Abstract: A technique for providing high level network layer functionality to an IM environment involves providing a high level platform through which IM clients can connect to IM networks. A platform according to the technique may include a low level network connect engine, an aggregated low level information database, and/or a high level function engine. A method according to the technique may include facilitating a high level login; checking user configurations; accomplishing one or more IM network logins in accordance with the user configurations; and providing high level services in association with at least one of the IM networks. Another method according to the technique may include logging into a high level platform; logging into a first IM network; logging into a second IM network; and accessing at the high level platform aggregated low level information associated with the first IM network and the second IM network.

Abstract: A technique for user notification involves modifying a title associated with a process to include information about an event that calls for user notification. A method according to the technique may include running a process, processing an event, generating a string of characters that includes information associated with the event, and displaying the string of characters as a title associated with the process. A system constructed according to the technique may include a client, a title array, an event processing engine, and a title provisioning engine.

Abstract: A technique for contact list aggregation across networks involves logging into low level networks through a high level network. A system constructed according to the technique may include a network interface coupled to the different low level networks. The system may further include a contact aggregation engine coupled to the network interface and a network contacts database. In operation the system logs into one or more of the low level networks (or facilitates login for a user). To the extent that the data in the network contacts database is not current, the contact aggregation engine updates the networks contacts database contact information, then provides an aggregated contact list including the contact information to a display device. A method according to the technique may include logging into a high level network and displaying contacts from the one or more low level networks in an aggregated contact list. The method may further include logging into the one or more low level networks.

Abstract: A technique for providing high level network layer functionality to an IM environment involves providing a high level platform through which IM clients can connect to IM networks. A platform according to the technique may include a low level network connect engine, an aggregated low level information database, and/or a high level function engine. A method according to the technique may include facilitating a high level login; checking user configurations; accomplishing one or more IM network logins in accordance with the user configurations; and providing high level services in association with at least one of the IM networks. Another method according to the technique may include logging into a high level platform; logging into a first IM network; logging into a second IM network; and accessing at the high level platform aggregated low level information associated with the first IM network and the second IM network.

Abstract: A technique for image provisioning in an instant messaging (IM) environment involves storing images on a web server. The images may be made available to a low level IM client that receives instant messages from a high level IM client. The images may be, for example, avatar images, custom emoticons, or other images.

Abstract: A technique for message history display includes combining message histories for multiple different messaging services. A system constructed according to the technique may include, for example, a message history database; a history aggregation engine that aggregates message logs for storage in the message history database; and a history provisioning engine that provides an aggregated message log associated with the user from the message history database to a requesting device. A method according to the technique may include, for example, identifying a device in association with a user profile; providing an online platform that receives messages from and sends messages to the device; and creating an aggregated log from messages sent to and from the device.