Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for creating and managing website content involve, for example, providing a user at a computer terminal a data capture template for a user-selected content type, providing the user at the computer terminal presentation pages using content management tags, allowing the user at the computer terminal to author content using the data capture template, and allowing the user at the computer terminal to deploy the content to a server. Other aspects of the methods and systems for creating and managing website content include, for example, allowing the user to personalize content, allowing the user to embed dynamic content in the middle of static content, allowing the user to refresh the deployed content in real-time without impacting current existing user sessions on the server where content is being deployed.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably is disclosed. The system provides a complete monetary system having electronic money that is interchangeable with conventional paper money. Also disclosed is a system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing and/or offering mandatorily convertible securities with associated senior debt instruments. The mandatorily convertible securities can be preferred stock or a purchase contract with the mandatorily convertible securities converting into a predetermined number of units of an underlying security on a mandatory conversion date. The predetermined number of units of an underlying security is based on a market value of the underlying security on the conversion date.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing and/or offering mandatory convertible securities, such as dividend enhanced common/convertible stocks (DECS), with acceleration triggers for securities conversion. The acceleration triggers are attractive to investors of such mandatory convertible securities because they can provide investors with timely returns and/or equities in the issuer should events not favorable to the investors happen prior to a preset securities conversion date.

Abstract: There is described a method and system for managing Internet auction transactions by creating an auction website by, for example, a financial institution. The auction website is accessible by the financial institution's account holders (e.g., holders of checking, savings, credit card, and investment accounts). Thus, all buyers and sellers in auction transactions on the auction site, for example, have accounts with the financial institution, with settlements occurring between the accounts of the users at the financial institution. Payments are debited from the buyer's account(s) with a credit going to the account of the seller, less any fees. All charges occur internally, so no interchange is owed, for example, to a card association in connection with a transaction. Financial institution customers benefit from the system in that buyers and sellers are authenticated and settlement occurs almost instantaneously.

Abstract: A method and system for outbound dialing of contacts and collecting call information in which one or more customers are allowed to submit records from the customers' mainframes for a plurality of contacts to be called for the customers via a dialing mode of a hosted software system for sending event-driven alert messages. Based on the records submitted by the customers, the dialing mode of the hosted software system initiates calls to the contacts, and when and if a right-party contact is reached for a particular customer, the call is delivered from the dialing mode to an agent at one of a plurality of call centers of the particular customer according to predefined agent selection rules for outbound call routing. In addition, data regarding the call to the contact is collected.

Abstract: A financial institution can provide financial services to a plurality of remote devices, such as personal computers, personal data assistants, screen phones, automatic teller machines, external service providers, and internally to staff terminals and individual branches. By separating the components of the system into independent components, the system and method can be developed and tested on a component level rather than the entire system level, thereby reducing the development and maintenance cycle time. The system and method operate in sessions and can employ a dialog component for gathering information from a customer, a rule broker component for providing answers to the various legal and regulatory rules in a particular country, a language man component for selecting appropriate language, a transaction executor component for performing transactions, and a presentation manager component for formatting outputs to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system automatically harmonizes access to a given software application program via different access devices. Through use of the method and system, a financial institution can provide access to a given application (such as, for example, automatic bill payment services) to customers using different access devices such web browsers, screen phones and personal computers. A single application program is all that needs to be written and maintained by the financial institution. Also, the method and system enables financial institutions to “leverage” existing programs because now the institution can automatically “project” its existing stock of program services unto new access devices—devices which may not have even existed at the time the program was created. By receiving information from the user via the user's access device, including information identifying the type of device being used and the application program the user wishes to access, the present invention solves these problems.

Abstract: A system, in which information is the primary asset and in which investments may be made in information, includes multiple data stores for storing different types of a user's information. The safe, secure and properly authorized transfer of information while preserving individual privacy is provided. The system also provides for secure backup and storage, as well as for ubiquitous and nomadic access to information while maintaining the privacy of such information. A first data store includes static identification data about a user. A second data store includes moderately dynamic personal data about the user. A third data store includes dynamic demographic information data about the user. An electronic wallet can be used with the system to download selected portions of the data for use by the user. A method of use of the data includes using the data for billing out forms, providing services to the user and allowing merchants to selectively target users for sales while maintaining user anonymity.

