Abstract: The described embodiment of the system includes business methods and software and hardware that operate a confidential reverse blind market in industrial goods that matches buyers and sellers in a confidential manner and enables trade in goods traded in long term supply chains. In addition, the system provides a complete system of supply chain tracking from pre-order planning through ordering, production, seller shipping, buyer shipping, and inventory forecasting.

Abstract: A system that provides interactive three-dimensional (3D) augmented realities can include an augmented reality item marker (ARIM), a network-enabled mobile computing device, an augmented reality item lookup service (ARILS), and an augmented reality item viewer (ARIV). The ARIM can be a two-dimensional graphic conforming to a standardized encoding specification that can encode data elements about a product item. The network-enabled mobile computing device can include a camera configured to digitally capture the ARIM. The ARILS can be configured to provide a data response that includes augmented reality item data to the network-enabled mobile computing device. The ARIV can be configured to present an interactive 3D augmented reality visualization of the product item utilizing the augmented reality item data provided by the ARILS.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that for matching consumers with product or service providers is disclosed. The method may include establishing one or more profiles from one or more product or service providers, establishing one or more profiles from one or more consumers, receiving a consumer's subject matter request, matching the consumer with one or more products or service providers based on at least one of the consumer's profile and subject matter request, and providing the consumer's contact information to the matched one or more products or service providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that for matching consumers with product or service providers is disclosed. The method may include establishing one or more profiles from one or more product or service providers, establishing one or more profiles from one or more consumers, receiving a consumer's subject matter request, matching the consumer with one or more products or service providers based on at least one of the consumer's profile and subject matter request, and providing the consumer's contact information to the matched one or more products or service providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a purchase request to a dealer immediately. A Data Center system has a system database accessible to a plurality of dealers. A potential buyer submits a purchase request over a computer network to the Data Center system. The purchase request may include product identification data and buyer location information. The Data Center system identifies at least one appropriate dealer to receive the purchase request. The Data Center creates a purchase request record from the data and information provided in the purchase request. The Data Center then communicates the purchase request to the appropriate dealer by immediately storing the purchase request record into the system database such that the purchase request is accessible only to the at least one identified dealer. The purchase request becomes available to the at least one identified dealer immediately upon the creation of the purchase request record.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced.

Abstract: A system and method for group ordering is provided including displaying an item of a vendor to users of a group, receiving orders for at least one particular item associated with the same vendor from the users of the group, combining the orders into a group order, sending the group order to the single vendor, and calculating a second price for each particular item, different from the first price, based on an amount of orders received for the single vendor. Each vendor may include multiple items and each of the multiple items may include a first price. Each order may be associated with a single vendor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: Embodiments extend to methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating the formation of location-sensitive service contracts between consumers and service providers. At the request of a consumer, an auction for a service is created. The auction specifies categorical selections that describe the type of work to be performed and a geographical location at which the service is to be performed. The auction is presented to service providers based on geographical proximity of the service providers to the location at which the service is to be performed and a comparison of the categorical selections with qualification data for the service providers. Bids are received from the service providers, and a winning service provider is determined. The consumer and the winning service provider form a service contract. Subsequently, it is determine that the consumer has paid the winning service provider for performance of the service contract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing business processes. First business process data obtained from a first trading participant includes a set of transaction messages having a first data format in accordance with a first protocol for conducting business transactions used by the first trading participant. A virtual trading participant receives fictitious business process data from the first trading participant and acknowledging the fictitious business process data and replying to the first trading participant that the fictitious business process data has been acknowledged. Operational characteristics and a connectivity of a currently trading participant connected to a process management platform accessible via an interconnection fabric are tested, by utilizing the virtual trading participant to determine if the data defining individual business processes is in a uniform format understood by a process management platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to online social commerce system targeting products and services towards active home buyers and sellers. This invention is built on top of Business Intelligence (BI) and workflow contained inside complex real estate transactions conducted every year. With a growing valuable database of consumers and several million documents vaulted each year; this invention uses intelligence in these transactions for exact target profiling and timing of these high value leads to retail vendors. The core of the invention is the transaction platform that automates all transactional business processes, workflow, documents and compliance to real estate brokerages. The invention can generate reports or match complex data contained inside the transaction to help the vendor get the exact leads they need to target the exact product and service profile for the buyer or seller at right time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for remote shopping. A user connects to a networked system by means of a cellphone, PDA, personal computer, telephone, or the like. The networked system comprises a database of merchants, merchant locations, stocked items, available items, item prices, customers, customer locations, customer histories, delivery options, timing options, stored orders, executed orders, and associated data. By means of the networked system, a customer can browse items by availability, price, merchant, and the like, and carry out orders including payment and delivery terms. Order aggregation is implemented, whereby multiple users can aggregate items over time into a shared stored order, which is fmalized, paid for, and sent.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that encourage and provide informational and transactional support and infrastructure for cross-selling of products and services among otherwise unaffiliated merchants by formation of networks (e.g., social networks) of local merchants with knowledge of each others' products and services.

