Abstract: An incentive provision system that contributes to expanded sales of a content service and includes a user terminal and a provision device. The provision device receives, from the user terminal, request information for requesting incentive information relating to the content service. If the request information is valid, then the provision device provides the incentive information to the user terminal. A user of the user terminal enjoys using the incentive information provided from the provision device, which, in turn, motivates the user to receive the content service.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and apparatuses for the placement of offerings in gaming systems. According to an embodiment of a method, a game on a gaming system is operated by at least one processor, where the game includes one or more generic elements. A branded element is dynamically substituted for a selected one of the generic elements of the game during operation of the gaming system, where the branded element serves to advertise a product or service of a third party. Systems for establishing and tracking and controlling placements are also described.

Abstract: A network based distribution system is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method includes controlling communications by users across a network with a predetermined capacity for desired communication flows for all the users and opportunistically aligning advertisement delivery to the users when an overload condition in the network occurs so that users perceive the disruption in communication service by the network as a minimum.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for realizing revenue streams for computer manufacturers apart from hardware sales. More particularly, the specification discloses a method where personal computers are configured such that each user has an individual login capability, and each user may experience a different desktop theme and related overall customization. The end-user may select a particular theme, and each theme is based on the goods and/or services of a sponsor of that theme. The computer manufacturer realizes revenue initially for enabling the end -user to select particular themes, but also realizes a revenue for end-users selecting themes. Further, the specification discloses a method where computer manufacturers realize revenue by generation of internet traffic to, and electronic-commerce on, a sponsor's internet sites.