Abstract: Tiered-access to data from which integrated ratings on companies is derived to users at machines connected to a distributed computer network. All users are presented with a name of a particular company in association with a computed integrated rating through a first interface component. Only a subset of the users is permited to interact with prescribed indicators from which the integrated rating is derived. A rating system accessible through connections to the network executes on a host machine and includes the first interface component. A processor computes each integrated rating as a single rating value by application of a formula to prescribed indicators contained in a database. A second interface component permits only selected users to interact with the prescribed indicators. Optionally, a third interface component enables further specific interactions in response to any permission established by the second interface component.

Abstract: A zoom in/out interface to a ratings system provides navigation to users for inspection and interaction with prescribed indicators underlying an integrated rating of a company's performance. The interface presents at various different depths in a hierarchy of the prescribed indicators the multivariate relationships that exist among the indicators, expressed as variable values, as well as the basis for the underlying values of each indicator down to the source of the data.

Abstract: Multivariate graphs specific to a company's performance, alone or in relation to a benchmark, and methods for producing same include defining on a display screen an origin having a first value, extending from the origin at least three axes on the display screen, the axes being generally equidistant from each other and representing a respective variable, plotting on the display screen a value of each variable concerning the company as a point on a respective axis, and using the plotted points to interpolate first segments between the axes on the display screen. Benchmark information, extrinsic to the company, can be obtained, processed into a rating in the same manner as the company data, and superimposed for ready visual comparison of the company's performance to the obtained benchmark. The benchmark information, if shown, is distinguished from the company's performance graph.