Abstract: A method and system for secure authentication of a user in a session conducted over an interactive communication channel, such as a two-way telephony communication channel, with an authenticating entity, such as a financial institution, utilizes a session identifier, such as pseudorandom noise to detect and identify attempts to play back authentication information, such as user-spoken phrases, intercepted and recorded by an unauthorized party during a previous session between the user and the authenticating party.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for making a database stored upon a computer readable medium for use as a computerized multilingual phrase database in a runtime application environment. A database of all application phrases is created in one language with variable place holders reserved in the application phrases for each variable in the phrases. Translations of the created application phrases are created and stored in at least a second phrase database. The first and second phrase databases are exported in a form that can be used in a runtime environment by an application for which the first database and the second database were created.

Abstract: Methods and systems for single sign-on user access to multiple web servers are provided. A user is authenticated at a first web server (e.g., by user name and password). The first web server provides a web page to the user having a service selector (e.g., a hyperlink comprising the URL of a second web server offering the service indicated by the selector). When the user activates the service selector, the first web server constructs and transmits an encrypted authentication token (e.g., a cookie) from the first web server to a second web server via the user client. The first and second web servers share a sub-domain. The authentication token comprises an expiration time and is digitally signed by the first web server and is authenticated at the second web server. Upon authentication, the second web server allows the user to conduct a session at the second web server.

Abstract: An automated trading system makes use of various components, such as one or more transaction servers and one or more rate servers and a number of terminals. A request for a proposed transaction for a user is entered at either a user's terminal or a sales trader's terminal and sent to a transaction server coupled to a rate server. If a first predefined condition for generating an executable rate quote is identified, an executable rate quote is generated by the rate server and sent back to the user's or sales trader's terminal for the user. Otherwise, if a second predefined condition for a category trader's rate quote is identified, a request for the category trader's rate quote is sent by the transaction server to one or more category trader's terminals, prompting entry of a category trader's rate quote by one or more of the category traders, which is likewise sent back to the user's or sales trader's terminal for the user.

Abstract: A method and system for providing integrated financial services including brokerage services through an ATM network permits trading of securities, portfolio evaluation, security price evaluation, and brokerage account inquiries. The invention utilizes a familiar customer interface, a standard ATM or a customer activated terminal, to provide brokerage functions with a network conventionally used to perform traditional banking functions. The system and method according to the invention provides for trading of a wide variety of publicly traded security by linking the customer to a brokerage system. Provisions are further made for obtaining real time price quotations for up-to-the-minute portfolio evaluation and accurate buy and sell orders.

Abstract: A method and system for automated bill payment service makes use of one or more application programs, such as a bank's retail system application and a bill payment application, running on one or more servers, as well as one or more data storage devices. A customer calls, for example, an 800 number and enters identification information in response to prompts by the system. The system verifies the customer's identification and, in response to selection of a single bill payment option, prompts the customer to enter information about at least one bill payment for a payee. The system provides selection of the payee from a customer-specific bill payee list or a system-spoken payee list and various menu functions. The system automatically schedules the bill payment for the customer according to the entered bill payment information, and renders the scheduled payment to the payee for the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing credit card transactions including an account with a multi-dimensional balance structure, wherein balance segments within the balance structure have individually-definable terms and conditions. A system receives incoming transaction data by way of a conventional transaction system. A transaction processor within the system uses predetermined balance rules to determine an appropriate balance segment within an associated masterfile, which stores data. The multi-dimensional balance structure allows financial institutions to provide customers with special promotions for transactions meeting predetermined requirements, such as transactions with particular merchants, Internet purchases, and automobile-related purchases.

Abstract: Improvements are obtained in key generation and cryptographic applications in public key cryptography, by reducing the bit-length of public keys, thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of telecommunications devices, such as wireless telephone sets.

