Methods and systems for developing an instant messaging network

Abstract

An instant messaging (IM) system has an IM server connected to a communication network, and logic operable on the IM server enabling a first user to browse contacts associated with a second user. In some cases the first user can add and list contacts accessed by browsing the contacts associated with the second user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 sending, by a first computer associated with a first user to at least one server, a first request to couple the first computer to the at least one server, wherein the at least one server provides a communication service to the first computer associated with the first user and also to a second computer associated with the second user;   sending, by the first computer and to the at least one server, a second request to browse contacts associated with the second user, wherein the second request comprises information usable by the at least one server to determine whether the first user is allowed to access the contacts associated with the second user;   if the first user is allowed to access the contacts associated with the second user, receiving, by the first computer and from the at least one server, a first message that identifies a third user, wherein the third user is one of the contacts associated with the second user of the communication service provided by the at least one server,   providing for display, by the first computer, an interactive interface that provides an indication of the third user;   receiving, by the first computer, a selection of the indication of the third user;   in response to receiving the selection of the indication of the third user, sending, by the first computer and to the at least one server, a third request that is usable by the at least one server to send a second message to a third computer associated with the third user that indicates the third request, such that the first user becomes a contact of the third user when the third user accepts the third request; and   receiving, by the first computer and from the at least one server, a third message indicating that the third user has accepted the third request, such that the first user is a contact of the third user of the communication service provided by the at least one server.