Abstract: A method for initiating an automatic action by an instant messenger service (IMS) device in response to an identified incoming message, including: pre- configuring an action list to be executed on a first IMS device when the user of the first IMS device is unavailable, the action list containing specific executable actions for execution; receiving from a second IMS device on the first IMS device the incoming message; identifying on the first IMS device the identity of the sender of the incoming message and the contents of the incoming message; comparing the identity of the sender and the contents of the incoming message to the senders' names and contents identified on the action list for a match; and executing the specific action associated with an identified sender's name and contents on the action list when a match occurs.