Abstract: A system and method for a distributor of information technology (IT) products and services that has acquired business customers through direct sales matches these customers with IT service providers through an online bidding process. The system and method includes a customer system that is connected to the Internet and is configured to store information about subscriptions and account information about customers and IT providers, and process this information in order to appropriately solicit, analyze, and select bids.

Abstract: A system of billing for subscription products and services from multiple vendors across multiple layers of buyers and sellers is presented. Each subscription is charged according to a rate plan, which may include volume, tiered, or usage-based pricing. In billing for subscriptions, sellers may use a single standard rate plan for each product, or may use a variety of rate plans depending on the type of customer, time period, or other attributes. The rate plans stored in the system are dynamic, such that a seller can instantly modify an existing rate plan in order to create a new rate plan.

Abstract: A distributed cloud disk system includes a computer system that is connected to the Internet or another external network, to which storage services can be remotely provisioned, connected, and monitored by a managed service provider on behalf of the user of the computer system. The system is structured in a hierarchical manner such that all parties involved in supplying or utilizing a given service can interact appropriately with all or some of the provisioning and monitoring processes, while tracking usage information and other data for the purposes of billing and commission payment. This is accomplished by an account with appropriate permissions, which a given party uses to log into the system.