1. A method of processing messages in a networked automatic contact distribution system having a plurality of computer processors each using a protocol of a plurality of protocols comprising: a processor of the plurality of processors receiving a configuration message composed in one of the plurality of protocols; the processor determining the protocol of the configuration message out of the plurality of protocols by comparing a preamble of the configuration message with a set of distinguishing characteristics of each of the plurality of protocols, and identifying a location of metadata contained within the configuration message based upon the protocol of the configuration message; the processor determining a type of a plurality of types of the configuration message from the metadata contained within the message; and the processor executing a predetermined set of steps based upon the determined type of the configuration message.