Abstract: A method of responding to an information request involved in an asynchronous data transaction is described. An information request is produced in a client device and then wrapped in one or more layers to produce a request package. The request package is transmitted over a distributed network comprising a plurality of processing nodes. Layers are added to and/or removed from the package at one or more of the nodes. The package is processed at its final destination, and a response package is generated for transmission back to the client device via the distributed network.

Abstract: A computer, such as a WINDOWS® operating system-based PC, has associated with it a Subscriber Identity Module (or SIM), such as of the type used in a GSM cellular telephone system. The SIM can be authenticated by the telephone network, in the same way as for authenticating SIMs of telephone handset users in the network, and can in this way authenticate the user of the PC or the PC itself. Such authentication can, for example, permit use of the PC in relation to a particular application which is released to the PC after the authentication is satisfactorily completed. The application may be released to the PC by a third party after and in response to the satisfactory completion of the authentication process. A charge for the session can be debited to the user by the telecommunications network and then passed on to the third party.

Abstract: A computer, such as a WINDOWS® operating system-based PC, has associated with it a Subscriber Identity Module (or SIM), such as of the type used in a GSM cellular telephone system. The SIM can be authenticated by the telephone network, in the same way as for authenticating SIMs of telephone handset users in the network, and can in this way authenticate the user of the PC or the PC itself. Such authentication can, for example, permit use of the PC in relation to a particular application which is released to the PC after the authentication is satisfactorily completed. The application may be released to the PC by a third party after and in response to the satisfactory completion of the authentication process. A charge for the session can be debited to the user by the telecommunications network and then passed on to the third party.

Abstract: A method of responding to an information request involved in an asynchronous data transaction is described. An information request is produced in a client device and then wrapped in one or more layers to produce a request package. The request package is transmitted over a distributed network comprising a plurality of processing nodes. Layers are added to and/or removed from the package at one or more of the nodes. The package is processed at its final destination, and a response package is generated for transmission back to the client device via the distributed network.