Abstract: A system for authenticating a document, D. A trusted party applies an algorithm to D, for example, by treating each byte of data within D as a number, and treating the numbers as inputs to the algorithm. The trusted party obtains a result from the algorithm, termed a Message Authentication Code, MAC. The trusted party gives a courier both (1) D and (2) the MAC, as by loading both into a portable computer carried by the courier. The courier delivers both D and MAC to a recipient, who is equipped with the identical algorithm. The recipient applies the algorithm to D. If the recipient obtains the MAC, the recipient concludes that no tampering of D occurred. The reason is that successful tampering requires the courier to replace MAC with a fabricated MAC(fab). MAC(fab) must possess the characteristic that the algorithm would produce MAC(fab) when applied to the tampered document D.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are provided for directing and managing cross-channel interactions with a customer. A customer makes multiple contacts with a business over first and second channels. These contacts are electronically represented as first and second interactions which are recorded in a single dialogue. The dialogue is evaluated so as to modify at least one of the interactions or channels. Further, a business service provider is connected to an interaction based upon the subject matter of the interaction and the channel over which the interaction is occurring. A service provider's actions with a customer are validated based upon such things as business policy, customer profile, customer privacy, channels, the skill set of the service provider, and the subject matter of the interactions. A service provider may also extract from a customer profile database a customer with whom an interaction is established.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a quorum service which each system of a cluster registers with prior to a potential failover to insure proper functionality of the cluster is provided.