Abstract: There are provided an information transmitting apparatus, an information transmitting method, an information transmitting and processing program, and an information transmitting system capable of transmitting information such as a web page displaying stock quantity or the like while realizing the decreased number of times of obtaining stock quantity and lessening a process burden. In the case where a request for a hypertext generating page information is received, a hypertext including tag information having location information defining location of image data corresponding to stock quantity is transmitted to a terminal device, and the tag information displays the image data. In the case where a request including the location information is received from the terminal device which received the hypertext, stock-quantity information defining the stock quantity corresponding to the location information is obtained from a database.

Abstract: Acquiring resources for a plurality of customer or patrons. A method includes receiving a plurality of requests from different customers or patrons for the same groups or individual resources. The method further includes requesting a number of licenses for the groups or individual resources in a single purchasing transaction from a publisher. The method further includes receiving the number of licenses.

Abstract: A multiple criteria buying and selling system and method is provided. A seller initially establishes a deal structure for a product, which provides seller defined selling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product, such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warranty information. A buyer will be able to review a list of deals if the seller's selling criteria matches a buyer defined buying criteria. The deal structure is preferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-price criteria information that the buyer's would consider important in a purchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The deal structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internet site.

Abstract: A financial transaction authentication server includes a wireless network interface that is configured to receive fund transfer requests from a buyer via a wireless communications terminal, a wireless terminal location module that is configured to identify the respective locations of the buyer and a seller, and a transaction authorization processor configured to authorize a transfer request if the geographic locations of wireless terminals of the buyer and seller are within a predetermined geographical proximity of each other. The wireless network terminal location module identifies the geographic locations of respective wireless terminals of the buyer and seller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selling goods and services. In one embodiment, a method is described that comprises receiving volume pricing information relating to a product or a service and receiving a first predetermined time period indicating a time period that the product or service may be offered for sale. Refined volume pricing information is then calculated from the volume pricing information. The product or service is then offered electronically for sale for a duration as indicated by the first predetermined time period and including the refined volume pricing information associated with the product or service. Purchase orders are received from potential buyers. A final purchase price is then calculated for the product or service based on the number of purchase orders received during the predetermined time period and the refined volume pricing information. Finally, potential buyers are notified of the final purchase price.

Abstract: An automated tool for analyzing inter-library loan (ILL) transactions to identify holding needs for a library. The automated tool may be used in conjunction with a bibliographic database that comprises data related to inter-library loan requests and document orders. Libraries have the ability to compare borrowing requests over time to identify acquisition priorities, compare borrowing requests based on age, subject, serial, and nonserial items, analyze items the library is borrowing, and analyze items the library is lending. ILL request data may be analyzed by date, by frequency, and by cost. The library may then decide to acquire additional holdings for its collection based on the analyses of ILL transaction data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for presenting sale offers to users of mobile devices. In accordance with some embodiments, a controller is used to set parameters for offering a sale offer. The parameters may include a limited time period during which the sale offer may be accepted while displayed on a mobile device, and profile information for targeting a group of users for receiving the sale offer. The sale offer may be presented on a mobile device of each user whose profile information matches the profile information for the targeted group of users. A sale may be completed with a user if the sale offer is accepted within the limited time period.

