Methods and systems are described for controlling access to presence
information using a plurality of different access permission types.
Presence information is maintained over a computer network and describes
availability of computers and associated users over that network. For
example, instant messaging applications often involve maintaining presence
information. Users control access to presence information using a number
of different access permission types such as the right to view accurate
presence information, the right to view any presence information, or the
right to act on accessed presence information. By using several different
access permission types, the present invention enables finer control over
access to presence information.