Abstract: A method and system for providing global self-service transaction terminals or automatic teller machines (ATMs) affords worldwide web content to ATM customers, centralized management for ATM operators, and supports local and remote administration for ATM field service personnel. The system includes multiple ATMs coupled over a network to a host, and the ATMs are provided with a touch screen interface and an interface for visually impaired persons. The ATMs enable both local and remote administration of ATM operations by bank personnel and an integrated network control. The ATMs are web-enabled, and ATM communications are performed over a communications network.

Abstract: A system and method for merchant function assumption of Internet checking and savings account transactions enables a service provider to take over all merchant type transactions and provide a merchant, such as an Internet merchant, with an approved order and appropriate credit for the transaction. A service provider server receives an electronic check or a payment instruction for the merchant from a customer. The payment instruction includes, for example, the originator's digital certificate and payment and purchase information, including the originator's checking or savings account number. The payment instruction is automatically sent to a customer's bank's server, which confirms the availability of funds for the payment. A confirmation of the availability of funds is automatically sent to the merchant, and a credit for the payment is automatically sent to the merchant's account.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating the identity of a user by an authority makes use of presenting biometric data for the user in a predetermined shared secret sequence. The method and system can be augmented by requesting an additional shared secret, such as a PIN or additional credentials, to establish multiple layers of authentication. Varying the layers of authentication results in greater or lesser security, and the accuracy for any given layer can be relaxed without compromising the integrity of the entire method.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying wireless telecommunications charges utilizes computer hardware and software including, for example, a user's mobile phone, a mobile operator's interactive voice response unit, a mobile payments interactive voice response unit, SMS, test messaging, email, ATM, kiosk, the Internet, and/or WAP or the like, a mobile payments engine, a mobile operator's prepaid billing system, a subscriber database, a payment gateway, and a transaction processing platform.

Abstract: A synthetic currency transaction network which performs transactions with near real time finality of transaction between potential borrowers and potential lenders. Synthetic currency is created by pooling and dividing into shares a portfolio of highly liquid assets and frequent evaluation and disbursements of dividends on those assets so as to hold the value of the synthetic currency share at unity with the underlying currency. The synthetic currency network provides for interfacing users to the synthetic currency transaction network. A database is used for storing and maintaining records and other information of the network. A transaction manager manages network users' accounts and all network transactions. A fund accountant manages network information regarding the synthetic currency. A deposit bank acts as custodian for the portfolio of highly liquid assets which underlie the synthetic currency. An investment manager manages the measure of synthetic currency and directs investment decisions.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the negotiability of checks drawn on any account from any bank or other financial institution based on a comparison against stored information on whether or not checks previously drawn on that account have cleared and were paid includes a database having two related tables. A table of active accounts at any bank is generated by recording account information from checks presented for negotiation at a second bank. If the check is not returned after a predetermined number of days (i.e., the check is paid), the record is updated to show that the account is “in good standing”. A separate table of accounts that are not in good standing is generated from returned unpaid checks. For each new entry in the table of accounts that are not in good standing, a corresponding record in the active account table is updated to show a status of “not in good standing”.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for quickly and preemptively controlling the outbreak of destructive software applications sent in an electronic messaging system. Such system and method provide an additional component to an electronic messaging system to detect and block possible malicious applications in attachments of electronic messages. The additional component can be customized to suit the electronic messaging system and reconfigured to accommodate future virus threats.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for providing for investments to be made on behalf of an individual by a financial institution based on the individual's overall relationship to the financial institution. The relationship consists of the number, types, and size of accounts the individual has with the financial institution and any other companies associated with the financial institution. In addition, the length of time the individual maintains any of the accounts is also considered in the relationship. The financial institution saves resources by retaining individual loyal to the financial institution with larger account amounts and then uses this savings to invest into an account that will increase in value over time so as to provide the individual with greater assets in the future.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing security to Internet hosting sites and mitigating electronic attacks against such sites. The system and method of the present invention provide: adequate Internet connections to the site to prevent connection floodings from intruders; implementation of different types of firewalls and an intrusion detection system to monitor and guard the site from electronic attacks; routing protocols to limit access to Internet hosting sites; continuous transfer of a hosting site from one geographic location to another in the event of an electronic attack against the hosting site or a disaster situation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for collecting, standardizing, and analyzing lending data from all the offices of a financial institution, including information on small business, home equity, motor vehicle, credit card, mortgage, other secured and unsecured consumer products for commercial, community development, not-for-profit, and consortium customers. The invention enables data collection and analysis in a timely fashion such that interim reports may be prepared so that changes in lending practices can be implemented to assist with assuring compliance with the fair lending acts. A central repository is linked to all of the offices of the financial institution, and data mapping features are used to provide standardized reporting so that all data will be reported in a standardized form. The system processes, collects and standardizes information on new loans, renewals, credit line increases and application decisions for all of the business units within a financial institution.

