Patent ID: 7739344

Claim:
A computer implemented method for providing a reminder of an event within a context of an instant messaging client, the computer implemented method comprising: receiving an instant message at an instant messaging client application, wherein the instant message includes a request for a user to currently participate in an event; if the user is currently unable to participate in the event, receiving input from the user to create an alarm message in the instant messaging client application, wherein the alarm message defines a time period after which the user is able to participate in the event, and wherein the alarm message is in a predetermined format defined by the user; sending, by the instant messaging client application, the alarm message to all users in the instant messaging chat session; and providing an alarm to the users in the instant messaging chat session upon expiration of the time period, wherein the alarm reminds the users to participate in the event, and wherein the alarm comprises a popup window that includes options allowing the participants to reset the time period defined by the user.