Interactive communications system

• US 7,774,419 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2008
• Issued: 08/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: CVON
• Inventors: Aaltonen, Janne, Ahopelto, Timo
• Primary Examiner(s): Coulter, Kenneth R
• Application Number:
  US12/077,089
• Publication Number:
  US 20080235342A1
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• Field of Search: 709204-207, 709/227, 709/228
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/107 Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1813 for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms instant messaging H04L51/04; protocols for multimedia communication H04L65/1101; arrangements for multi-party communication H04L65/403; telephonic conference arrangements H04M3/56; television conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/189 in combination with wireless systems selective distribution or broadcast in wireless communication networks H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication

Abstract

An interactive system and method for controlling access to a plurality of communications sessions involving a plurality of users including controlling access to a plurality of communications sessions, each of said communications sessions being for access by a plurality of users, wherein data identifying said plurality of communications sessions have been stored in association with data indicative of one or more characteristics thereof. The method includes receiving a request to initiate communications among members of a group of users, wherein said request includes data identifying the group of users, responsive to receiving said request, selecting a communications session on the basis of data identifying the group and at least some of said stored data indicative of characteristics of a given communications session, and transmitting messages to at least some members of the group. Each message has a message body including data providing access to the selected communications session and a destination address determined from data indicative of a given member of the group.

Claims

1. A method, executing on hardware, of a system controlling access to a plurality of communications sessions, each of said communications sessions being for access by a plurality of users, wherein data identifying said plurality of communications sessions have been stored in association with data indicative of a characteristic thereof, the method comprising:

receiving a request to initiate communications from a first user among members of a group of users, said request being a SMS message comprising data identifying the group of users and a first message body comprising text or image entered by a sender of the SMS message;

responsive to receiving said request, the system selecting a communications session on the basis of the data identifying the group of users and at least some of said stored data indicative of a characteristic of a given communications session; and

transmitting a message to at least some members of the group of users, the message having a second message body comprising the first message body comprising the text or image entered by the sender of the SMS message, data providing access to the selected communications session and a destination address determined from data indicative of a given member of the group,

wherein the data providing access to the selected communications session comprises a user selectable link comprising a URL, which when selected enables a terminal of a member of the group of users to retrieve data from the destination address.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which said request to initiate communications is received via a data message.

3. A method according to claim 2, in which the data message contains a group identifier, and the method includes accessing a storage system so as to identify group members corresponding thereto.

4. A method according to claim 3, in which the data message contains one or more keywords, and the method includes accessing a storage system so as to identify users having preference data corresponding to said keywords, whereby to identify members of the group.

5. A method according to claim 4, in which said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

6. A method according to claim 5, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

7. A method according to claim 4, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

8. A method according to claim 3, in which said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

9. A method according to claim 8, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

10. A method according to claim 3, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

11. A method according to claim 3, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

12. A method according to claim 11, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

13. A method according to claim 12, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

14. A method according to claim 13, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

15. A method according to claim 14, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

16. A method according to claim 13, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

17. A method according to claim 12, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

18. A method according to claim 17, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

19. A method according to claim 12, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

20. A method according to claim 11, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference;

data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

21. A method according to claim 20, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

22. A method according to claim 21, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

23. A method according to claim 20, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

24. A method according to claim 11, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

25. A method according to claim 24, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

26. A method according to claim 11, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

27. A method according to claim 2, in which the data message contains one or more keywords, and the method includes accessing a storage system so as to identify users having preference data corresponding to said keywords, whereby to identify members of the group.

28. A method according to claim 27, in which said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

29. A method according to claim 28, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

30. A method according to claim 27, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

31. A method according to claim 27, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

32. A method according to claim 31, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

33. A method according to claim 32, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

34. A method according to claim 33, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

35. A method according to claim 34, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

36. A method according to claim 33, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

37. A method according to claim 32, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

38. A method according to claim 37, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

39. A method according to claim 32, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

40. A method according to claim 31, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

41. A method according to claim 40, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

42. A method according to claim 41, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

43. A method according to claim 40, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

44. A method according to claim 31, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

45. A method according to claim 44, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

46. A method according to claim 31, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contain a selectable link to the selected communications session.