Abstract: A system and method for performing and settling an electronic scrip transaction between a merchant and a member includes a database storing accounts for one or more participating merchants, scrip distributors, sponsoring organizations, and members. The system also includes merchant terminals, scrip distributor terminals, sponsoring organization terminals, and a system manager terminal, which are interconnected to one another, as well as to the database, over a network, and a member scrip card, such as a magnetic stripe card or a smart card. Transaction information, including the transaction amount, is entered at a merchant terminal and sent over the network to a scrip distributor terminal or system manager terminal, and the member's account is automatically debited by the transaction amount. Additionally, merchant loyalty point credit or tuition credit can be awarded and stored for the member in connection with the transaction amount.

Abstract: A system and method for securely storing data provides for storing, managing, and updating an owner's secret data and for accessing the stored data by a trusted third party upon the occurrence of an event, such as the death of the owner. The system and method makes use of application software, such as a virtual wallet running at least in part on the server of a trusted third party and with a virtual executor function and a virtual archivist function. The virtual executor function automatically escrows a trusted third party's access aspect of the owner's secret device for accessing the stored data. Upon verification of the occurrence of the event, the virtual executor provides access to the stored data using the trusted third party's access aspect. The virtual archivist function automatically updates technologies related to the stored data.

Abstract: A method and system for strong, convenient authentication of a web user makes use, for example, of a computing device, such as a user's personal computer (PC), coupled over a network, such as the Internet, to one or more servers, such as the host server of an authenticating authority, as well as one or more databases of the authenticating authority. The authentication process is broken into three phases, namely a registration phase, an enrollment phase, and a transaction authentication phase, with each phase being less intrusive and less secure than the preceding phase. In the registration phase, an authenticating authority registers the user based upon identification of the user using a strong authentication technique and provides an authenticating token to the user, which can be used in the enrollment phase to enroll one or more user devices for the user.

Abstract: A method and system for remote operator interface with a self-service transaction terminal, such as an ATM makes use of a set of web based applications for operator functions to enable the remote operator to access the operator functions over a standard browser from a remote operator interface client PC. Each ATM with which the remote operator interface is used has a set of web based applications that supports the operator functions. The operator accesses the ATM from the client PC by bringing up the browser and entering a URL to point to a specific ATM. The remote operator interface supports a plurality of supervisory type functions and enables the user to administer a plurality of ATMs for which it is configured to allow the particular functions to be performed. Communication via the remote operator interface is secure over a private network or virtual private network (VPN) over the Internet. The remote operator must be authenticated to gain access, and the operator's entitlements may limit access.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for a customer and merchant to perform an on-line, and in some cases, real-time financial transaction from a personal computer or similar processing terminal over a public access communications network utilizing a universally acceptable electronic financial transaction instruction that debits a customer's selected account and notifies a merchant that a credit is due or forthcoming and a service provider. The financial transaction instruction is provided in a secured format for transactions sent over the public access communications network, which is external from any other conventional open or closed communication channels used for performing financial transactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for personal identification, preferably based on iris identification, include a camera for acquiring a presented image of a presented individual and a computer device for converting the presented image into a presented image metric. The computer device also compares the presented image metric to a predetermined arrangement of a plurality of reference image metrics of known individuals to identify the presented individual as one of the known individuals. The presented image metric and the plurality of reference metrics are both formatted to represent detailed physical characteristics of the individuals, including iris characteristics and other physical characteristics. Further, the plurality of reference image metrics may also be formatted to represent user-defined characteristics, which include non-image-related characteristics. The predetermined arrangement of the plurality of reference image metrics are ordered to provide a fast match with the presented image metric.

