Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the dynamic creation or reconfiguration of a contact group listing based upon retrieved metadata. The method comprising identifying a contact that is to be added to a primary contact list, the primary contact list being configured to be accessed by at least one sub-list group, wherein sub-list groups are associated with predetermined metadata classification criteria. The method further comprises interrogating data sources in order to identify metadata that is associated with the contact, and retrieving from the data sources all metadata that has been associated with the contact. The retrieved metadata is subsequently utilized to dynamically generate or reconfigure sub-list groupings in accordance with the information that is retrieved from the metadata.

Abstract: An instant messaging system for providing transparent participation of third parties in instant messaging, the system comprising: a first server and a second server configured to create a first chat session between a first chat party and a second chat party, communication in the first chat session being bidirectional between the first chat party and the second chat party, the first chat session being a sub-chat of a chat thread, the first server is further configured to create a second chat session between the first chat party and a third chat party, communication in the second chat session being bi-directional between the first chat party and the third chat party, the second chat session being another sub-chat of the chat thread, the third chat party enabled to passively participate in the first chat session while actively communicating with the first chat party, and the third chat party and second chat session being transparent to the second chat party.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the dynamic creation or reconfiguration of a contact group listing based upon retrieved metadata. The method comprising identifying a contact that is to be added to a primary contact list, the primary contact list being configured to be accessed by at least one sub-list group, wherein sub-list groups are associated with predetermined metadata classification criteria. The method further comprises interrogating data sources in order to identify metadata that is associated with the contact, and retrieving from the data sources all metadata that has been associated with the contact. The retrieved metadata is subsequently utilized to dynamically generate or reconfigure sub-list groupings in accordance with the information that is retrieved from the metadata.

Abstract: A method for providing transparent participation of third parties in messaging communication is provided. The method comprising: enabling the creation of a first chat session between a first chat party and a second chat party, communication in the first chat session being bidirectional between the first chat party and the second chat party, the first chat session being a sub-chat of a chat thread; enabling the creation of a second chat session between the first chat party and a third chat party, communication in the second chat session being bidirectional between the first chat party and the third chat party, the second chat session being another sub-chat of the chat thread; and enabling the third chat party to passively participate in the first chat session while actively communicating with the first chat party, the third chat party and the second chat session being transparent to the second chat party.