Abstract: Provided is a method for one or more businesses to provide services to customers using a network. Also provided is a network that comprises a plurality of nodes. At least some of the plurality of nodes store data that is necessary for one or more businesses to provide services to customers. At least some of the plurality of nodes can process data. Terminal devices associated with customers can be connected to at least one of the plurality of nodes. The method involves terminal devices being connected to one of the plurality of nodes and services being provided to customers by one or more business via the terminal devices and the network without going through the businesses.

Abstract: By performing initial user registration via an SSL-compliant browser in an information home electric appliance 100, user's private key, digital certificate, and member information are downloaded (b2) into the storage device in the information home electric appliance. At card use time, when the user selects products on a merchant's SSL-compliant server and issues a purchase instruction (c1), the user is identified locally in the information home electric appliance based on a personal identification number. Subsequently, the information home electric appliance accesses an SSL-compliant settlement server 220 (C4) and sends a digital certificate and member information stored in the appliance. Then, mutual authentication is performed between the user and the settlement server and, based on the member information, an authorization gateway 241 authorizes the account settlement (c5).

Abstract: By performing initial user registration via an SSL-compliant browser in an information home electric appliance 100, user's private key, digital certificate, and member information are downloaded (b2) into the storage device in the information home electric appliance. At card use time, when the user selects products on a merchant's SSL-compliant server and issues a purchase instruction (c1), the user is identified locally in the information home electric appliance based on a personal identification number. Subsequently, the information home electric appliance accesses an SSL-compliant settlement server 220 (C4) and sends a digital certificate and member information stored in the appliance. Then, mutual authentication is performed between the user and the settlement server and, based on the member information, an authorization gateway 241 authorizes the account settlement (c5).