Abstract: A method and a system for facilitating online shopping and customers' interaction with retail associates, in a cloud-computing infrastructure is provided. A Routing and Fulfillment Server (RFS) is coupled to multiple customers' and retail associates' electronic communication devices over a cloud-based network. The customers and retail associates exchange request and response message data with the server, during the process of communication. A customer initiates a transaction request message, intending to buy a product, specifying the product's attributes and a preferred delivery option for the product. In an aspect, the RFS utilizes the transaction request message, a set of routing rules, and stored data, to select a specific retail store or distribution center to source the product from; and further selects an available retail associate located therein to serve the transaction.

Abstract: A method and a system for facilitating online shopping and customers' interaction with retail associates, in a cloud-computing infrastructure is provided. A Routing and Fulfillment Server (RFS) is coupled to multiple customers' and retail associates' electronic communication devices over a cloud-based network. The customers and retail associates exchange request and response message data with the server, during the process of communication. A customer initiates a transaction request message, intending to buy a product, specifying the product's attributes and a preferred delivery option for the product. In an aspect, the RFS utilizes the transaction request message, a set of routing rules, and stored data, to select a specific retail store or distribution center to source the product from; and further selects an available retail associate located therein to serve the transaction.