Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for utilizing a virtual automated agent, known as a bot, in an instant messaging network in a manner in which the bot can simulate its existence to one or more clients without having to exist on an instant messaging network. In one embodiment of the invention, a system can include a first proxy server having at least one registered automated agent, at least a first client communicating with the first proxy server, and a server maintaining presence data for the first client. The automated agent intercepts a contact list transmitted from the server to the first client, and the automated agent is added to the contact list, thereby enabling the automated agent to transmit a message to the client without transmitting the message through the server.