Patent ID: 7233974

Claim:
A method for automatically using a predefined networking group as a context for an application, comprising: executing the application on behalf of a peer; during execution of the application, looking up a predefined networking group to which the peer belongs, wherein looking up the predefined networking group involves automatically selecting the predefined networking group from a list of predefined networking groups and examining a networking library; during subsequent execution of the application, using the predefined networking group as the context for the application, wherein using the predefined group as the context for the application involves determining and using aspects of the execution environment in the selected predefined group with the application, and enabling the availability of group definitions and group activities for use within that application; determining an attribute of the predefined networking group, wherein the attribute can include a product interest; and configuring the application with the attribute of the predefined networking group, wherein configuring the application with the attribute can involve displaying banner advertisements associated with a product of interest, whereby the application performs operations based on the context of the selected predefined group.