Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for integrating alternative energy sources and energy storage components into a single device with systems for control and safety monitoring to provide for use of the generated power on the premises, resale of power to the utility, and for power supply from storage and/or the alternative energy sources in the event of an interruption of supply from a utility's power grid. The device integrates the necessary components into a cabinet for use as a home appliance. The power storage and supply device cabinet contains essentially all necessary electrical components including charge controllers, inverters, relay circuitry, circuit breakers, and energy storage modules, such as batteries. A local controller device is disposed inside the cabinet and is configured to monitor and control the processes conducted by the power storage and supply device.

Abstract: A collaborative system and method allows members of a group to collaborate on a project such as a bid or proposal. According to a first embodiment, a complex instrument trading engine (CITE) facilities negotiation between two or more parties. A set of tools and techniques are provided in order to facilitate negotiation and execution of complex instruments such as contracts between corporations and governments. According to a second embodiment, referred to as a dynamic collaborative environment, a user can define a group and a virtual private network environment including user-selected tools that facilitate communication, research, analysis, and electronic transactions within the group. The environment can be destroyed easily when it is no longer needed. Multiple environments can co-exist on the same physical network of computers.