Intelligent notification of requests for real-time online interaction via real-time communications and/or markup protocols

According to the invention an invitation to participate in a real-time communications activity (e.g. voice call, video call) is received. It is assigned a priority based upon context (e.g. sender, subject matter) and rules. The invitation recipients current and/or scheduled activity is also assigned a priority. The priorities are compared according to rules in order to determine if the recipient is interruptible. If so the invitation is delivered to the recipient. Otherwise the invitation is refused. In the event of a refusal alternative communication times and/or alternative communication types (e.g. SMS, MMS, IM, e-mail) may be suggested.