Patent ID: 7725541
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for forwarding instant messages, comprising: determining by a primary instant messaging (IM) processing client device a forwarding priority order of a plurality of secondary IM processing client devices, the forwarding priority order comprising a ranking order of priority in which to forward an instant message amongst the plurality of secondary IM processing client devices comprising a plurality of listed addresses of secondary IM processing client devices; detecting by the primary instant messaging (IM) processing client device a selection of forwarding of instant messages to at least one of the secondary IM processing client devices; receiving by the primary IM processing client device, an incoming instant message from a sender's IM processing device; and performing at least one query for status of the secondary IM processing client devices; receiving notification of the status of the secondary IM processing client devices; maintaining information on the status for each of the secondary IM processing client devices at the primary IM processing client device; and automatically forwarding by the primary IM processing client device the incoming instant message received from the sender's IM processing device to the selected secondary IM processing client device based upon the forwarding priority order and having a currently available presence to receive a forwarded instant message, wherein the forwarding priority order is determined prior to receiving the incoming instant message.