Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for setting up persistent, secure communication channels between remote groups of individuals over an unreliable network such as a packet switched or frame relay network. A group, which could be an individual, searches for another group, which could be an individual, through a hierarchical search structure. When the search results in a group that the searching group wants to communicate with, the searching group sends an invitation to the identified group and when the invitation is accepted a persistent communication channel is configured between the two groups.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for setting up a communication channel over a packet switched network between/among participants to a private line connection which has been established over the packet switched network such that the communication channel is different from the private line connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for setting up a communication channel over a packet switched network between/among participants to a private line connection which has been established over the packet switched network such that the communication channel is different from the private line connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for setting up persistent, secure communication channels between remote groups of individuals over an unreliable network such as a packet switched or frame relay network. A group, which could be an individual, searches for another group, which could be an individual, through a hierarchical search structure. When the search results in a group that the searching group wants to communicate with, the searching group sends an invitation to the identified group and when the invitation is accepted a persistent communication channel is configured between the two groups.

Abstract: An instant messaging system includes a communication network, an instant messaging server on the network connected to client terminals on the network, proxy servers, and redirect servers. The client terminals have a client-side instant messaging application. The instant messaging server includes an instant messaging presence server application which monitors interactivity between clients on the network. The presence server application broadcasts status messages to all subscribed clients on the network to indicate the availability and interactivity of the clients. A graphical user interface associated with the client-side instant messaging application is provided for displaying the status messages to clients, among other functions.