Abstract: A system and method for distributing and providing access to media and for extending such access to a desktop environment is described. A media player in a webpage or in a desktop environment may reference a centralized location to access a playlist of media files. The playlist itself may reference remotely-located media files that may be streamed to the media player. The media player may be distributed in multiple environments, and updates to the playlist may be automatically distributed to all instances where the playlist is referenced due to the centralized reference in the media player. The embodiments of the media player may also be used in advertising as a mechanism for increasing user contact with an advertising entity and as a mechanism for distributing announcements and information by the advertiser.

Abstract: A program controlled data-processing system and computer-based method for facilitating retail transactions based on a seamless translation of reward points into a suitable currency for purchase. In one embodiment, the present invention allows a user to utilize points without the traditional redemption restrictions or encumbrances associated with reward programs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein includes a system and method for providing an online shopping platform. A memory may store a user's loyalty points for redemption. The platform may display lists of goods for sale provided by different merchants. A user may place a purchase order for a product offered by a first merchant. The purchase order may also include another product offered by a second merchant. The system and method may calculate a total cost of the purchase order. The system and method may deduct at least a portion of the loyalty points available in the user's loyalty account in exchange for a currency value. The system and method may reduce the cost of the purchase order by the currency value.

Abstract: To promote a merchant's products on a social networking system, a promotion engine receives data from a merchant site regarding the merchant site's users' activities. The users' purchases of a promoted product are correlated with the user's activities performed in connection with a related product. An automated process running on a computer system then determines promotion criteria for the promoted product, based at least in part on the activities performed in connection with the related product. A promotion for the promoted product is generated and communicated to a social networking system, which displays the promotion to one or more users of the social networking system based on the determined promotion criteria.

Abstract: To promote a merchant's products on a social networking system, a promotion engine receives data from a merchant site regarding the merchant site's users' activities. The users' purchases of a promoted product are correlated with the user's activities performed in connection with a related product. An automated process running on a computer system then determines promotion criteria for the promoted product, based at least in part on the activities performed in connection with the related product. A promotion for the promoted product is generated and communicated to a social networking system, which displays the promotion to one or more users of the social networking system based on the determined promotion criteria.

Abstract: A program controlled data-processing system and computer-based method for facilitating retail transactions based on a seamless translation of reward points into a suitable currency for purchase. In one embodiment, the present invention allows a user to utilize points without the traditional redemption restrictions or encumbrances associated with reward programs.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory and an object network modeler component executable by the at least one processor. The memory stores an object network including a plurality of objects, the plurality of objects including a first object, a second object, a third object, and a fourth object. The object network modeler component is configured to implicitly associate, within the object network, the first object with the second object and explicitly associate, within the object network, the third object with the fourth object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory and an object network modeler component executable by the at least one processor. The memory stores an object network including a plurality of objects, the plurality of objects including a first object, a second object, a third object, and a fourth object. The object network modeler component is configured to implicitly associate, within the object network, the first object with the second object and explicitly associate, within the object network, the third object with the fourth object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory and an object network modeler component executable by the at least one processor. The memory stores an object network including a plurality of objects, the plurality of objects including a first object, a second object, a third object, and a fourth object. The object network modeler component is configured to implicitly associate, within the object network, the first object with the second object and explicitly associate, within the object network, the third object with the fourth object.