Abstract: A method for adjusting market pricing terms for a service comprises determining a statistical distribution of schedule availability of a first tier of service providers, the first tier of service providers being selected from a plurality of tiers of service providers. A target statistical distribution of schedule availability of service providers of a service is determined. Market pricing terms charged by service providers in the first tier of service providers are adjusted to adjust the statistical distribution of schedule availability relative to the target statistical distribution of schedule availability.

Abstract: A technology is described for monitoring a task definition. The technology may include receiving a task definition from a customer that includes task details for a task to be performed for the customer. The task definition may then be compared to a predetermined criterion where the criterion indicates that the customer may be entering the task definition incorrectly. A task definition that meets the predetermined criterion can be identified and the task definition may be provided to a customer service representative for review.

Abstract: Technology is described for modifying a task frequency. The method may include setting a task price for a task based on task details and statistical price data. The task frequency of the task can be modified. Another operation can be computing a pro-rata value created due to modifying the task frequency. The pro-rata value can be divided between a service provider and a customer to provide a monetary benefit to either the service provider or to the customer using the processor.

Abstract: A method for providing insurance for tasks comprises identifying a task definition for a task to be performed for a customer. The task has task details associated therewith. A task value is set for the task based on the task details, using a processor. A service provider is assigned to perform the task at the task value, using the processor. A determination is made as to whether the service provider has adequate insurance to cover one or more insurable risks associated with performance of the task. A task insurance rider is requested to be applied to the task in the event the service provider does not have adequate insurance to cover the one or more insurable risks associated with performance of the task.

Abstract: Technology is described for task exchange. The method can include obtaining a task definition for a task having task details to be performed for a customer. A task value can be set for the task based on the task details. The task can be offered for exchange via an electronic exchange interface. A further operation can be exchanging the task between a first party and a second party based on the task value.

Abstract: Technology is described for scheduling and rescheduling a purchased task. The method may include receiving a defined time range and parameters for when the purchased task is to be performed. An anchor may be set on a scheduling calendar according to the defined time range and parameters received. Another operation may be estimating a task duration to perform the purchased task. One or more service providers able to perform the purchased task may be identified according to the anchor and for the task duration. A service provider may be selected based on schedule efficiency as a function of the anchor of the purchased task with respect to the scheduled anchors of scheduled tasks for each service provider. The purchased task may then be assigned to a selected service provider at an efficient schedule time.

Abstract: Technology is described to control a security device providing access to a restricted resource. The method can include generating a plurality of security access codes at a security locking device using at least one pre-configured symmetric key. The access codes may each be valid from predefined start times for varying time intervals. In a further operation, a candidate access code can be generated at a control server, using the same pre-configured symmetric key. The candidate access code from the control server can be provided to the security locking device. The security locking device can unlock when the candidate access code corresponds to at least one of a valid security access codes on the security locking device.

Abstract: Technology is described for the procurement of task services. In one example, the tasks can be obtained in a single package, such as by the steps of displaying a plurality of tasks and high-level parameters related to the tasks; receiving input to configure the high-level parameters with respect to the tasks; incorporating meta-data parameters with the high-level parameters using the processor; determining a fixed price for performing one or more of the tasks using the processor; and receiving input from the customer for ordering one or more of the tasks. Other examples include inspection regimes for improving efficiencies.

Abstract: Technology is described for customer exchange, route efficiency determinations, and new customer assignments. The method of customer exchange can include identifying a customer of an originating service provider; assessing a relative proximity of the customer with respect to location; receiving input from the originating service provider regarding their permission to trade the customer; reassigning the customer to the new service provider based on permission of the originating service provider the assessed relative proximity or location; and notifying the new service provider of an exchange of the customer using the processor.

Abstract: Technology is described for generating a market and a fixed price for a customer-selected service. The technology can include pooling service providers from a data store capable of performing the customer-selected service. Additionally, the technology can include acquiring information over a network from the customer and/or one or more additional sources. The information can provide values for a set of task details that can be defined to differentiate a quantity of work associated with the customer-selected service. By applying these values, potential differences in the quantity of work can be removed. Statistical information related to pricing can also be applied to the defined quantity of work to determine a fixed price for the customer-selected service, which can, thereafter, be treated as a virtual commodity.

Abstract: Technology is described for acquiring a task and distributing the task to a service provider. The technology may include obtaining a task purchase from a customer and assigning the task to a service provider using a statistical method that considers weightings placed upon a task and weightings placed upon a plurality of service providers. Alternatively, a service provider may purchase a task at a fixed price. A fixed price may be determined by calculating a task acquisition cost using an average customer conversion cost.