Abstract: A computer-implemented method for searching for a target contact from a plurality of contacts associated with one or more applications is described. A search request for the target contact is received from a searching entity. Information relating to the target contact is retrieved from a contacts database. One or more first contacts are identified in the contacts database that connect to the searching entity. If the one or more contacts do not connect to the target contact, one or more additional contacts are identified in the contacts database until one or more of the additional contacts connect to the target contact. One or more contact paths are generated that extend from the searching entity to the target contact. The one or more contact paths include one or more contacts between the searching entity and the target contact.