Abstract: A padlock having a removable or interchangeable shackle is disclosed. The padlock comprises a lock body and a shackle, the shackle being movable in an axial direction between a locked position and an unlocked position, the short leg being withdrawn from the lock body in the unlocked position. The padlock also comprises a retaining shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of the lock body, wherein the long leg includes a longitudinal recess for providing a travel path for the movement of the shackle from a locked position defined by the retaining shaft engaging a first end of the longitudinal recess to an unlocked position defined by the retaining shaft engaging a second end of the longitudinal recess to prevent the shackle from being removed from the lock body when the shackle is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for operational support for remote network systems which allows for the rapid replacement of one server with another, in such instances as server malfunctions, routine maintenance, or upgrades. The method generally comprises providing a program storage device containing a machine identifier associated with a first, original server, transferring the program storage device and machine identifier to a second, spare server, and remotely configuring the second, spare server, according to the program storage device and machine identifier associated with the first, original server, such that the second, spare server becomes an identical replacement for the first, original server. Thus, if the first, original server malfunctions, the spare or replacement server can be remotely configured to replace the original server according to the information in the machine identifier stored on the program storage device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for remote and secure access to a host computer, and which further provides an open application standard for client access to the host computer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for communicating data from a base computer to a remote device via a central server system without the necessity of specialty software on the remote device. Remote devices such as laptop computers and cellular telephones communicate with the central server system, while the central server system likewise communicates with base computers. Communications between the central server system and the base computers are facilitated by an intermittent query from base computers to the central server system in a manner which allows communication even in a firewall-constrained environment. The system and method provides a means for facilitating both persistent connections and dialup communications between the base computers and the central server system.

Abstract: A transaction security and authentication apparatus and system for electronic commerce which provides authentication of internet purchases by communication with a cardholder's base computer, or by contacting the cardholder by remote access for purchase verification. The system preferably comprises at least one central server system associated with a remote access system and configured for communication with a payment institution, and at least one internet capable device, operatively coupled for communication with the central server system, with the central server system configured to determine authentication of a cardholder electronic transaction, according to data received from the internet capable device upon a request for verification of the cardholder electronic transaction from the payment institution.

Abstract: A secure agent system for communicating with a secure remote access system is disclosed. The agent system is suitable for execution on a base device which is configured to be coupled to the internet. The agent system initiates data communication with the remote access system by sending requests and receiving replies from the remote access system. The replies may include requests to retrieve, store, update, and/or delete data associated with the base device, which the agent system carries out. The agent system further provides reply data to such requests to the remote access system.