Patent ID: 7822189

Claim:
A method comprising: receiving a first search query; performing a first search of contacts of a plurality of directories using the first search query, the first search including a remote search of a first remote directory that represents contacts under a first data structure; mapping the first search query to a second search query that can be processed by a second directory that represents contacts under a second data structure different than the first data structure; performing a second search of the second directory using the second search query; converting results of the first and second searches into a plurality of contact objects having a common data structure; generating an integrated contact directory comprising the plurality of contact objects; displaying the integrated contact directory; following the generating the integrated contact directory, receiving a third search query from an associated user; receiving search instruction data associated with the third search query from the associated user; directing the third search against a one of the second directory or the integrated contact directory selected in accordance with the search instructions data; performing the third search on the selected directory; and, displaying results of the third search to the associated user.