System and method for integrating e-mail into functionality of software application

Abstract

A method for interacting with an underlying program using e-mail includes receiving an APPMAIL request from a user (or automated process) of an underlying program. The APPMAIL request defines a task requiring input from one or more recipients. An APPMAIL is generated based upon the request. The APPMAIL includes a body providing information concerning the task and at least one structured input portion. The structured input portion includes at least one structured input field for receiving pre-defined structured input from the recipient(s). The APPMAIL can also include an unstructured input portion for receiving unstructured input data from the recipient(s). The APPMAIL is sent to the recipient(s) via e-mail and completed APPMAILs are received from the recipient(s) via http(s) post or e-mail. Each completed APPMAIL comprises structured input data entered by the recipient in the at least one structured input field. The structured input data is extracted from the structured input field. The extracted structured input data are stored for use by the underlying program. Any unstructured input data are extracted and stored.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.