Abstract: A method and system tor determining the relative priority of items moving in a predefined process flow, wherein the method comprises selecting a particular item that is in a predefined process flow, utilizing transaction data that was provided at regular Reporting Intervals and at Reporting Points, providing a planned movement of the selected item along the predefined process flow, processing the transaction data to determine the item's actual movement along the predefined process flow, determining the difference between the actual movement and the planned movement, providing a total planned Time Buffer for the movement of the item along the predefined process flow, using the determined difference to compute the actual amount of downstream Time Buffer Remaining in relation to the total planned Time Buffer, and utilizing the differences between actual and planned completions at both the Reporting Point and Item level to focus local improvements in relation to global outcomes.

Abstract: A user provides an input to a public stream system indicating that the user desires to conduct a transaction (such as a sale, renting a piece of equipment, etc.). The system identifies a group of other users that may wish to participate in the transaction, and at some point, informs those users of the opportunity to participate in a group transaction. Offers for the group transaction are identified and made available to the users and user acceptance of, and commitment to, the offer is tracked. Incentives can optionally be provided to one or more members of the group.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically determining substitution chains that are valid during a rules-based ATP check for an order item. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes an interface for interfacing with a plurality of data storage devices in at least one of which a plurality of stock items are stored as data. The system also includes an execution memory storing software and a buffer for temporarily storing data. A processor coupled to the interface and the execution memory may carry out an availability check in which a replacement chain describing replacements is stored in the buffer. The replacement chain may be determined by one or more of rules defining substitutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a pickup location for an item selected in an online transaction based on location information or data. The method comprises obtaining location data for the mobile communication device and determining availability of the selected item at one or more locations based on proximity to the location. According to an embodiment, one of the locations with item availability is selected and the online transaction is completed.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating transactions involving items and users in various ways. In some situations, item transactions are coordinated by an automated Item Transaction (or “IT”) system provided via one or more computing systems, such that users of the IT system who have available items are matched with other users of the IT system who desire those items. The types of items being involved in transactions via the IT system may vary, and in some situations may include items such as music CDs, video DVDs, computer games, computer software, etc. The operation of the IT system may be enhanced in various ways via interactions with one or more external item marketplaces, such as by automatically obtaining and using information related to users of the IT system from those marketplaces, and/or by acquiring additional items from those marketplaces for use by the IT system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the Content Marketplace Platform (CMP), a system and method of distributing digital content to authenticated users, such as on-line subscribers, wherein all interested parties, such as, but not limited to, publishers, editors, content providers, affiliates, payment processors, and service providers, are credited automatically for their contributions in such as manner as to be perceived as being fair, transparent, and resistant to abuse. The system and method may include a digital rights management system, but this is not required. The system supports a unique method of accounting that provides appropriate incentives to editors and affiliates, as well as publishers, with facilities for specifying a set of flexible parameters that enable automated payment, accounting, reporting, and administrative functions needed to support secure, subscription-based on-line publications.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborative shopping are presented. During a shopping transaction, a customer collaborates in real time with one or more additional participants. Real-time and dynamic feedback is provided to the customer from the participants throughout the shopping transaction. Furthermore, real-time and dynamic feedback is provided from the customer to the participants throughout the shopping transaction.