47. A method according to claim 2, in which said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

48. A method according to claim 47, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

49. A method according to claim 2, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

50. A method according to claim 2, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

51. A method according to claim 50, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

52. A method according to claim 51, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, where by to select the communications session.

53. A method according to claim 52, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

54. A method according to claim 53, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

55. A method according to claim 52, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

56. A method according to claim 51, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

57. A method according to claim 56, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

58. A method according to claim 51, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

59. A method according to claim 50, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

60. A method according to claim 59, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

61. A method according to claim 60, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

62. A method according to claim 59, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

63. A method according to claim 50, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

64. A method according to claim 63, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

65. A method according to claim 50, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

66. A method according to any claim 2, in which the communications session is publicly accessible.

67. A method according to claim 1, in which said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

68. A method according to claim 67, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

69. A method according to claim 67, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

70. A method according to claim 69, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

71. A method according to claim 70, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

72. A method according to claim 71, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

73. A method according to claim 72, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

74. A method according to claim 71, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

75. A method according to claim 70, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data, associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

76. A method according to claim 75, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

77. A method according to claim 70, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

78. A method according to claim 69, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

79. A method according to claim 78, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

80. A method according to claim 79, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

81. A method according to claim 78, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

82. A method according to claim 69, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

83. A method according to claim 82, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

84. A method according to claim 69, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

85. A method according to any claim 67, in which the communications session is publicly accessible.

86. A method according to claim 1, in which the said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

87. A method according to claim 86, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

88. A method according to claim 87, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

89. A method according to claim 88, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, where by to select the communications session.

90. A method according to claim 89, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

91. A method according to claim 90, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

92. A method according to claim 91, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

93. A method according to claim 92, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

94. A method according to claim 91, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

95. A method according to claim 89, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

96. A method according to claim 95, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

97. A method according to claim 96, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

98. A method according to claim 95, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

99. A method according to claim 88, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

100. A method according to claim 99, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

101. A method according to claim 100, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

102. A method according to claim 101, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

103. A method according to claim 100, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved, information to each said created message.

104. A method according to claim 88, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

105. A method according to claim 104, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

106. A method according to claim 105, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

107. A method according to claim 104, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

108. A method according to claim 87, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

109. A method according to claim 108, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

110. A method according to claim 109, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

111. A method according to claim 110, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

112. A method according to claim 111, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

113. A method according to claim 110, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

114. A method according to claim 108, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

115. A method according to claim 114, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

116. A method according to claim 115, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

117. A method according to claim 114, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

118. A method according to claim 87, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

119. A method according to claim 118, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

120. A method according to claim 119, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

121. A method according to claim 120, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

122. A method according to claim 119, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

123. A method according to claim 87, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

124. A method according to claim 123, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

125. A method according to claim 124, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

126. A method according to claim 123, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

127. A method according to claim 86, in which the communications session is publicly accessible.

128. A method according to claim 1, including selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

129. A method according to claim 128, including selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

130. A method according to claim 129, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

131. A method according to claim 130, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

132. A method according to claim 131, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

133. A method according to claim 132, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

134. A method according to claim 133, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

135. A method according to claim 132, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

136. A method according to claim 130, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

137. A method according to claim 136, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

138. A method according to claim 137, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

139. A method according to claim 136, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

140. A method according to claim 129, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data, associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

141. A method according to claim 140, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

142. A method according to claim 129, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

143. A method according to claim 142, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

144. A method according to claim 143, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

145. A method according to claim 142, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

146. A method according to claim 128, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

147. A method according to claim 146, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

148. A method according to claim 147, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

149. A method according to claim 148, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

150. A method according to claim 149, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

151. A method according to claim 148, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

152. A method according to claim 146, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

153. A method according to claim 152, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

154. A method according to claim 153, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

155. A method according to claim 152, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

156. A method according to claim 128, including identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

157. A method according to claim 156, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

158. A method according to claim 157, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

159. A method according to claim 158, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

160. A method according to claim 157, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

161. A method according to claim 128, including creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

162. A method according to claim 161, including identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

163. A method according to claim 162, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

164. A method according to claim 161, including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

165. A method according to claim 1, in which the communications session is in progress at the time of transmission of the messages to said at least some members of the group.

