including receiving an acceptance to an invitation to a first meeting for a meeting invitee. A first weighting factor is defined for the meeting invitee based upon, at least in part, an anticipated probability of attendance at the first meeting by the meeting invitee. The first weighting factor is associated with the meeting invitee and the first meeting.

Abstract: A method of name conflict resolution including analyzing a plurality of relationships of a user. A social network of the user may be defined based upon at least a portion of the plurality of relationships, the social network identifying one or more relationship users. A name conflict may be resolved in a collaborative activity based upon, at least in part, the social network.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the propagation of an email message includes defining at least a first email recipient and a second email recipient of the email message. A first email propagation policy associated with at least the first email recipient is defined, and a second email propagation policy associated with at least the second email recipient is defined. The email message is sent to the first email recipient and to the second email recipient.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for facilitating meeting preparedness, including defining one or more requested meeting attendees, and defining one or more requirements for entry to a meeting. An invitation to the meeting is sent to at least a portion of the one or more requested meeting attendees, the invitation including the one or more requirements for entry to the meeting. At least a portion of the one or more requested meeting attendees are required to provide feedback concerning status of the one or more requirements for entry to the meeting prior to the meeting.