Patent ID: 8874660
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: G06Q,H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: defining a policy of circumvention rights for circumventing do-not-disturb (DND) status of a first instant messaging user, wherein the policy of circumvention rights comprises assigning circumvention rights based on a hierarchal rights structure of one or more users; identifying, by an instant messaging client associated with a second instant messaging user, a DND status of the first instant messaging user; notifying the first instant messaging user that the second instant messaging user intends to circumvent the DND status of the first instant messaging user; and circumventing the DND status of the first instant messaging user based upon the policy of circumvention rights; wherein the policy of circumvention rights for circumventing the DND status in instant messaging is based upon, at least in part, a distance of hierarchical separation.