Abstract: A system and method for providing non-blocking communication with a communications server are disclosed herein. A computer system includes one or more processors and a software system executable by the processor. When executed, the software system provides an application thread and additionally provides a server communication thread configured to provide non-blocking communication between the application thread and a communication server. The server communication thread is configured to process commands based on requests for communication server services generated by the application thread. The server communication thread is further configured to communicate with the communication server based on the commands and to block pending a server response. The application thread is configured to execute unimpeded by the communication.

Abstract: A system and method for providing application specific presence information are disclosed here. A system includes one or more processors, a first communication program executable by the one or more processors, and a second communication program executable the one or more processors. When executed, the first and second communication programs respectively provide a first mode and a second mode of user communication. The second communication program causes the one or more processors to provide user presence information to a communication server. The presence information includes a presence status provided by the first communication program and a separate presence status provided by the second communication program. The separate presence status provided by the second communication program is configured to avoid aggregation, by the communication server, with any other presence status.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a computer system includes a processor and a system memory coupled to the processor. The system memory stores a communication application that, when executed, provides first stage operations and second stage operations. The computer system also includes a network interface coupled to the processor. The first stage operations comprise a selective exchange of primary connection information with a communication endpoint via the network interface. The second stage operations comprise initiating a peer-to-peer communication session with the communication endpoint based on the primary connection information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing non-blocking communication with a communications server are disclosed herein. A computer system includes one or more processors and a software system executable by the processor. When executed, the software system provides an application thread and additionally provides a server communication thread configured to provide non-blocking communication between the application thread and a communication server. The server communication thread is configured to process commands based on requests for communication server services generated by the application thread. The server communication thread is further configured to communicate with the communication server based on the commands and to block pending a server response. The application thread is configured to execute unimpeded by the communication.

Abstract: A system and method for providing application specific presence information are disclosed here. A system includes one or more processors, a first communication program executable by the one or more processors, and a second communication program executable the one or more processors. When executed, the first and second communication programs respectively provide a first mode and a second mode of user communication. The second communication program causes the one or more processors to provide user presence information to a communication server. The presence information includes a presence status provided by the first communication program and a separate presence status provided by the second communication program. The separate presence status provided by the second communication program is configured to avoid aggregation, by the communication server, with any other presence status.

Abstract: A system of computer manufacturing with pre-installation of software which utilizes a software selection process controlled by a rules database to determine the proper software components to be pre-installed onto an assembled computer or hard drive. Additionally, the rules base determines the appropriate diagnostic and set-up software components to be installed in order to ensure a system that is ready-to-run upon receipt by a purchaser.

Abstract: A process for the mass production of computers where software is automatically installed according to configure-to-order requirements. Additionally, the process captures the as-built hardware and software components of each computer for the vendor service and support program. Furthermore, the process provides a software installation environment which is secure from any undetectable alteration and offers control and auditing of subcontractors who produce systems according to manufacturer's specifications. Finally, the process automates the tracking and reporting of royalty payments to the appropriate recipient.

Abstract: A computer manufacturing architecture in which a single software database feeds both direct downloading and surrogate downloading through a common network.