Abstract: Techniques for using instant messaging preferences and settings are used for predictive communications, including routing of data traffic, are provided. A voice call can be routed over a packet-based network if a voice network is not available, or for other reasons. In addition to voice calls, embodiments of the invention can route video calls, multimedia communications and other communications. In some implementations, an instant message presence can be queried for in determining how to route a voice-over-IP or PSTN telephone call. Thus, a call might be routed to a computer or computing device unrelated to the location of the PSTN telephone line being called, if an associated instant messenger presence is detected on that computer or computing device.

Abstract: Techniques for using billing services to manage a personal address book are provided. The techniques comprise receiving a call detail record (CDR) for a plain old telephone system (POTS) or a voice-over-IP (VOIP) call by a user. The CDR is created by a telecommunication carrier that routed the call. The CDR may be stored on a telecommunications server associated with the telecommunications carrier. Address information for the call is determined from the CDR. This address information is added to the personal address book for the user. This address information may be available for the user when using an IM client.

Abstract: A system providing real-time communication over an electronic communication network between two or more users includes a client application associated with each user, a first authentication application having authentication information for at least one user and associated with at least one of the client applications, and a messaging service application maintaining the connection status of all of the users. The first authentication application and the client applications associated with the first authentication application reside on a first private network in communication with a public network. A second authentication application associated with at least one of the client applications and having authentication information for at least one other user reside on a second private network in communication with public network. The authentication applications can receive authentication information from directory services of their private networks.

Abstract: Techniques for using instant messaging preferences and settings are used for predictive communications, including routing of data traffic, are provided. A voice call can be routed over a packet-based network if a voice network is not available, or for other reasons. In addition to voice calls, embodiments of the invention can route video calls, multimedia communications and other communications. In some implementations, an instant message presence can be queried for in determining how to route a voice-over-IP or PSTN telephone call. Thus, a call might be routed to a computer or computing device unrelated to the location of the PSTN telephone line being called, if an associated instant messenger presence is detected on that computer or computing device.

Abstract: Techniques for using billing services to manage a personal address book are provided. The techniques comprise receiving a call detail record (CDR) for a plain old telephone system (POTS) or a voice-over-IP (VOIP) call by a user. The CDR is created by a telecommunication carrier that routed the call. The CDR may be stored on a telecommunications server associated with the telecommunications carrier. Address information for the call is determined from the CDR. This address information is added to the personal address book for the user. This address information may be available for the user when using an IM client.

Abstract: A system providing real-time communication over an electronic communication network between two or more users includes a client application associated with each user, a first authentication application having authentication information for at least one user and associated with at least one of the client applications, and a messaging service application maintaining the connection status of all of the users. The first authentication application and the client applications associated with the first authentication application reside on a first private network in communication with a public network. A second authentication application associated with at least one of the client applications and having authentication information for at least one other user reside on a second private network in communication with public network. The authentication applications can receive authentication information from directory services of their private networks.