Abstract: Method/system is disclosed for recovering computing capacity and critical applications after a catastrophic failure. The method/system involves distributing the computing capacity over multiple computing clusters, each computing cluster having concurrent access to shared data and software applications of other computing clusters. Sufficient backup computing capacity is reserved on each computing cluster to recover some or all active computing capacity on the other computing clusters. Message traffic throughout the computing clusters is monitored for indications of a catastrophic failure. Upon confirmation of a catastrophic failure at one computing cluster, the workloads of that computing cluster are transferred to the backup computing capacity of the other computing clusters. Software applications that have been designated for recovery are then brought up on the backup computing capacity of the other computing clusters.

Abstract: A secure, computer based method and system for anonymously and confidentially matching indications of interest from potential buyers and sellers is disclosed which facilitates human intervention for negotiating a final transaction between matched parties. Potential buyers and sellers independently enter indications of interest into a central processing system which operates on a network containing a secure station and a plurality of remote user terminals linked to the secure station. The indications identify a security (such as a trading equity), price, type of order, duration, and other related information. A memory at the secure station stores user data and multiple prospective transaction entries received from the user terminals. Indications of interest are compared against those already in the system to determine whether buy side and sell side orders are sufficiently similar to generate a match.