Abstract: A method and system for encoding digital information is disclosed. According to the method, media program information is captured and used to produce a media program file. An encoding request is received from a client which requests that the media program information be encoded in one or more encoding formats. A set of encoding engines are selected that can encode the media program information in each of the one or more encoding formats. The media program file is then sent to the selected set of encoding engines to encode the media program information in the one or more encoding formats.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for on-line purchasing via the global Internet. At a node connected to the Internet, customer data usable to automatically complete an on-line purchase by the customer of an item from a seller is received and stored. From a server, via the Internet, information is published to a computer of the customer, from the seller, with respect to an item, including metadata for use in associating said customer data with a customer action to purchase said item. A purchase indication is received from the customer computer, including at least a portion of said metadata for use in associating a customer purchase action with the item and metadata for use in associating said customer data with said transaction. In response to receiving said metadata for use in associating a customer purchase action with the item, the purchase is automatically completed by processing said metadata associating said customer data.