Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for processing information. An example method can comprise receiving a request to authorize an operation. The request can comprise a product identifier and an account identifier. The method can further comprise determining authorization plan data associated with the account identifier. The authorization plan data comprises a collection of product identifiers indicating products authorized by a sponsor. The method can comprise determining whether the transaction is authorized based on a comparison of the product identifier to at least a portion of the collection of product identifiers and providing an authorization message in response to the determining whether the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: A virtual payments environment can be used to simulate and test performance of a payments system. A plurality of characteristics and settings can be used to generate and/or determine one or more scenarios associated with a payments environment. The one or more scenarios associated with the payments environment can comprise a plurality of activity engines that simulate real-word components of a payments environment. Payment information can be introduced to the one or more scenarios and activity engines can be used to test and/or verify the integrity of the payment information as it traverses a transactional path through the payments environment. Performance data associated with the payment information can be accessed and review in order to determine a number or successes and/or failures associated with processing the payment information as it transverses the payments environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for user authentication. User-specific data is aggregated by an authentication system. Answers to authentication questions are identified in the aggregated data. A user device attempting to authenticate with the authentication system is presented with the authentication question and selectable options for answering the authentication question. The selectable options include one or more valid answers and one or more false answers. A user device is authenticated after correctly answering one or more presented authentication questions.

Abstract: A process for using an inkjet printer to apply translucent inks for producing a pseudo-metallic visual effect on a substrate is disclosed. The process uses a matte printing technique that results in a metallic appearance when applied to various substrates, such as commercial plastic cards. The resulting card product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Encrypting sensitive information sent using an interactive voice response (IVR) system. The systems and methods may include an HSM that provides a secure platform to encrypt the sensitive information. They may also include interfaces with IVR systems and transaction processing hosts. The systems and methods may interact directly with a customer using an IVR to receive the sensitive information. They may also provide for a secure platform to validate the strength of the information, such as a PIN or password, prior to further processing of the sensitive information.

Abstract: Securely disclosing a personal identification number (“PIN”) associated with a financial account to an account holder and receiving a new PIN from the account holder. A PIN reveal application can interact with a hardware security module (“HSM”) using a PIN offset masking process and randomly generated account data to reveal the PIN to the account holder one or more PIN characters at a time. A PIN set application also can interact the HSM using a PIN offset masking process and randomly generated account data to receive a new PIN for the account one or more PIN characters at a time. In each of the PIN reveal and PIN setting processes, less than the entirety of the PIN is stored in an unencrypted format outside of the HSM only.

Abstract: Disclosing a secure personal identification number (“PIN”) associated with a financial account to an account holder. A PIN reveal application can interact with a hardware security module (“HSM”) to decrypt and disclose the PIN to the account holder one or more PIN character(s) at a time. The account holder also can set a new PIN in a secure manner. A PIN set application can interact with the HSM to encrypt PIN characters received by the PIN set application from the account holder. The HSM provides a secure platform to encrypt and decrypt the secure PIN.

Abstract: Providing a centralized process for accessing and implementing database management tools. These tools may be either developed by a vendor of the database management system, a third party, or by the enterprise implementing the database management tools. The system would include an interface between the user and the system that allows the user to indicate specific tasks to perform and provide a means for the user to receive and input information. The interface may support the development of specific job control messages that can be executed to implement a chosen task.

Abstract: Disclosing a secure personal identification number (“PIN”) associated with a financial account to an account holder. A PIN reveal application can interact with a hardware security module (“HSM”) to decrypt and disclose the PIN to the account holder one or more PIN character(s) at a time. The account holder also can set a new PIN in a secure manner. A PIN set application can interact with the HSM to encrypt PIN characters received by the PIN set application from the account holder. The HSM provides a secure platform to encrypt and decrypt the secure PIN.

Abstract: Processing financial transactions. without providing information associated with a financial account of a purchaser to the payee of the transaction. A financial institution (card issuer) holding the account can provide a financial account, such as a credit or debit card account to the purchaser (card holder). The card holder can set up a payment option corresponding to this account at a mobile gateway computing system. Instead of presenting the card to a merchant, the card holder can access a payment application executing on a mobile device to select the payment option and extract transaction information from a merchant point of sale. This transaction information can be transmitted to the mobile gateway computing system along with payment option information. The mobile gateway computing system can add account information for the payment option and send the information to the card issuer for approval.

Abstract: Providing a consumer directed payment card (“CDPC”). Parameters for the CDPC are established in advance of the processing of a transaction to define how transactions are to be processed. The parameters are based on attributes of the transaction, such as transaction value, fund availability, credit availability, merchant type, merchant location, and date. The transaction processes include debit, credit, stored value, installment loan, and other deferred-payment transaction types. Parameters are stored and accessed during a transaction. The appropriate transaction process is determined based on the parameters, and the transaction is processed. A processing platform can be logically connected to a network, banking entity, credit line entity, and a network. The processing platform includes a decision engine, which is logically connected to a decision engine database.

