Patent ID: 8271593
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving, by an instant messaging client associated with an instant messaging user, permissions designating the instant messaging user an authorized instant messaging user of one or more authorized users capable of granting do-not-disturb circumvention privileges; receiving, by the instant messaging client, a request from a second instant messaging user to circumvent a do-not-disturb status of a third instant messaging user; associating a grant of do-not-disturb circumvention privileges with the second instant messaging user; transmitting, by the instant messaging client, an indicator of the grant of do-not-disturb circumvention privileges to the second instant messaging user; and circumventing the do-not-disturb status of the third instant messaging user based upon, at least in part, the grant of do-not-disturb circumvention privileges to the second instant messaging user.