Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating unique id packets in a distributed processing system. A method for facilitating processing over a network includes generating at a server location on the network a pointer that defines an information profile on the network. The pointer is then associated with the information profile, and the pointer and the associated information profile transmitted to at least two locations on the network. The pointer can then be transmitted to one of the at least two locations on the network from another location on the network during a processing operation on the network for the purpose of processing a network transaction at the receiving one of the at least two locations on the network, which network transaction requires the associated information profile, such that only transmission of the pointer is required for the processing operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting data between two dissimilar systems. A method for transferring information between first and second systems with dissimilar first and second database structures, respectively, is provided. The method includes the step of first extracting data from the first system and then routing the extracted data from the first system to a first conversion server. At the first conversion server, the data is converted from a format compatible with the first database structure to an intermediate format. The data in the intermediate format is then routed to a second conversion server. At the second conversion server, the data is converted from the intermediate format to a format compatible with the second database structure. The data converted at the second conversion server is then stored in the second system.