Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure enables corporate entities to connect with each other and enables social networking interactions, credibility rating, identity verification, and/or business transactions between the corporate entities.

Abstract: Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, payments, and money transfers are described. One aspect of the invention is a computer-implemented method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for inviting an entity to open an account at a billing and payment system, the method comprising: issuing a check payable to the entity, wherein a checkbox for opening an account at the billing and payment system is printed on an endorsement section of the check along with a reference to additional information regarding additional information related to the account opening; receiving an image of the endorsement section of the check after the check is cleared; determining whether the checkbox is checked in the image; and responsive to a determination that the checkbox is checked, opening an account for the entity at the billing and payment system.

Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: A Software As A System (SAAS)-based system is disclosed herein for sending bills and payments in conjunction with a third-party accounting system. The system deploys a downloadable program interface to configure the third-party accounting system and then send and receive data between the two systems. The transmitted bills may contain an electronic signature, a line item billing, and/or other transaction-specific meta data, and, based on cash flow needs and outstanding bills, some or all customers may be offered a very substantial time-limited discount for immediate payment. Also, customers may use the line-item billing feature to withhold partial payments for specific issues attributed to specific items. Alternatively, a communication module between SAAS units (CSU) may be deployed to configure the third-party accounting system and then send and receive data between the two systems.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the management of rules used for the automatic processing and/or resolution of conflicts, particularly in billing systems and applications applying edits to database records from multiple accounting software applications.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure enables corporate entities to connect with each other and enables social networking interactions, credibility rating, identity verification, and/or business transactions between the corporate entities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to scan a check or other payment instrument into an image file and apply a credit to one or more invoices associated with the entity, such as invoices issued by a business partner of the entity originating the check. Where there are multiple invoices outstanding invoices, embodiments of the present disclosure can selectively apply credits to such invoices based on input from the entity and/or based on rules defining how such credit are to be applied to the invoices.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure allow multiple accounting software applications to make concurrent edits to the same documents and database records, and provide an efficient, user-friendly interface for resolving conflicts that arise from such edits.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to scan a check or other payment instrument into an image file and apply a credit to one or more invoices associated with the entity, such as invoices issued by a business partner of the entity originating the check. Where there are multiple invoices outstanding invoices, embodiments of the present disclosure can selectively apply credits to such invoices based on input from the entity and/or based on rules defining how such credit are to be applied to the invoices.

Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computer system, a payment request from an originator having an account at a first financial institution, wherein the payment request is associated with a receiver having an account at a second financial institution. In response to receiving the payment request, a payment instrument is disbursed to the receiver. The method further includes receiving, by the computer system, a request for a payment amount designated by the payment instrument and, in response to receiving the request for the payment amount, crediting the payment amount to a clearing account. The method also includes crediting the payment amount to the receiver's account in conjunction with debiting the payment amount from the clearing account.

Abstract: Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, payments, and money transfers are described.

Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, checks, and money transfers are described. Various aspects include the following: Invoices are compared to distinguishing features of known templates. Templates of matching features are used to extract data in the invoices. Enhanced payment documents are generated to include images of related invoices to ensure proper deposit. Payee information solicited from a payee is printed on an endorsement section of a check payable to the payee to ensure proper deposit. The payee information can be verified through a mock transaction. Unique invoice numbers and payor numbers are included in invoices to ensure proper accreditation of payments of the invoices. Money transfers among accounts of different banks are effected through master accounts in the different banks.

Abstract: Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections.

Abstract: An event that potentially relates to payments of an entity is detected by an electronic payment system. In response to detecting the event, automatically and without user intervention, a set of rules relating to the payments of the entity that relates to the event is retrieved, financial information relating to the set of rules relating is retrieved, a payment is determined based on the event, the set of rules and the financial information and the payment is effected. The rules may be user defined and stored in a rules database. The financial information may be drawn from the electronic payment system and/or websites of various service providers based on one or more rules. The payment may be scheduled for future execution, or may be executed immediately based on one or more rules.

Abstract: Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, checks, and money transfers are described. Various aspects include the following: Invoices are compared to distinguishing features of known templates. Templates of matching features are used to extract data in the invoices. Enhanced payment documents are generated to include images of related invoices to ensure proper deposit. Payee information solicited from a payee is printed on an endorsement section of a check payable to the payee to ensure proper deposit. The payee information can be verified through a mock transaction. Unique invoice numbers and payor numbers are included in invoices to ensure proper accreditation of payments of the invoices. Money transfers among accounts of different banks are effected through master accounts in the different banks.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to provide enhanced business to business information within an electronic money exchange. Various types of information relating to a plurality businesses are collected from a variety of sources, including transaction information, rating information, offerings information and publicly available information, such as information from third-party websites. The collected information is analyzed to create various metrics that relate to business's reliability and creditworthiness and enhanced profiles are created for each of the plurality of businesses. Facilities are provided for querying businesses to search the enhanced profiles of the plurality of businesses using various search criteria and to establish relationships with selected businesses.