Abstract: A system and method for providing management such as creation, manipulation, storage, control, and retrieval of digital content for a company on a global basis. Digital content is created and stored in, for example, the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format using the relationship between component mapping information and content information comprising webpage components. The XML data is developed by defining page components, mapping the components on a page and indexing the page for future retrieval of the page. The data is then stored in a single database, as segments related to the page, for call-up by a user. The information architecture of the present invention provides for a separation of data from the presentation itself. Thus, the information architecture data content, not being tied to the presentation, may, for example, enable the database to support various foreign languages, formats and medias.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically billing a designated account for fees associated with the costs of tickets and other similar services. Passenger Record Number data and similar data is provided through a Computerized Reservation System and an accounting system to a Fee Allocator program which automatically interprets the data, determines appropriate fees based on the data and a user profile, and bills the fees to an appropriate account based on the user profile. Billing data provided to the account also facilitates the process of reconciling the fees to the travel ticket costs. Enhanced descriptive billing statements can be created simplifying the process of reconciling fees to the travel ticket costs.

Abstract: A method and system for air carrier contract management and optimization is disclosed. In particular, the present invention receives and tracks client travel data and air carrier contract data, analyzes this data and configures the data structure to be used in a goal programming algorithm to determine an optimum travel carrier solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a user to test and transfer data from a client's database or network to a host's database or network. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user acquires data information from a client. The user uses this information to generate a spreadsheet, and to populate the spreadsheet with assumed values based on the information received from the client. The spreadsheet is configured in a fashion such that it is consistent with the host's database or network. The user requests and receives a test file from the client and uses a developed algorithm, generally in the form of a computer program, to reformat the file so that it is consistent with the host's database configuration. The user determines the consistency between the reformatted file and the host's database by comparing the reformatted file to the previously generated spreadsheet.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating inventory management in financial transaction instrument distribution is disclosed. The method may include the steps of: receiving information related to the sale of a first transaction instrument, wherein the first transaction instrument is associated with a second transaction instrument, wherein the first and second transaction instruments comprise a group of transaction instruments, and wherein the information identifies a location of the sale of the first transaction instrument; and associating the location of the sale of the first transaction instrument with the second transaction instrument and/or the group of transaction instruments.

Abstract: Convenient transaction cards are provided that may be attached or interconnected with portable electronic music devices, such as MP3 players, the iPod™ digital music device, and other like portable electronic music devices. The transaction cards may be foldable to provide for convenient storage and access of the transaction card when utilized. In addition, the transaction cards may be provided within a case or a housing that may be removable from the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates transactions by providing a limited use PIN that is associated with a primary account and/or PIN number, wherein the limited use PIN is presented to the merchant to initiate a transaction. More particularly, the system involves the process of registering a user (if not already pre-registered) to participate in a transaction system; generating a limited use PIN and issuing this number to the user, where the user presents this number to a merchant to complete a sales transaction; the merchant processing this limited use PIN, where the number is typically presented to the credit issuer to facilitate authorization. Additionally, the limited use PIN may also carry with it certain limitations-on-use conditions, where the transaction is not authorized unless these conditions are met. In generating a limited use PIN, the issuer generates a random number and associates this number with the user's primary charge account.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used to obtain a transaction account. The system comprises at least one input device, at least one credit requesting system, at least one transaction account provider, and at least one credit reporting agency. The input device receives an identification card (e.g., driver's license) and possibly additional information from an individual. The data is then used to automatically generate a transaction account application The transaction account provider receives and evaluates the transaction account application. The credit requesting system is coupled to the transaction account provider and the at least one input device. The credit requesting system controls transmission of the transaction account application to the transaction account provider and receives the evaluation result from the transaction account provider.

Abstract: A method and computer program code for expediting issuance and activation of transaction instruments upon application therefor. A first set of application information is collected from an applicant. The first set of application information is processed to determine whether all required information has been obtained. If the first set of application information, comprises all information required to issue and activate the transaction instrument, then the application process is completed, the transaction instrument is provided to the applicant, and the applicant is permitted to automatically activate the transaction instrument upon receipt. If the first set of application information comprises less than all information required to issue and activate the transaction instrument, then the application process is completed and the transaction instrument is provided to the applicant in an unactivated state.