166. A method according to claim 1, in which the communications session is triggered in response to receipt of a HTTP request from one of said members of the group.

167. A method according to claim 1, in which the communications session is publicly accessible.

168. A method according to claim 1, in which the data indicative of a group of users is received via the short messaging service (SMS).

169. A method according to claim 1, in which the data indicative of a group of users is received via the Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) messaging service.

170. A method according to claim 1, in which the messages are transmitted to at least some members of the group via the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push messaging service.

171. The method according to claim 1, further comprising adding to the second message body information regarding the sender of the message.

172. A method, executing on hardware, of controlling access to a plurality of communications sessions, each of said communications sessions being for access by a plurality of users, wherein data identifying said plurality of communications sessions have been stored in association with data indicative of a characteristic thereof, the method comprising:

receiving a request to initiate communications among members of a group of users, said request being a SMS message comprising data identifying the group of users and a first message body comprising text or image entered by a sender of the SMS message;

selecting, responsive to receiving said request, a communications session on the basis of the data identifying the group of users and at least some of said stored data indicative of a characteristic of a given communications session; and

transmitting a message to at least some members of the group of users, the message having a second message body comprising the first message body comprising the text or image entered by the sender of the SMS message, data providing access to the selected communications session and a destination address determined from data indicative of a given member of the group,

wherein the data providing access to the selected communications session comprises a user selectable link comprising a URL, which when selected enables a terminal of a member of the group of users to retrieve data from the destination address.

173. The method according to claim 172, wherein said request to initiate communications is received via a data message.

174. The method according to claim 173, wherein the data message contains a group identifier, and the method further comprises accessing a storage system so as to identify group members corresponding thereto.

175. The method according to claim 173, wherein the data message contains one or more keywords, and the method further comprises accessing a storage system so as to identify users having preference data corresponding to said keywords, whereby to identify members of the group.

176. The method according claim 172, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the method further comprises identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

177. The method according to claim 172, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the method includes identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

178. The method according to claim 172, further comprising selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

179. The method according to claim 178, further comprising selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

180. The method according to claim 178, further comprising identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

181. The method according to claim 178, further comprising identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

182. The method according to claim 178, further comprising creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

183. The method according to claim 182, further comprising identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

184. The method according to claim 182, further comprising including accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

185. The method according to claim 172, wherein the communications session is in progress at the time of transmission of the messages to said at least some members of the group.

186. The method according to claim 172, wherein the communications session is triggered in response to receipt of a HTTP request from one of said members of the group.

187. The method according to claim 172, wherein the communications session is publicly accessible.

188. The method according to claim 172, wherein the data indicative of a group of users is received via the short messaging service (SMS).

189. The method according to claim 172, wherein the data indicative of a group of users is received via the Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) messaging service.

190. The method according to claim 172, wherein the messages are transmitted to at least some members of the group via the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push messaging service.

191. The method according to claim 172, further comprising adding to the second message body information regarding the sender of the message.

192. Apparatus which controls access to a plurality of communications sessions, each of said communications sessions being for access by a plurality of users, wherein data identifying said plurality of communications sessions have been stored in association with data indicative of a characteristic thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a receiver which receives a request to initiate communications from a first user among members of a group of users, said request being a SMS message comprising data identifying the group of users and a first message body comprising text or image entered by a sender of the SMS message;

a selector, responsive to receiving said request, which selects a communications session on the basis of the data identifying the group of users and at least some of said stored data indicative of a characteristic of a given communications session; and

a transmitter which transmits messages to at least some members of the group of users, the message having a second message body comprising the first message body comprising the text or image entered by the sender of the SMS message, data providing access to the selected communications session and a destination address determined from data indicative of a given member of the group,

wherein the data providing access to the selected communications session comprises a user selectable link comprising a URL, which when selected enables a terminal of a member to retrieve data from the destination address.

193. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein said request to initiate communications is received via a data message.

194. The apparatus according to claim 193, wherein the data message contains a group identifier, and the apparatus further comprises means for accessing a storage system so as to identify group members corresponding thereto.

195. The apparatus according to claim 193, wherein the data message contains one or more keywords, and the apparatus further comprises means for accessing a storage system so as to identify users having preference data corresponding to said keywords, whereby to identify members of the group.

