Abstract: Methods and a database for extending the columns of a record are provided. A record is provided having an extendible column wherein a tokenized string may be stored. Moreover, the tokenized string includes one or more tags, each tag logically representing an extendible column to associate with the record. Further, at least a portion of the tokenized string is delivered upon a request. The tokenized string may conform to at least one of XML, HTML, and SGML. Moreover, updates to the record occur without modifying a table definition associated with the record.

Abstract: Establishment of the context of a customer's present and future interaction with a business regardless of the interaction channel used, is facilitated by use of an interaction history database. The interaction history database stores data regarding past customer interactions. The business accesses and sorts interaction information from the interaction history database related to a customer when that customer initiates a new interaction with the business. The interaction history database may also be accessible by the customer for self service applications. The customer may access the presentation of their interaction history in an “actionable” manner. In one instance, context of an Internet user's query to a business regarding an Internet site of the business visited by the user, is conveyed to the business via data (i.e. text) automatically inserted into an e-mail after selection of an e-mail link from the business Internet site.

Abstract: A laptop computer includes a cavity into which a mouse/trackball pointer unit may be releasably mounted. The pointer unit is electrically coupled to the laptop computer by a retractable wire or by infrared or radio frequency wireless techniques, and is used as a trackball when disposed within the keyboard cavity. User-operable switches are accessible from the trackball surface of the unit. However, when work space permits, the pointer unit may be removed from the laptop cavity, inverted and used as a mouse. Additional user-operable switches are also accessible from the mouse upper-surface of the pointer unit. The pointer unit housing has a single opening through which the rotatable ball protrudes in each mode. A sense switch automatically ascertains which mode is to be used from the relative orientation of the pointer unit housing. In mouse mode, a sense switch decouples the trackball surface accessible user-operable switches to prevent their inadvertently signaling as the pointer unit is moved about.