Patent ID: 7512984

Claim:
A distributed instant multimedia communication system that allows users to communicate with one another in real-time, the system comprising: a plurality of autonomous networks, wherein each autonomous network comprises: at least one server wherein each server supports instant multimedia communication (IMC) sessions for a plurality of clients registered on the server; and a multi-point switch unit coupled to the at least one server, the multi-point switch unit for sending data out of and receiving data into the autonomous network, for routing data within the autonomous network through the at least one server, and for performing a security check to enforce a security policy of the autonomous network on an invitation to establish a secure IMC session between a client of the network and another client in another autonomous network; and a network coupled to the plurality of autonomous networks, the network for sending data between the plurality of autonomous networks thereby allowing the plurality of autonomous networks to communicate with one another, wherein because each autonomous network is configured for communicating with other autonomous networks in a secure manner over the network, two or more clients in one or more autonomous networks can conduct a secure IMC session with one another without requiring an independent service provider.