Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide distributed on-line communications for electronic commerce applications. The system includes at least one system node having multiple processes for communicating with outside devices, such as ATMs and financial institutions. A configuration database accessible by the processes stores the logical name of each process and outside device, and the corresponding physical address. A system library is coupled to the processes for supplying a plurality of routines for transmitting and receiving messages to and from one another process and to and from another node in the system.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide a fail-safe event driven transaction processing for electronic commerce applications. The system includes at least one system node having multiple entities and processes for communicating with outside devices, such as ATMs and financial institutions. Multiple links are provided between the system nodes to provide flexible routing in case of down nodes. A configuration database accessible by the processes provides a backup entity or process for each entity and process. A system monitor resides at each system node monitors the operational status of each node and communicates the status to other nodes.

Abstract: An assay for detecting an analyte which comprises applying a sample containing analyte to a surface of an absorbent material having at least one binder for the analyte supported on at least a portion of the surface. The absorbent material has a porosity which is capable of retaining non-charged particles having a size of at least 0.1 micron and no greater than 10 microns on the surface thereof. The sample flows past the binder and into the absorbent material. Porous plastics or ceramics are preferred absorbent materials.