Patent ID: 8688785

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising: transmitting instructions for displaying a first instant messaging session, the first instant messaging session including one or more first instant messages between a first source and second source, wherein the first instant messaging session is displayed in a single window on a device associated with the first source and on a device associated with the second source; transmitting instructions for displaying a second instant messaging session, the second instant messaging session including one or more second instant messages between the first source and a third source, wherein the second instant messaging session is displayed in a single window on the device associated with the first source and on a device associated with the third source; receiving from the first source a request to join the first instant messaging session and the second instant messaging session into a combined instant messaging session; upon receiving the request to join, establishing a combined instant messaging session and transmitting instructions to display some or all of the one or more first instant messages and the one or more second instant messages in a single window on the devices associated with the first source, the second source and the third source; providing an option to each of the first source, the second source and the third source to cancel the combined instant messaging session for all participants; and providing an option to each of the first source, the second source and the third source to leave the combined instant messaging session without canceling the combined instant messaging session for all remaining participants.