Abstract: An instruction is transmitted from an end user to a first customer. The instruction indicates that end user desires to receive correspondences in a first format. A message is transmitted from the first customer to a data-processing system. The data-processing system updates its memory such that first customer is now subscribed to a service for sending correspondences to the end user in the first format. Additionally, the data-processing system automatically and dynamically performs a determination to establish whether the end user is associated with other customers. Based on the determination, a message is transmitted to a second customer in an attempt to transition the second customer from one service to another service. In response, the data-processing system receives a message from the second customer and updates its memory such that second customer is now subscribed to the service for sending correspondences to the end user in the first format.

Abstract: A comprehensive electronic bill presentment and payment system and method is described. Bills can be received by the system, in any electronic format. Bills can also be received by the system through conventional paper-based channels. Paper bills are scanned and information is extracted from the scanned bill images using OCR techniques. Bill payments can be issued using either electronic or paper-based methods. A single electronic bill presentment and payment interface is provided which shields the user from evolving billing practices.

Abstract: A comprehensive electronic bill presentment and payment system and method is described. Bills can be received by the system, in any electronic format. Bills can also be received by the system through conventional paper-based channels. Paper bills are scanned and information is extracted from the scanned bill images using OCR techniques. Bill payments can be issued using either electronic or paper-based methods. A single electronic bill presentment and payment interface is provided which shields the user from evolving billing practices.

Abstract: A comprehensive electronic bill presentment and payment system and method is described. Bills can be received by the system, in any electronic format. Bills can also be received by the system through conventional paper-based channels. Paper bills are scanned and information is extracted from the scanned bill images using OCR techniques. Bill payments can be issued using either electronic or paper-based methods. A single electronic bill presentment and payment interface is provided which shields the user from evolving billing practices.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is implemented in a repository which stores metadata relating to data stored in one or more databases. The repository includes a repository database in which the metadata is stored, one or more scanners each of which scans at least one database and obtains metadata therefrom, and one or more loaders each of which loads metadata obtained by at least one scanner into the repository database in accordance with the externalized reuse criteria. According to the invention, metadata stored in the repository is reused, for example, not replaced by identical metadata when the repository is updated or populated, and the criteria governing reuse is externalized, i.e., accessible and modifiable by a repository user. The reuse criteria accessible to repository users is stored separate from repository program code at a non-programming level such that the customer (user) can change the reuse procedures without an experienced programmer.