A user of a client device selects a service provider from a plurality of available service providers. The client device then queries the user for the user's information and formats the user's information into a predetermined data structure and format. The client device connects to the service provider and sends the formatted user's information to the service provider. The service provider responsively creates configuration data and provides it to the client device. The configuration data is used to configure a plurality of applications on the client device, allowing the user to establish future communication sessions with the service provider.