Abstract: A method and system for configuring an instance of a business information application program based on data exported from an instance of the application program is provided. Each instance of the application program has a database storing an organizations' business data. Template providers desiring to provide a template containing configuration and instance data to organizations using the application program may use the application program to set up configuration and instance data for a particular type of organization. Once the database is populated with configuration and instance data, the template provider can use an export function to export the configuration and instance data to a template file. The template file is then provided to an organization that wants to initialize its database based on the template. The organization uses an import function to import configuration and instance data from the template into the organization's database.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring an instance of a business information application program based on data exported from an instance of the application program is provided. Each instance of the application program has a database storing an organizations' business data. Template providers desiring to provide a template containing configuration and instance data to organizations using the application program may use the application program to set up configuration and instance data for a particular type of organization. Once the database is populated with configuration and instance data, the template provider can use an export function to export the configuration and instance data to a template file. The template file is then provided to an organization that wants to initialize its database based on the template. The organization uses an import function to import configuration and instance data from the template into the organization's database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending voice or data notifications to a user using personal computer and voice/data modem is provided. A notification server application is provided to run on a computing device. The notification server checks for the events that the user configured. The event information can be gathered from the Internet, an attached electronic device or any database the computer has a connection to. Once the event satisfies the criteria the user set, the notification server sends a message to the user by placing a phone call or by transmitting it trough a packet network. The notification server executes any commands the user can enter in response to the notification. The commands can be given as DTMF codes or voice if the notification is sent by a phone call. An apparatus for connecting to both public switch telephone networks and packet networks through broadband lines is also provided.