Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between users of
a communications system include a host system structured and arranged to receive
and deliver messages of various types between users of the communications system.
The host system includes an instant messaging network; a mail gateway; and a configuring
network in communication with both the instant messaging network and the mail gateway.
The instant messaging network enables instant messaging communication between users
of the communications system and has the capability to monitor whether a certain
user is capable of receiving an instant message at a particular moment. The mail
gateway receives and delivers e-mail messages to users of the communications system.
The configuring network is dedicated to automatically configuring instant messaging
communication between an intended recipient of an e-mail message and the sender
of the e-mail message.