196. The apparatus according claim 192, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and the apparatus further comprises means for identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

197. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and the apparatus further comprises means for identifying the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

198. The apparatus according to claim 192, further comprising means for selecting said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

199. The apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising means for selecting said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

200. The apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising means for identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

201. The apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising means for identifying preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

202. The apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising means for creating a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

203. The apparatus according to claim 202, further comprising means for identifying content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

204. The apparatus according to claim 202, further comprising means for accessing an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and appending the retrieved information to each said created message.

205. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the communications session is in progress at the time of transmission of the messages to said at least some members of the group.

206. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the communications session is triggered in response to receipt of a HTTP request from one of said members of the group.

207. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the communications session is publicly accessible.

208. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the data indicative of a group of users is received via a short messaging service (SMS).

209. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the data indicative of a group of users is received via an Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) messaging service.

210. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the messages are transmitted to at least some members of the group via a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push messaging service.

211. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein information regarding the sender of the message is added to the second message body.

212. A computer program, executing on hardware, resident on computer-readable media and arranged to control access to a plurality of communications sessions, each of said communications sessions being for access by a plurality of users, wherein data identifying said plurality of communications sessions have been stored in association with data indicative of a characteristic thereof, the computer program being arranged to:

receive a request to initiate communications from a first user among members of a group of users, said request being a SMS message comprising data identifying the group of users and a first message body comprising text or image entered by a sender of the SMS message;

select, responsive to receiving said request, a communications session on the basis of the data identifying the group of users and at least some of said stored data indicative of a characteristic of a given communications session; and

transmit a message to at least some members of the group of users, the message having a second message body comprising the first message body, the text or image entered by the sender, data providing access to the selected communications session and a destination address determined from data indicative of a given member of the group,

wherein the data providing access to the selected communications sessions comprises a user selectable link comprising a URL, which when selected enables a terminal of a member of the group of users to retrieve data from the destination address.

213. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged to initiate communications is received via a data message.

214. The computer program according to claim 213, wherein the data message contains a group identifier, and wherein the computer program is further arranged to access a storage system so as to identify group members corresponding thereto.

215. The computer program according to claim 213, wherein the data message contains one or more keywords, and wherein the computer program is further arranged to access a storage system so as to identify users having preference data corresponding to said keywords, whereby to identify members of the group.

216. The computer program according claim 212, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from a terminal associated with a member of the group, and wherein the computer program is further arranged to identify the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said terminal.

217. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein said request to initiate communications is received from an information source, and wherein the computer program is further arranged to identify the group members on the basis of an identifier associated with said information source.

218. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged to select said communications session from a list of predetermined communications sessions.

219. The computer program according to claim 218, wherein the computer program is further arranged to select said communications session on the basis of priority information associated with said predetermined communications sessions.

220. The computer program according to claim 218, wherein the computer program is further arranged to identify preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said predetermined communications sessions, whereby to select the communications session.

221. The computer program according to claim 218, wherein the computer program is further arranged to identify preference data associated with said identified members of the group and matching said identified preference data with preference data associated with said members of a group previously notified of the communications session, whereby to select the communications session.

222. The computer program according to claim 218, wherein the computer program is further arranged to create a plurality of messages for transmission to said at least some of the group members, in which each said created message contains a selectable link to the selected communications session.

223. The computer program according to claim 222, wherein the computer program is further arranged to identify content accompanying the data indicative of said group of users, and appending said identified content to each said created message.

224. The computer program according to claim 222, wherein the computer program is further arranged to access an information source so as to retrieve information relating to said at least some of the group members, and append the retrieved information to each said created message.

225. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the communications session is in progress at the time of transmission of the messages to said at least some members of the group.

226. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the communications session is triggered in response to receipt of a HTTP request from one of said members of the group.

227. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the communications session is publicly accessible.

228. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the data indicative of a group of users is received via a short messaging service (SMS).

229. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the data indicative of a group of users is received via an Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) messaging service.

230. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged such that the messages are transmitted to at least some members of the group via a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push messaging service.

231. The computer program according to claim 212, wherein the computer program is further arranged to add to the second message body information regarding the sender of the message.