Abstract: A decentralized method of negotiating for the exchange of products over a communications network can include generating a request specifying at least one product attribute within a requesting device and forwarding the request to other authorized devices having a presence on the communications network. Each of the devices can include a distributed search engine for locating descriptions of products stored in the devices which match the request. One or more descriptions of products matching the request can be received from selected ones of the authorized devices. The matching descriptions can be stored within the requesting device.

Abstract: A streaming multimedia communication network includes a broadcaster providing program content by air wave or direct line to a network service provider, e.g. an Internet Radio Service provider (IRSP) which operates a web site for distribution of the content to remote end users over the network. The IRSP reformats the broadcast content into industry-standard streaming format, such as Real Audio. End users are coupled to the IRSP through a local network service provider, e.g. an Internet Service provider (ISP). An alternate content source is connected by airwaves or direct line to the ISP. The end user accesses the IRSP web site to select and receive program content over the network from a remote broadcaster listed on the site. The ISP transparently switches the network content at predefined intervals and substitute alternative content for the selected content during the predetermined interval for delivery of the alternative content to the end user.