Abstract: The present invention is a web-based fractional ownership system method to allow individuals to meet in the marketplace and conveniently find property for joint ownership. The web system provides a structure for individuals to discuss and jointly agree to own, operate, maintain, and sell items of mutual interest. The web based fractional ownership system organizes and promotes ownership of properties, and assists potential owners in finding other owners, of similar interests in both direct and indirect, efficient methods. The system also integrates prearranged service relationships for the joint members to apply for funding, acquire insurance, store the property, and perform routine maintenance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to consolidate workload on cloud-based computers by co-locating one or more high-penalty tenants on one or more cloud-based servers; reducing service level agreement (SLA) violations by over-provisioning the cloud-based server; and maximizing an SLA profit.

Abstract: Method and system for providing a subscription based replenishment transaction of consumable items such as glucose test strips, lancets, and medication, such as insulin, including a data network, a user terminal operatively coupled to the data network, the user terminal configured to receive and transmit data over the data network, and a server terminal operatively coupled to the data network, the server terminal configured to receive from the user terminal a request for establishing an account associated with a consumable item, receive from the user terminal one or more predetermined parameters associated with the account, and generate the account based on the one or more predetermined parameters, where the one or more predetermined parameters include a user specified consumable replenishment level received from the user terminal is disclosed.

Abstract: An online time-based collaborative contribution system for the purchase of good(s) or service(s) includes a database, a server, a plurality of user devices, and a user interface provided at each user device. The database stores information related to the goods or services, a predetermined amount, and a designated target contribution amount. The server is coupled to the database. The plurality of user devices are connected to the server and the database via a network. The user interface allows a respective user to make a contribution of the predetermined amount towards the designated targeted contribution amount. The server initiates the transfer of the good(s) or service(s) as a function of the contributions made by the user and the designated target contribution amount.

Abstract: A service overlay network (SON) service providing apparatus and method are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the SON service providing apparatus is entrusted with element services from an element service provider, sells the entrusted element services to a composite service developer so as to enable the composite service developer to use the element services. In addition, the SON service providing apparatus receives a composite service developed by the composite service developer, and provides the composite service in response to a request from a service user.

Abstract: Freshness inventory control problem may be formulated as a stochastic dynamic program. In one aspect, a stochastic dynamic programming formulation takes as input inventory status, stochastic demand forecast and cost information associated with on-hand inventory. The stochastic dynamic programming formulation is maximized to determine order quantity and depletion quantity of the product per period.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods, systems and apparatuses of a commerce network for matching buyers and sellers are disclosed. One computer-method includes identifying buyer information, wherein the buyer information includes at least one of a buyer need or a buyer profile, wherein the buyer need includes at least one of a commodity or service that the buyer has indicated a present need, and wherein the buyer profile includes at least self-reported information. The computer-method further includes identifying seller information, wherein the seller information includes at least one of a seller profile and tracked seller behavior, wherein the seller profile includes at least self-reported information and wherein the tracked seller behavior includes at least interest shown or responses of a seller to previously identified instances of buyer information. The computer-method further includes matching the buyers with sellers by matching the buyer information with the seller information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having supply chain control functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A order accumulation website includes a pre-order unit for receiving orders of a transaction from buying at least one commodity from consumers by a name or a keyword of the commodity; other consumers can also join the transaction so as to form an accumulation of orders; a commodity database recording names, prices, qualities and packaging of the commodities; a seller bidding unit receiving a price list based on the pre-ordering good provided by the consumers; the price list being called out from the database or from a seller real time to respond the orders of the transaction; the price list being provided by default sellers firstly; wherein the pre-order is provided before the provision of the price list; and the price list lists a plurality of prices for a commodity; the prices are descended with an increment of the order quantity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a demand driven promotion system supporting social networking and searching, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: When a customer who encounters a specific type of merchandise he/she wants by accident, he/she is able to use his/her wireless mobile device to ask for agreements from mobile electronic devices of neighboring people who want the same type of merchandise and to group his/her mobile electronic device with mobile electronic devices of people who respond with agreements, where the mobile electronic devices are grouped by using a wireless communication protocol. With the aid of grouping those people who want the specific type of merchandise, a group-buying action can be initiated, and a discount of the specific type of merchandise can be retrieved by the grouped people.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.