Patent ID: 6999993

Claim:
In a messaging system used for exchanging information, the system utilizing standard Internet protocol, a method for extending the protocol to allow for the ability to customize messaging operations performed on an electronic message without deviating from the protocol specification, the method comprising the steps of: storing a standard command, wherein the standard command is based on a standard Internet protocol, the standard command having an assigned priority; storing a user-created command, wherein the user-created command is based on extensions of the standard Internet protocol, and wherein the standard command and the user-created command are used for manipulating the message; assigning a user-defined priority to the user-created command relative to an assigned priority of the standard command for executing the user-created command, wherein assigning any user-defined priority to the user-created command lower than the assigned priority of the standard command causes the standard command to be executed with the user-created command, such that the user-created command augments the standard command, and wherein assigning any user-defined priority to the user-created command that is higher than the assigned priority of the standard command causes the user-created command to bypass the standard command, and such that the user-created command is executed without the standard command being executed; and executing at least one of the standard command or the user-created command according to the assigned priority.