Patent ID: 7761521
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for processing electronic messages within data processing systems, the method comprising: receiving an electronic message for a recipient from a sender; extracting information from the electronic message; detecting that the electronic message contains a data field that indicates a request by the sender for a response from the recipient of the electronic message; determining, based on the information extracted, whether the sender is authorized to send the electronic message containing the data field to the recipient, wherein determining whether the sender is authorized further comprises: responsive to a determination that the sender is not authorized, modifying the electronic message to remove the data field that indicates the request by the sender for the response from the recipient of the electronic message; responsive to a determination that the sender is authorized, alerting the recipient to the request detected for the response to the electronic message, wherein alerting the recipient further comprises: responsive to alerting the recipient, requiring actions by the recipient with respect to usage of a data processing system until the recipient uses the data processing system to send the response to the sender, wherein the actions required are indicated within the data field; preventing the recipient from deleting the electronic message until the recipient uses the data processing system to send the response to the sender; and preventing the recipient from closing a review of the electronic message until the recipient uses the data processing system to send the response to the sender.