Abstract: The present invention allows an e-mail server to process requests for Web pages and forward copies of the requested Web pages as attachments to e-mail messages. In addition to providing copies of a first set of Web pages themselves, the present invention also copies additional Web pages referenced by the links contained in the first set of Web pages into the e-mail messages so that the user may read the copies of the additional Web pages using the features and capabilities of a Web browser. The requests are generated by using a search engine or by requesting a specific Web page from a previously copied and linked Web page. The user may thus request Web pages and then go off-line and wait for the results to be returned to him/her as attachment(s) to e-mail message(s).

Abstract: A method and system for tracking and providing an audit trail for off-line smart card transactions includes storing information representing a monetary transaction in a permanent memo on an smart card microprocessor and holding the transaction amount in escrow until the stored information is transmitted from the smart card, for example, at an on-line terminal, to a host on-line system for logging to a tracking system. The monetary transaction includes a transaction with an off-line device, such as another smart card. The escrowed transaction amount represents, for example, a load transaction to one of the smart cards and an unload transaction to other smart card. Once the memo is deleted from the respective smart cards, the load values of the respective smart cards are incremented or decremented by the transaction amount. Alternatively, the smart cards may be provided with a card-to-card key, in which case, a permanent memo is stored only on the receiving smart card.

Abstract: A method and system for purchasing assets on behalf of customers who use financial transaction media such as credit cards, ATM/CAT cards, and electronic commerce managed by a financial institution. As the customer uses his financial transaction medium to purchase goods and services, he generates a sum of purchases. This sum is converted into incentive points that are added to incentive points previously earned. When the customer has enough incentive points, the method or system purchases an asset, such as a stock, on the customer's behalf, using the incentive points. The utilization of this method or system may be over a short-time promotional period, or it may commemorate a special occasion, or it may be used as part of a compensation package for an employee of a corporation.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking and redeeming smart card loyalty points includes storing loyalty program information related to transactions with at least one merchant in a loyalty register residing on a smart card microcomputer for the customer. Transaction information about transactions with the merchant is stored in a purchase log likewise residing on the smart card microcomputer for the customer. The stored transaction information is compared with the stored loyalty program information, and transaction information about one or more transactions with the merchant which is stored in the purchase log, but which is omitted from the loyalty register, is automatically identified. The stored loyalty program information is then automatically updated with the omitted transaction information.

Abstract: Methods and systems whereby two electronic wallets communicate and exchange information. In one such system, a consumer's personal electronic wallet communicates with the exclusive or preferred wallet of a web merchant. In one such system, an internet consumer registers with a web merchant's exclusive or preferred electronic wallet (“merchant wallet”) and provides consumer information (e.g., credit card number, mailing address, and other information) to the merchant wallet, which is stored by the merchant wallet in a database on the merchant server. Such information may be automatically populated by the consumer's personal electronic wallet. The consumer maintains current consumer information in a consumer electronic wallet on the consumer's personal computer. When the consumer visits the merchant site again, and orders goods or services, the merchant's preferred wallet can be automatically updated by the consumer's electronic wallet if any of the data in the merchant's wallet has changed.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: The present invention allows a customer to use any of a number of a plurality of devices to access data and make transactions using an institution's computers and databases from many different locations throughout the world. As an example, a banking customer may use either a telephone, a palm computer or a television to determine his checking account balance while vacationing in a foreign country. The present invention operates by connecting the customer to the desired computer and database using universal protocol so that location becomes irrelevant. Another feature of the present invention is the efficient use of different networks with varying transmission speeds.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the identification of a user and securely establishing an encryption key for a communication between the user and a verifying entity, such as a bank, which makes use of the numeric value of the user's personal identification number (PIN) known only to the user and the bank and resolves the man-in-the-middle problem. The system and method replaces a public parameter with the customer's PIN to provide an encryption mechanism that is less complex than existing protocols. Use of the protocol enables new products and improvement of existing products using a service access device and service access device interface, including, for example, self-service terminals.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for reading from and writing to a multi-memory card, such as a bankcard, credit card, or smart card. The apparatus of the system includes reading devices, writing devices, and controllers for reading from and writing to the magnetic, optical, and electronic memory portions of a multi-memory card. The method of the present invention includes a method for controlling the reading from and writing to such cards via software applications that integrate control of a magnetic read/write component, an optical read/write component, an electronic read/write component and their respective transport mechanisms. The software applications integrate the multiple read/write components to allow such functions as for example bank and medical transactions to be performed utilizing a single multi-memory card.

