Patent ID: 7756979

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: At least one memory including computer program code, at least one processor, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to communicate messages according to a protocol that allows an establishment of a connection between at least two terminals and allows the sending of at least one protocol word for sending an instant messaging message between a sender and a recipient user; and communicate said instant messaging message in a protocol word according to an instant messaging protocol, wherein said protocol word includes a header, a message field and an identifier, wherein said message field includes a payload, wherein said identifier of the protocol word is configured to specify whether or not the instant messaging message included in the protocol word including the identifier is to be stored when the instant messaging message cannot be promptly delivered to the recipient user which cannot be reached or accessed presently, wherein the identifier is configured to have set therein a store-and-forward command.