Abstract: An asset management apparatus includes a processor for conducting arithmetic operation processing and a storage device, and executes an asset management program to detect unfairness. The asset management program includes a common asset management part common to the asset management apparatus and other devices, and a device specific asset management part specific to the asset management apparatus. The asset management apparatus acquires the device specific asset management part and device specific part setting information. When executing the asset management program, the asset management apparatus refers to the device specific part setting information, links the device specific asset management part to the asset management program, and executes the linked asset management program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing user trust by authenticating an electronic commerce server over an electronic communications channel using information received through an out-of-band communication in a physical communications channel are described. In one configuration, a paper bill is sent to a user by physical mail delivery and it includes challenge and response data used to authenticate the electronic commerce server over the electronic communications channel.

Abstract: A method for accepting payments from a consumer for a travel ticket from a travel company comprises receiving at a point of sale device a transaction request that includes a transaction identifier that identifies a travel arrangement made with the travel company and a payment amount. The payment amount and the transaction identifier is transmitted to a host computer system for validation. Also, a validation from the host computer system is received indicating that the transaction requested has been validated. A payment is received from the consumer, and at least a portion of the payment is electronically transmitted to the travel company.

Abstract: A system (1) for conducting commercial transactions comprises an application server (2) that hosts a software application that can be accessed by users to conduct commercial transactions thereon, an application user database (7) of authorized users capable of accessing the application server (2), each authorized user in the application user database (7) being uniquely identifiable by means of corresponding login name and password, and a proxy server (10) communicable with the application server (2) and accessible by a plurality of registered users from respective mobile phones (9). The proxy server provides each one of the plurality of registered users with access to the application server (2) from that user's respective mobile phone (9). A proxy database (11) is associated with the proxy server (10), the proxy server (10) containing details of authorized user database (7) who are also registered to access the application (2) server through the proxy server from their respective mobile phones (9).

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a customer premise equipment (CPE) device to join a network through a network termination unit (NTU). The CPE device can send an encrypted connection request, and an authorization server can decrypt the connection request and provide a network membership key (NMK) associated with the CPE device to the NTU. The authorization server can encrypt the NMK associated with the CPE device using a device access key (DAK) associated with the NTU.