Abstract: A surrogate system for the transparent control of electronic commerce transactions is provided through which an individual without a credit card is enabled to shop at online merchant sites. Upon opening an account within the surrogate system, the account can be funded using numerous fund sources, for example credit cards, checking accounts, money orders, gift certificates, incentive codes, online currency, coupons, and stored value cards. A user with a funded account can shop at numerous merchant web sites through the surrogate system. When merchandise is selected for purchase, a purchase transaction is executed in which a credit card belonging to the surrogate system is temporarily or permanently assigned to the user. The credit card, once loaded with funds from the user's corresponding funded account, is used to complete the purchase transaction.

Abstract: One or more client devices are coupled to a system server through a network link, with the network adapted to support TCP/IP packet-based data transmission protocols. The system server provides initial set-up parameters and continuing operating instructions to each client device over the network link. Subsequently, client devices carry out normal monitoring functions locally, over their local communication link. Intervention by the system server is no longer required unless and until a client device determines that one of its supported pieces of infrastructure equipment is functioning outside of its normal operating parameters. The System server gives the appropriate control information to the client which communicates the control code to the out-of-parameter device in its native language protocol.