Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and storage medium for determining that a client device is enabled for persistent identification, and that may operate as a filter for user information based on whether the client is enabled for persistent identification. A first communication is received regarding a request by the client for a web page. At least one application level data structure is then provided for storage by the client, that persistently identifies at least one characteristic of the client. A second communication is then received that includes a representation of the application level data structures provided, and a comparison is made between the data structures provided and the representation received to determine whether the client is enabled for persistent identification. If persistent identification is enabled, the client may then be provided with advertisements or other content related to the client interests or characteristics.

Abstract: An electronic auction system known as the Yahoo! Auction System provides functionality that permits users to conduct auction transactions with various payment units, such as incentive points and credit points, as well as money. Points can be earned in a variety of ways and redeemed via online auctions. The Yahoo! Auction System includes a web server, a messaging server, a database server, and various databases including an account database for storing information about account balance, expiration date for each point or group of points, and redemption information. The Yahoo! Auction System provides different auction formats, such as Standard Auction, Dutch Auction, Progressive Auction, Buy-or-Bid Auction, and Declining Bid Auction. The Yahoo! Auction System reserves the bid amount associated any new valid bid in the bidder's account and unreserves those bid amounts that were previously reserved but are no longer the winning bid or otherwise displaced from the top bid positions.