Systems and methods for conveying information to an instant messaging client

[0055]With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown an instant messaging architecture comprising a communication server 102 that is generally depicted as having a processor 104, a memory 106 and an interface 108. The processor 104 executes a messaging application, which can be defined by a set of instructions in the form of computer-readable program code stored in the memory 106. In certain embodiments, the memory 106 may be physically co-located with the processor 104, while in other embodiments, the memory 106 may be remote from the processor 104 and connected thereto by a communication link and / or a network (not shown).

[0056]The messaging application being executed by the processor 104 allows the communication server 102 to provide an instant messaging service, which can be viewed as a managed conduit for the exchange of instant messages among members of an instant messaging community. The instant messaging service provided by the messaging application may be an existing branded consu...