Method for establishing bi-directional messaging communications with wireless devices and with remote locations over a network

A communication device configure to facilitate communication via a messaging server with users of the messaging server, the communication device comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• memory having stored thereon instructions which when executed by the processor cause the communication device to request a connection with the messaging server;
• transmit user information for verifying a user of the communication device;
• and receive at least one name directory including a list of users with which the user of the device is permitted to communicate.

A messaging server configured to facilitate communication between users permitted to access the messaging server, the messaging server comprising:

• a user database configured to store user information for the users;
• a processor;
• and
• memory having stored thereon instructions which when executed by the processor cause the messaging server to:
• receive a message from a first one of the users to transmit to a second one of the users;
• determine at least one recipient device associated with the second one of the users;
• transmit the message to the at least one recipient device;
• and
• communicate to the first one of the users that the message has been read at the at least one recipient device.