Abstract: A performance evaluation system that evaluates performance within an entity. The system allows users to assess their performance relative to predetermined goals, progress points and performance indicators or metrics while also providing users with the ability to quickly and effectively identify driving forces for performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a purchaser incentive program on a network-wide level. The system associates SKU and UPC data on a network level to provide consumers with a purchasing environment that is both convenient and cost-efficient. The association of SKU and UPC data at a network level also provides consumers with the ability to analyze their own purchase data for a variety of purposes, including analyses relating to the consumer's spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates a network-wide search for an item that a consumer desires to purchase under terms or conditions that are selected by the consumer and are therefore perceived to be optimal by that consumer.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for performance management. A member within an entity is selected and a performance assessment of the member is conducted. The information collected from the performance assessment is stored in a database. A self-assessment by the member is conducted and the information from the self-assessment is also stored in the database. An appraisal of the member is conducted using the data from both the performance assessment and the self-assessment and the information obtained from the appraisal is stored.

Abstract: Software application that interfaces with a main frame operating a job control language so as to overcome the file limit for processing in the job control language, by dividing files or other data sets into batches that are equal to or less than the limit of the job control language. The software application then provides the batches for processing in the job control language individually, so that the file limit is not exceeded for any processing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a purchaser incentive program on a network-wide level. The system associates SKU and UPC data on a network level to provide consumers with a purchasing environment that is both convenient and cost-efficient. The association of SKU and UPC data at a network level also provides consumers with the ability to analyze their own purchase data for a variety of purposes, including analyses relating to the consumer's spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates a network-wide search for an item that a consumer desires to purchase under terms or conditions that are selected by the consumer and are therefore perceived to be optimal by that consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for converting an inbound Internet protocol (IP) connection to a X.25 protocol connection such that unmodified legacy X.25 applications can process IP communications.

Abstract: Authorization limits on the use of a financial transaction instrument, such as a credit card and the like, may be set by an owner of a financial account corresponding to the financial transaction instrument. The owner provides information identifying the owner, the financial account, and the financial transaction instrument corresponding to the financial account to a computer, and also provides an owner-defined authorization limit on use of the financial transaction instrument to the computer. The authorization limit is stored in a database, which is accessed when there is a request to authorize a purchase to be made with the financial transaction instrument. The owner may communicate with the computer via a Web site, an automated call program, a kiosk, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing a plurality of data sets on a financial transaction instrument configured to facilitate performing a financial transaction. A first data set owner and a second data set owner are enrolled in a multiple account management program. A first data set owned by a first data set owner and of a first format is added to a database on the financial transaction instrument. A second data set of a second format is added to the database. The second data set is owned by a second data set owner, distinct from the first data set owner, and the second format is different from the first format. A condition header identifying a status condition is added to at least one of the first and second data sets. At least one of the first and second data sets is modified in the database.

Abstract: A RF transaction device is provided, which is operable to store multiple distinct data sets owned by unrelated data set owners, wherein the distinct data sets may include differing formats. The method includes the steps of: adding, by a read/write, a first data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the first data set is owned by a first owner; adding, by the read/write device, a second data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the second data set is owned by a second owner; and storing the first data set and the second data set on the RF transaction device in accordance with an owner defined format. The first and second data sets may each be stored as a Block of Binary. The first and second data sets are associated with first and second owners, respectively, and are configured to be stored independent of each other and in accordance with the particular data set storage protocol.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which facilitates authentication processes with web-enabled wireless devices, including those that do not support the use of cookie files. To facilitate such authentication, a web server analyzes an HTTP request file from a communication device for the presence of security token data. Where none is found, a client is directed to a login page for input of authentication data, such as a user name and password information. Upon proper authentication, the client's communication device is issued a security token using standard HTML-INPUT tags. Thereafter, the web server determines if each additional HTTP request file received from the client includes a security token before responding to the request.

Abstract: A method of comparing and analyzing expenditures and savings for a first and a second time period includes a first step of receiving consumption data, expenditure data and market price data for the first and second time periods, a second step of calculating data representing a change in savings from the first time period to the second time period, based on differences between the market price data and the expenditure data for the two time periods, and a third step of outputting the data representing the change in savings from the first to the second time period. The consumption data represents a type and an amount of a commodity consumed during a given time period, the expenditure data represents an actual cost paid for the commodity consumed during that given time period, and the market price data represents a market price of the commodity consumed during that given time period.