Communication method and system

Abstract

A software button and software agent downloaded to a computing in response to actuation of the button make it possible to create a communication connection providing privacy, security and dynamic control of service. In one embodiment an online telephone directory comprised of software buttons is provided, in which a calling party can select a called party by clicking a software button dedicated to the called party. The button provides an identification of the called party, but all contact information is hidden and inaccessible to the calling party. Upon actuation of the button server containing the directory causes download of a software agent to the calling party's computing device, causing it to establish communication with the called party. In a second embodiment, software buttons provide a communication service which is dynamic, the nature or type of service changing based on conditions predefined by the called. For example, a called party may specify that, during business hours, communication be by telephone to a specific telephone number and outside of business hours, communication be by text message if urgent and e-mail if not urgent. When the calling party clicks a software button, the software agent downloaded to his computing device would then be a soft phone during business hours. Outside of business hours, a software agent would be downloaded to the calling party which would inquire whether the call is urgent and, depending upon the response, would provide a text message agent or an e-mail agent, respectively.