Abstract: A method useful with a computer network for providing a searchable data base of restaurants which can be accessed by prospective patrons, and once having obtained access the patron can then examine the listing and select the desired restaurant. Upon selection, the prospective patron exchanges with the restaurant data base an interactive information exchange in which the patron specifies the desired reservation date and time and the number of prospective guests. Upon receipt of this information a comparison is made between the seats desired and the number of seats estimated to be available at that time, and if the comparison matches then the requested reservation is confirmed. If there is no match, then an automated arithmetic process computes the next available time and submits that to the patron in the interactive process. In the course of the foregoing computation the process adopts a running average of occupancy intervals which is then used to estimate the next available time.

Abstract: A computer network assisted accounting system is implemented with particular facility for manual intervention which thereafter is imbedded in the operational data. This arrangement is particularly suited for film and commercial production where the personnel engagement demands are extremely varied and irregular with the inventive payroll accounting system allowing for manual modification in each stage of the process. The system is then accessible over commercial networks to manage the payroll at various remote locations.