Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for processing commercial transactions of a user over a large geographic area. The system for processing commercial transactions includes a network, and one or more primary computing nodes connected to the network and a plurality of secondary computing nodes connected to the network in which each of the plurality of secondary computing nodes being associated with one of the plurality of geographic sites. The system also includes product inventories in which the product inventories are associated with one of the geographic sites. A catalog of products identifying the product inventories is present. One or more primary computing nodes notifies the secondary computing nodes of the catalog. A user contacts a first node from the plurality of secondary computing nodes. The user may purchase or place a product order with the first node with the “first node” forwarding the order to one or more primary computing nodes.

Abstract: In a computer based system and method for on-line payment, a transaction is completed between a shopper and a merchant using one or two trusted third parties. Both the shopper and merchant may use the same trusted third party or each may use its own trusted third party. A trusted third party receives and sends messages to and from the shopper and merchant as well as a payment center. Each message provides encrypted information on the nature of the transaction. The trusted third party does not have the capability to decrypt detailed transaction information and thus is not privy to the nature of the transaction. Should a dispute arise, all parties involved have sufficient encrypted information in the messages to determine the nature of the transaction and the steps concluded.