Abstract: Configuring an embedded device of a first type by means of a host device. The embedded device comprises a computing unit to provide configurable functionality according to input configuration items. The host device comprises an operating system to provide a means for communication with a number of predetermined types of embedded devices. The method includes coupling, via a coupling unit, the embedded device with the host device, including identifying the embedded device to the host device as a second type of device different from the first type or that operates in a different manner from the first type and is comprised of the predetermined types of embedded devices. The method includes presenting or offering a means for entering, retrieving, and supplying configuration items to the embedded device and receiving the configuration items by the computing unit, and performing configuration of the embedded device according to the received configuration items.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for making reservations, in which the system includes a central on-line reservation provider through which reservations for one or more individual service providers may be made, one or more individual service providers through which reservations for the respective individual service providers may be made directly, and means for communicating between the central reservation provider and the respective individual service providers, wherein a first portion of the available reservations from each individual service provider are held by the central reservation provider and a second portion of the available reservations from each individual service provider are held by each respective individual service provider and, if a reservation requested from either the central reservation provider or an individual service provider is not available from that provider, available reservations are transferred from the other of the central reservation provider or the individual service provider to the