Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.

Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention implement provide information regarding savings associated travel alternatives. Such systems receive requests from users reflecting travel itineraries, respectively. Each itinerary is analyzed to determine a set of alternative itineraries comparable to the travel itinerary specified in the request based on selected rules associated with travel. Then a value or cost of the input travel itinerary is determined and a value for each of the alternative itineraries is also calculated. The systems then generate a report reflecting the input travel itinerary specified in the request, each of the alternative itineraries, the value for each travel itinerary, and a difference between the value for the travel itinerary specified in the request and each of the alternative itineraries.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.

Abstract: A network equipped with methods for detecting and notifying entities of changes in travel information (“events”) to users. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for notifying entities of events comprises the steps allowing an entity to register interest in an event, and providing a means to notify entities when an event occurs, thus allowing a response to the notification. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for notifying entities of events comprises a source system that tracks changes in travel schedules, a publish-and-subscribe technology that publishes events as they occur, and a receiving system that detects publication of events and that may also have the capability of notifying systems incapable of detecting publication that are interested in events.

Abstract: Real-time pricing allows users to purchase products that are available at advertised prices via an advertisement on electronic commerce. If the price or availability of a product changes, the advertisement is updated to reflect this change. This allows the user to quickly and efficiently make purchases, without risk that the product will no long be available as advertised when he or she tries to make the purchase.

Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention implement provide information regarding savings associated travel alternatives. Such systems receive requests from users reflecting travel itineraries, respectively. Each itinerary is analyzed to determine a set of alternative itineraries comparable to the travel itinerary specified in the request based on selected rules associated with travel. Then a value or cost of the input travel itinerary is determined and a value for each of the alternative itineraries is also calculated. The systems then generate a report reflecting the input travel itinerary specified in the request, each of the alternative itineraries, the value for each travel itinerary, and a difference between the value for the travel itinerary specified in the request and each of the alternative itineraries.

Abstract: A method for providing information on packages of items comprising: receiving a consumer request for a set of items of interest; identifying potential providers capable of providing items that may satisfy the identified items of interest; dynamically packaging multiple items, each from a different provider selected from a database of potential providers, into a package of items; and providing information reflecting the package of items that satisfies the consumer request. The consumer is then able to accept the information provided, book the package of items with the potential providers, and purchase the packaged items. The method also provides a means for compensating the potential providers and the selling agents involved in the transaction.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.

Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.

Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.