We need awareness in GoogleTalk

Here's what I want: To be able to go to Gmail, notice I have an email from a buddy and, right next to the message, have an indicator that says my buddy is on line. Then I can use GoogleTalk to chat/call instead of the email mambo. It should notifiy i real time. If you are busy, it's yellow or something. Otherwise green or red. Lotus Notes/Sametime has this. Awareness in a good thing.

Anyone know if GoogleTalk is encrypted? Can it be? What do you need to do that?