A method and apparatus provide access to a plurality of instant messaging systems via a multi-media messaging system by receiving an incoming communication by the multi-media messaging system for a user of the multi-media messaging system; determining a presence of the user on one of the plurality of instant messaging systems; and establishing instant messaging communication between an originator of the incoming communication and the user. The method and apparatus also provide communication for the user via a multi-media messaging system with a plurality of instant messaging systems by broadcasting a presence of the user on the multi-media messaging system to the plurality of instant messaging systems; and establishing instant messaging communication between a person using one of the plurality of instant messaging systems and the user via the multi-media messaging system.