Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing an activity framework. First, a plurality of sub-activities are created which each include sub-activity logic adapted to generate an output based on an input received from a user upon execution. Second, a plurality of activities are defined which each execute the sub-activities in a unique manner upon being selected for accomplishing a goal associated with the activity. Selection of one of the activities is allowed by receiving user indicia. An interface is depicted for allowing receipt of the input and display of the output during execution of the sub-activities associated with the selected activity.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a global internetworking gateway architecture in an e-commerce environment are provided. A plurality of gateways each situated in a distinct geographic location are coupled to an internet. A wide area network, separate from the internet, is coupled to each of the gateways for providing communication between the wide area network and the internet. Coupled to the wide area network is a central database for providing a central storage for data used in e-commerce carried out over the internet. In one embodiment, at least one of the gateways includes at least one screening router coupled to the internet service provider, at least one firewall connected to the screening router, and a choker router coupled between the wide area network and the firewall.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for interacting with a user over a network for personalizing a website. A user is identified and information about the user is collected. A profile of the user is built based on the collected information and a plurality of different contents are managed. The profile and the contents are analyzed in order to match attributes of the profile of the user and attributes of the contents. The contents which have attributes that match the attributes of the profile of the user are then selected and delivered to the user. The user is allowed to manually select which of the delivered contents are depicted on a display. The user is also allowed to selectively position the delivered contents on the display.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the navigation of application specific data on a data page, i.e. web page, during use of a data browser, i.e. Netscape™, MS Explorer™, etc. Included on the data page are a plurality of links each corresponding to data. In use, the data may be retrieved upon selection of the corresponding link. To facilitate the navigation of the data, the links are displayed each as a component of an indicia such as a pointer or chevron to imply a relationship between the data.

Abstract: A method for effectively collecting and disseminating information. In use, data is retrieved from multiple users in a plurality of categories. To disseminate the information, access is provided to the data via an interface which lists the data categories. By selecting a category in the interface, the user can subscribe to a data category and access the data therein.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture are provided for managing information in a development architecture framework. Common information that is used by a plurality of components of a system is allowed to be accessed in a single, shared repository. Unique information that is unique to the components of the system is stored in corresponding designated folders. Media content communicated in the system is managed based on metadata thereof.