Abstract: A method and system for providing status indication to a control panel displayed on a user's computer screen at all times which allows the user to sign on and off independently of any specific secure function, and utilizes both graphics and text to clearly indicate the current status of a secure connection. Additionally, entitlements or privileges associated with the secure connection and a count down of the remaining period of time during which the status of the secure connection will be in effect, are also displayed. A user may extend the effective time of the secure connection, or cancel the secure session and unequivocally sign off from all related services with a single click of the button.

Abstract: A system and method provides for enabling on-line transactional services among sellers and buyers having no previous relationship with each other. The system includes a financial clearinghouse for receiving a request for goods or services from a buyer and making a real-time determination of a risk classification of the buyer utilizing an on-line repository of credit information. The financial clearinghouse determines a risk-based discount fee as a function of the buyer's risk classification in order to establish a payment amount to the seller from the clearinghouse. If the transaction is authorized by the financial clearinghouse, the financial clearinghouse transmits the payment amount to the seller and transmits an invoice to the buyer for the purchase price of the transaction. The system can also include a broker coupled to the financial clearinghouse for providing an on-line order acceptance and processing capability between the buyers and sellers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital graphic signature system and methods for use in electronic commerce. The system comprises a document portion, including information relating to the document being executed, and a signature portion. The document portion and the signature portion may be encrypted and merged into a single object readily identifiable to an individual. The terminology “digital graphic signature” or “digigraphic signature” is utilized herein to describe the merged object. The digital graphic signature system of the present invention may be advantageously utilized in electronic transactions, including transactions over the internet and network systems. The digital graphic signature system of the present invention may also be advantageously utilized in conjunction with information banking and virtual wallets. Also disclosed is a digital graphic signet for transmitting a private communication.

Abstract: The present invention permits ISO-7816 smart cards and their non-smart card supporting devices to be connected and to interact over networks, such as networks based on Internet Protocol (IP), broadband, and wide area networks (WAN) using the T=1 protocol, similarly to if these devices were connected locally. Broadly, the invention takes a node address in a small T=1 embedded terminal and maps each address into a network address or a Universal Resource Locator (URL), such that different components of the terminal that are T=1 addressable are able to exist throughout for example, an IP network. The advantages offered by the invention include security and speed, resulting in increased ease of use and application development and increased autonomy for the smart card itself.

Abstract: A system and method to allow mirroring of data into a recovery site in real time so that as data is written to disk in a primary data center location, it is concurrently copied to disk at a recovery site, thereby eliminating the use of separate magnetic media for that purpose. Real-time mirroring of data is provided to a separate facility which is connected to a first mainframe data center through appropriate communications circuits. The secondary data center operations are kept current with the primary data center's operations so that in the event of a system failure, operations of the data center can be recovered in an expedited manner.

Abstract: A method and system for managing transaction card data provides distributed services for use of a transaction card, such as a smart card, on board a ship when shipboard communication with a centralized host system is unavailable. Aspects of the centralized land-based system, such as card issuance, card management, and issuer host authentication are migrated to the shipboard environment, and an on board issuance system, a distributed card management system, and a local monitoring and administration system are introduced to the shipboard environment. When the ship leaves port, an instance of the central system database data for the on board ship personnel is hosted on board the ship and stored in the distributed card management system database.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a transaction card account includes a dual function transaction card with primary and secondary transaction card functions that is issued to a cardmember in connection with the account. The cardmember is allowed to incur charges on the account with the dual function transaction card, and statements are periodically issued to the cardmember on the account for a balance payable that is based on the primary function of the transaction card. The cardmember is allowed to elect the secondary function of the dual function transaction card, and such an election is made, a new balance is computed on the account in response to the election and the cardmember is notified of the new balance and a new minimum due for the account.