Patent ID: 7574473
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for providing a meeting using a meeting management system, the method comprising: receiving a connection from a user to a connection interface for the meeting being offered by the meeting management system; receiving an input indicating a selection of a virtual participant option for the meeting, the virtual participant option indicating the user is not actively participating in the meeting but is available for contact during the meeting; determining contact information for the user, the contact information being entered by the user during the connection to the connection interface in response to selection of the virtual participant option, the contact information entered by the user being inaccessible by other meetings; disconnecting the user from the connection interface; providing a meeting interface during the meeting using the meeting management system, the interface including an option to contact the user, the user being listed as a virtual participant in the meeting and not being connected to the meeting management system when listed as the virtual participant; receiving a request to contact the user from the meeting interface; and automatically connecting to the user using the contact information associated with the user and the meeting.