Patent ID: 7461129

Claim:
A computing system for use in a messaging system used for exchanging information, the system utilizing standard Internet protocol, the computing system comprising one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions for implementing 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, wherein the method comprises: 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.