Abstract: Controlling the authorization of financial transactions, such as credit card transactions. Financial institutions and businesses can establish accounts for employees that have an authorization process that augments the normal authorization process, where this augmented authorization process can result in approving transactions that otherwise exceed the transaction limitations established for the account. A single event authorization control (SEAC) process can be completed in response to determining that a financial services transaction undergoing a conventional authorization process qualifies for the SEAC process. To complete the process, a SEAC data record containing parameter values that most closely match the parameter values associated with the authorization request is selected and the applicable SEAC action contained in the data record, e.g., decline override, funds encumbrance, or budgetary exception, is performed. Then, a decision regarding authorization of the transaction is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for managing a technology infrastructure having two or more technology elements by collecting data from the technology elements using one or more interface rules and a metadata dictionary stored in a data repository, analyzing the collected data and initiating one or more automated processes based on the analyzed data, one or more thresholds and one or more management rules stored in the data repository. Note that this invention can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are preformed by one or more code segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for outsourcing management of one or more technology infrastructures having two or more technology elements by collecting data from the technology elements using one or more interface rules and a metadata dictionary stored in a data repository wherein each technology infrastructure belongs to a separate entity and is remotely located with respect to a management entity, analyzing the collected data and initiating one or more automated processes based on the analyzed data, one or more thresholds and one or more management rules stored in the data repository. Note that this invention can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are preformed by one or more code segments.

Abstract: A satellite distributed high-speed Internet “Hotspot” enables wireless and hardwired, satellite distributed Internet access for anyone with a PC or other web-ready device (wireless ready or cabled) and a valid credit card or prepaid coupon. The Hotspots can be located anywhere there is 120 volt electricity available or access to the sun for a solar panel and enough space to house the transceiver and mount a satellite dish. Upon connecting to the Hotspot, the user is directed to a remote server for log-on and validation of the user's account. During validation, the remote server verifies that prepaid access time remains in the user's account. Upon validation, the user may browse the web until the prepaid access time runs out. Alternatively, an account may be set up on a “continue until canceled” basis, wherein the user's credit card will be charged for the amount of time used during each session.

Abstract: Temporarily increasing a credit limit of the credit account to accommodate a purchase by a buyer for goods and/or services from a merchant. An account management module can receive a request to increase the credit limit via an interface. The request can include information regarding the purchase and information regarding the credit limit increase, including an amount by which to increase the credit limit. The request also can include rules for decreasing the credit limit at the end of the credit limit increase term. The account management module can process the credit limit increase and decrease, in accordance with the request. The account management module also can transmit an email to the merchant with credit account information needed to process the purchase. For example, the email can include a link to a web site at which the merchant can obtain the credit account information upon successful completion of an authentication procedure.

Abstract: An architecture for a computing environment wherein transactions preferably model the enterprise and its business processes directly, allowing third-party systems, like ERP, supply chain and Web portals, to be more loosely coupled. Because the system will often be distributed throughout the enterprise, reliance on central critical servers is reduced. The system of the present invention can also fill-in gaps in the functionality of legacy systems, as well as invoke complex applications and direct automated systems. The system offers an architecture where users can model their particular enterprises in business terms so that disparate applications can be linked without custom programming.

Abstract: Providing data as part of a testing regime for computer software. Random data values can be automatically generated to support the testing of any type of computer software that operates on data as part of its function. This random generation of data values can provide a breadth of data needed to fully stress the software program being tested. Data of any type can be provided to a testing regime and individual data elements may be related such that the provided data reflects realistic situations. Data can be extracted from data tables and/or generated through operating a function designed to generate a specific value type.

Abstract: Implementing a business process management system across an entire enterprise. An exemplary computer-based system for implementing business processes can access data existing on one or more of the computer platforms of an enterprise to implement workflows by a workflow engine. A business process can be broken into business rules that define the process. These business rules can then be categorized into work element categories and translated into workflow elements. Data for supporting the workflow can be identified, including sources of that data within the enterprise. Delegates can be designed to implement each individual workflow element. For example, a delegate can be designed to support the retrieval of data from a computer platform other than the platform hosting a workflow engine. These delegates, which typically comprise XML documents, can be assembled and operated as workflow elements to form the workflow processed by the workflow engine.

Abstract: Controlling the authorization of financial transactions, such as credit card transactions. Financial institutions and businesses can establish accounts for employees that have an authorization process that augments the normal authorization process, where this augmented authorization process can result in approving transactions that otherwise exceed the transaction limitations established for the account. A single event authorization control (SEAC) process can be completed in response to determining that a financial services transaction undergoing a conventional authorization process qualifies for the SEAC process. To complete the process, a SEAC data record containing parameter values that most closely match the parameter values associated with the authorization request is selected and the applicable SEAC action contained in the data record, e.g., decline override, funds encumbrance, or budgetary exception, is performed. Then, a decision regarding authorization of the transaction is generated.