Patent ID: 7370278
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for re-sending a message, originally intended for receipt at an instant messaging client, to at least one alternate address, comprising: sending an instant message from a first messaging user to a second messaging user, the instant message containing a network presence change of the first messaging user; waiting for acknowledgement of receipt of the instant message by the second messaging user; and in the absence of an acknowledged receipt of the instant message, automatically re-sending, from an instant messaging client that initially sent the instant message, content of the instant message to the second messaging user at at least one alternate address for the second messaging user, wherein receipt of the instant message by the second messaging user is detected by recognizing an event associated with a graphical window displaying the instant message, the event comprising at least one of an operation by the second messaging user to resize of the graphical window, an operation by the second messaging user to close the graphical window, an operation by the second messaging user to move the graphical window, and an operation by the second messaging user to bring the graphical window into focus, wherein the instant messaging client is further configured to receive instant messages containing network presence changes from other users, the instant messaging client configured to present the second messaging user an option of responding to a received instant message containing a network presence change and wherein the instant messaging client is configured to play or display contents of the instant message containing the network presence change without opening a chat window.