Method and System for Segregating Chat Groups based on Time and Device Type

Method and System for Segregating Chat Groups based on Time and Device Type

Disclosed is a method and system for segregating chat groups based on time and device type. A user may segregate chat groups and individuals based on the time of day and the type of device used for online conversation . For example, users P, Q and R may be allowed to chat with the user, when the user is using a handset, whereas

users L, M and N may be allowed to chat with the user when the user is using a laptop .

In an exemplary scenario, a user A logs into an Instant Messaging (IM) client on a mobile device after office hours. After logging into the IM client, the method and system determines the type of device such as, but not limited to, mobile device, desktop, laptop from which the user has logged in. The method and system then allows only a subset of users to view the presence information of user A and contact user A . Similarly, a subset of users may be allowed to view the presence of the user A when the user is at office.

The user can right click a username on a buddy list and configure preferences for the username. The preferences for the username can be set separately for the mobile device and the desktop. After configuring the preferences, the preferences are persisted with an IM server. Thereafter, the IM server and devices follow the configured preferences for future conversations. Moreover, these preferences can be changed or modified instantly. For instance, if user B pings user A on a holiday, then user A can allow the message to come through the mobile device. Subsequently, user A configures preferences for user B, wherein user B is not allowed to chat with user A

through the same m...