Importance

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Abstract

A system and method is disclosed for managing subscriber presence, location and availability ('PLA') information across one or more communications networks. 'Presence' requires both that a device be physically present within a network and that the device be in a state in which it can communicate. 'Location' refers to the geographical coordinates associated with a communication device. 'Availability' refers to a state characterizing whether a subscriber controlling a device desires to be contacted by another communicating entity. The presence, location and availability system ('PLAS') provides interfaces between third party applications, third party suppliers of presence and location information, other PLA systems, subscribers and service provider administrators and enables subscribers to dictate and control access to subscriber presence, location and availability information. The PLAS makes presence, location and availability information available to third party applications in accordance with the subscriber defined preferences. In addition, the PLAS includes a database for managing subscriber identities, identity templates, permission lists, devices and their capabilities, device and capability templates, presence information, location information, subscriber dictated preferences and other information necessary for the PLAS to properly administer and control the flow of presence, location and availability information within and across networks.

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First Claim