Abstract: Embodiments provide integrated reply functionality within the context of a contact card or panel. Contact information is provided for display in the contact card (e.g., a portion of a user interface of a computing device). The contact information is associated with a contact. The contact information identifies one or more transport modes for communication with the contact. In some embodiments, the computing device receives a request from a user to communicate with the contact via at least one selected transport mode. Based on the received request, the computing device provides an input field within the contact card. In other embodiments, the transport mode is automatically selected and the input field is displayed. Data from the user is received into the input field for communication to the contact. The computing device sends the data received into the input field to the contact via the selected transport mode.

Abstract: Linking data items describing a person into a single, unified contact entry without merging the data items. The data items include, for example, contact data, social network data, and other data describing the person. The contact entry is a single representation of the person that, in some embodiments, combines a plurality of personas of the person without merging the underlying data items. Metadata representing one or more contact entries is capable of being shared across a plurality of devices and applications such that a user is presented with a consistent contact list on different devices and from within different applications. In some embodiments, the user annotates one or more of the contact entries with notes or other data that is stored with the metadata.

Abstract: Administrative or other complex tasks are presented in a single user interface. Each subtask may have an expandable interface through which a user may edit parameters prior to execution or monitor progress of an ongoing set of processes related to that subtask. When a subtask is completed, error messages, status items, or optional subsequent operations may be presented to the user through the expandable portion, or the expandable portion may be collapsed when no such messages or status is to be shown. The user interface may also include a progress bar for the overall progress of the subtasks, as well as progress bars for each individual subtask. The single user interface may be used prior to execution as well as monitoring the progress of execution and post-execution status and follow-on operations. The user interface may be especially suited for administrative tasks performed by a computer.