Instant messaging system

Abstract

An instant messaging system is disclosed that provides a means for presenting information to a user about current conversants and for managing the handling of multiple messages from different parties. A priority hierarchy is established and set by a user with respect to each conversant. Messages from high priority conversants are delivered and displayed prior to messages from lower priority conversants. In a business setting, messages may be routed to particular individuals or with a particular priority based on characteristics or attributes of the message sender.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An instant messaging system comprising: 
 means associated with a first party for sending a message to a second party;    means responsive to the identification of said second party for accessing information related to said second party; and    a display associated with said first party for displaying said information concerning said second party.    
     
     
         2 . An instant messaging system comprising: 
 means associated with a first party for sending messages to a plurality of recipients;    means responsive to the identification of said recipients for accessing information related to said recipients; and    a display associated with said first party for displaying information concerning a particular one of said recipients whenever a message is sent to said recipient.    
     
     
         3 . An instant messaging system comprising: 
 first means for receiving a message from a plurality of second means;    prioritization means associated with said first means for assigning a priority level to each of said second means; and    means for organizing messages received from each of said second means in accordance with said priority levels.    
     
     
         4 . An instant messaging system comprising: 
 means for determining at least one attribute associated with the sender of a received message;    means for assigning a priority level to said received message based on said attribute; and    means for directing said message to a recipient in response to said priority level.