Distributed and scalable instant multimedia communication system

A scalable instant multimedia communication network comprising:

• at least one server, wherein each server supports instant multimedia communication (IMC) sessions for a plurality of clients registered on the server;
• and
• a multi-point switch unit coupled to the at least one server, the multi-point switch unit for sending data out of and receiving data into the IMC network, for routing data between the at least one server, and for performing a security check to enforce a security policy of the IMC network on an invitation to establish a secure IMC session between at least two of the plurality of clients registered on the at least one server,
• wherein the IMC network can be expanded or contracted by coupling additional or fewer servers to the multi-port switch unit, each server supporting IMC sessions for the plurality of clients registered on the server.