Abstract: A method and system for managing a workflow using instant messages to determine the statuses of interdependent tasks. First and second tasks of the workflow are determined to be interdependent, whereby the first task is required to be completed before the second task is started. After receiving a first instant message (IM) that responds to an IM-based first query requesting a status of the first task, the first IM is determined to include key word(s) indicating that the first task is completed. An IM-based second query requesting a status of the second task is sent. After receiving a second IM that responds to the second query, the second IM is determined to include the key word(s) indicating that the second task is completed.

Abstract: A method and system for using an instant messaging system to gather information for a backend process. A query for information accessible by a client of a plurality of clients is automatically generated by the backend process. The backend process is separate from the plurality of clients and from an instant message server that provides an IM service to the plurality of clients. The query is sent from the backend process to the client via the IM server. In real-time via the IM server, the backend process receives a response to the query from the client. The response is either (1) the requested information, which is placed in the response by an end user using the client or by an automated software agent residing on the client, or (2) a notification that indicates that the end user is unavailable to provide the requested information.