Abstract: A system for processing credit card related transactions is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system adopts a three-layered architecture having an access layer, a system service layer and a base platform layer. The system further includes a number of core processing applications and their associated data. The core processing applications and their associated data are accessible through the access layer. The base platform layer includes a number of different technology platforms and their associated hardware. The system services layer provides a number of system services which are used to support the system and is used to insulate the access layer from the base platform layer. The access layer is used to provide access to the core processing applications and their associated data. The access layer offers a number of services to allow the core processing applications and their associated data to be accessed in a transparent manner.

Abstract: A method for passing data parameters between a calling program and a called subroutine in a command analysis table of a computer stored data base system is disclosed. The method uses special operating codes written in the native language of the command analysis table, that allow the calling program to put pertinent information about the calling parameters into a temporary storage area. The called program or subroutine, uses a second op-code to collect the stored parameters in the temporary storage area. The pulled parameters are then used to initialize local variables and to load parameter values used by the called subroutine, into associated local registers. Information previously stored in the local registers is saved, and returned to the local registers when the subroutine finishes. Pertinent information for returning back to the calling program is also saved.