Patent ID: 7853560

Claim:
A method for using a centralized address book database to synchronize and update address books, comprising the steps of: a) initiating synchronization and updating of address books; b) sending a first local database changes query from the centralized address book database to a mobile station; c) receiving a response to the first local database changes query from the mobile station, wherein the response to the first local databases changes query includes any contact information that was added to or changed in the mobile station address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization; d) sending a second local database changes query from the centralized address book database to a first portal; e) receiving a response to the second local database changes query from the first portal, wherein the response to the second local databases query includes any contact information that was added to or changed in the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization; f) sending a subscription status update request to a subscription database of a carrier providing communication service to the mobile station, wherein the subscription status update request identifies any contact directory number added to the mobile station address book or to the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization; and g) receiving a subscription status update response from the subscription database of the carrier providing communication service to the mobile station, wherein the subscription status update response includes the subscription status with respect to whether or not the carrier provides communication service to a station of any contact directory number added to the mobile station address book or to the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization; h) sending a first local database update to the mobile station, wherein: the first local database update includes any contact information added to or changed in the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization, and the subscription status with respect to whether or not the carrier provides communication service to a station of any contact directory number added to or changed in the mobile station address book or to the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization; and i) sending a second local database update to the first portal, wherein: the second local database update includes any contact information added to or changed in the mobile station address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization, and the subscription status with respect to whether or not the carrier provides communication service to a station of any contact directory number added to or changed in the mobile station address book or to the first portal address book subsequent to the most recent synchronization.