Importance

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Abstract

A system for multi-protocol communication in the computer network has a user interface layer with a common data structure to permit instant messaging communication with multiple service providers that each have different communication protocols. Message data and commands are transferred to a conversion platform layer using an application programming interface (API). Within the conversion platform layer, the data and commands transformed to conform with the messaging requirements and communication protocol of the different service providers. The conversion process is transparent to the user and permits instant messaging to recipients regardless of the recipient's service provider. Incoming messages received from a recipient are received by the conversion platform layer and converted from the messaging requirements and communication protocol of the recipient's service provider to the common data structure of the user interface. The system also permits a user to establish and display a contact list even though the individuals in the contact list may be subscribers to different service providers. When the user logs on to the various service providers, the contact list data for each service provider is provided to the user interface and converted for display to the user.

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First Claim