1. A system for allowing a first user associated with a first internet service provider (ISP) to establish an instant messaging (IM) session with a second user associated with a second ISP, comprising: a memory component configured to store a program that performs at least the following: storing routing information and presence information associated with the second user who is associated with the second ISP; and utilizing the routing information and presence information to facilitate communication between the first user and the second user using a universal IM protocol, wherein the system is coupled to a bimodal local IM server that establishes an IM connection between at least two users registered with the first ISP using a proprietary IM protocol, wherein upon determination that the at least two users are configured to communicate using the universal IM protocol, the bimodal local IM server facilitates communication between the at least two users using the universal IM protocol.