ELECTRONIC MESSAGE FORWARDING
First Claim
1. A method for forwarding an electronic message addressed to a telephone number to an alternative destination, the method comprising:
- storing, in computer memory that is accessible by an electronic messagingsystem, an association between a particular telephone number and an alternative address for message delivery;
storing, in the computer memory that is accessible by the electronic message system, a condition for forwarding an electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number to another destination;
receiving, from a message sender, an electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number;
in response to receiving the electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number;
accessing, from the computer memory, the stored condition for forwarding a received electronic message to another destination and determining that the condition presently is satisfied, andaccessing, from the computer memory, the stored association between the particular telephone number and the alternative address for message delivery to reveal that the alternative address for message delivery is associated with the particular telephone number; and
in response to determining that the condition for forwarding a received electronic message to another destination presently is satisfied and based on accessing the stored association between the particular telephone number and the alternative address for message delivery, forwarding the electronic message to the alternative address for message delivery in a format that is appropriate for receipt at the alternative address for message delivery.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a method of transmitting electronic messages in a computer environment. The preferred embodiment receives an electronic message addressed to a telephone number and determines an instant message identifier associated with the telephone number. In response to the determination that an instant message identifier associates with the telephone number, it is further determined whether an instant message receiver is available to receive messages addressed to the instant message identifier. In response to a determination that an instant message receiver is available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant message identifier, the electronic message is forwarded as an instant message addressed to the instant message identifier. In response to a determination that no instant message receiver is available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant message identifier, the electronic message is sent to a mobile device at the telephone number.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A method for forwarding an electronic message addressed to a telephone number to an alternative destination, the method comprising:
- storing, in computer memory that is accessible by an electronic messaging
system, an association between a particular telephone number and an alternative address for message delivery; storing, in the computer memory that is accessible by the electronic message system, a condition for forwarding an electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number to another destination; receiving, from a message sender, an electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number; in response to receiving the electronic message addressed to the particular telephone number; accessing, from the computer memory, the stored condition for forwarding a received electronic message to another destination and determining that the condition presently is satisfied, and accessing, from the computer memory, the stored association between the particular telephone number and the alternative address for message delivery to reveal that the alternative address for message delivery is associated with the particular telephone number; and in response to determining that the condition for forwarding a received electronic message to another destination presently is satisfied and based on accessing the stored association between the particular telephone number and the alternative address for message delivery, forwarding the electronic message to the alternative address for message delivery in a format that is appropriate for receipt at the alternative address for message delivery.
- storing, in computer memory that is accessible by an electronic messaging
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2-20. -20. (canceled)
Specification