Conference calls via electronic messaging interface

A computer system for initiating a conference call, the system comprising:

• a call processing element configured to:
• identify a group of users;
• determine the availability of users within the identified group to receive an electronic conference call invitation;
• send an electronic conference call invitation to at least two users within the identified group based on a determination of their availability;
• enable the users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation to respond to the electronic conference call invitation;
• and
• determine whether users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation respond with an indication of availability for participation in the conference call;
• and
• a conference call system interface configured to enable a conference call to be initiated between the users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation based on whether the users respond with an indication of availability.

An apparatus for initiating a conference call, the apparatus comprising:

• means for identifying a group of users;
• means for determining the availability of users within the identified group to receive an electronic conference call invitation;
• means for sending an electronic conference call invitation to at least two users within the identified group based on a determination of their availability;
• means for enabling the users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation to respond to the electronic conference call invitation;
• means for determining whether users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation respond with an indication of availability for participation in the conference call;
• and
• means for initiating a conference call between the users who are sent the electronic conference call invitation based on whether the users respond with an indication of availability.