Abstract: A system allows control of an ancillary server function through a text messaging protocol. The text message allows a connected user to obtain goods or services through a network controller that selectively routes a self-addressed text message to a remote networked server that instantiates the server function based on content in the text message. The self-addressed electronic message (e.g., SMS message) is interpreted by a network component as needing invocation of a specified ordering service and, accordingly, is routed to a server that is tasked with administering, for example, order and delivery of a product or access to an account. The server, upon receipt of the self-addressed electronic message, may interact with the buyer using messaging to confirm the scope of the order and to fullfil the order. The system augments cellular phone functionality with a mechanism for placing orders using a looped text-yourself approach that engenders trust with users.

Abstract: A system allows control of an ancillary server function through a text messaging protocol. The text message allows a connected user to obtain goods or services through a network controller that selectively routes a self-addressed text message to a remote networked server that instantiates the server function based on content in the text message. The self-addressed electronic message (e.g., SMS message) is interpreted by a network component as needing invocation of a specified ordering service and, accordingly, is routed to a server that is tasked with administering, for example, order and delivery of a product or access to an account. The server, upon receipt of the self-addressed electronic message, may interact with the buyer using messaging to confirm the scope of the order and to fulfil the order. The system augments cellular phone functionality with a mechanism for placing orders using a looped text-yourself approach that engenders trust with users.

Abstract: An order placement and delivery system is provided in which a final delivery address of a recipient is obscured or not known to a sender. The sender places an order for a gift against the unique sender identity, relays to the administrator a recipient's virtual contact address, and constructs a personal message which is routed to the virtual contact address. The point of origin of the personal message is inferred to be directly from the sender. The personal message forewarns the recipient that they will be messaged by the administrator to acquire a real-world physical address that will be used for physical gift delivery and stored in the database against the virtual contact address, such that future orders identifying the recipient's virtual contact address can be dispatched expeditiously to the recipient's physical address with reduced messaging overhead and without having to reveal the recipient's physical address to the sender.