Abstract: A method and implementing system is provided in which a client is able to initiate an ongoing electronic transaction between a communication device and a network site. A separate port is established for the subsequent direct transmission of transaction status messages from the network site back to the user device. The client is enabled to customize a signaling system at the user terminal to designate various signals to correspond to different kinds of the transaction status messages such that the client is signaled directly when a transaction status change occurs with respect to the electronic transaction initiated by the client. In an example, a client is enabled to log on to an auction web site server and enter a bid on an auctioned item. When the entered bid is no longer winning, an appropriate message is sent to the client through the separate port.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a client of a status of an electronic auction is provided. A notification preference is received, the notification preference identifies when to notify the client of a status of the electronic auction. The notification preference is matched to a current status of the electronic auction. Then the notification to the client is transmitted based on the matching of the notification preference to the current status of the electronic auction.