Patent ID: 7660859
Filing Date: 2010-02-09
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of tracking an electronic mail message, comprising: providing a window of a graphical user interface that allows a sender to compose an electronic mail message; while the sender is composing the electronic mail message, providing an option to flag the electronic mail message to provide a notification that is only for the sender, wherein the notification comprises at least one of a to-do bar item corresponding to the electronic mail message, a reminder associated with the electronic mail message or an indication within an incoming electronic mail message noting that the incoming electronic mail message is related to the electronic mail message; receiving selection of the option to flag by the sender, including sender flag data in a flag storage location of the electronic mail message, wherein the electronic mail message comprises a primary flag storage location that transfers with the message when the message is sent and a secondary flag storage location that does not transfer with the message when the message is sent, and wherein including the sender flag data comprises storing the sender flag data in the secondary flag storage location of the electronic mail message; sending the electronic mail message; after the electronic mail message has been sent, moving the sender flag data from the secondary flag location of a stored copy of the electronic mail message to the primary flag location of the stored copy of the electronic mail message; and after the electronic mail message has been stored, referencing the sender flag data to provide a notification to the sender regarding the electronic mail message.