Radvision filed the papers for this patent way back in 2001, when video-conferencing and instant messaging already existed, but were very limited due to immature technology and lack of bandwidth. This patent was finally granted in 2009 and announced in 2010.

The patent also covers several standard protocols such as SIP and H.323, but all the user needs to know is how to acces his address book. With all the cool applications out there, also the corporate world deserves easier communications options.

In a blog post about this announcement, Radvision’s Sagee Ben-Zedeff states his vision:

I believe the IM and VC worlds are destined to merge, and when the combined experience – visual communications – becomes a must-have means of communications, the ease-of-use and effectiveness offered by this new idea will be greatly appreciated.