Patent ID: 8671008

Claim:
A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving a request for information indicating a keyword; associating providers with the keyword of the request; rating the providers for the keyword based on search results provided responsive to previous requests; assigning an active status to the providers when the providers can accept requests; associating a standby status with the providers when the providers are not assigned the active status and are currently accepting messages from an instant messaging service; ranking, by a processor, the active status providers based on the rating of the active status providers for the keyword; ranking, by the processor, the standby status providers based on ratings of the standby status providers; offering an opportunity to accept the request to a highest ranking active status provider; sending an instant message which requests a provider to change to active status to a highest ranking standby status provider; adjusting a standby status provider's rating based on whether the provider changes from standby status to active status responsive to the instant message; modifying the ranking of the active status providers when the opportunity is not accepted by an active status provider; modifying a rank of the active status provider when the active status provider is offered the opportunity to accept the request; modifying the ranking of the standby status providers when the instant message is sent; and returning, by one of the providers, a search result responsive to the request.