Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for updating an auction monitor display with highlighting or emphasis in the form of graphic data change indicators. The method commences by capturing a first set of auction variables, the auction variables pertaining to an ecommerce auction involving a plurality of auction participants in the ecommerce auction. Then, for ongoing real-time display, the method introduces a delay of a variable duration of time, the variable duration of time based on the length of time before the end of the auction. At various points within each delay period, the method captures a second set of auction variables which are compared to the first set of auction variables to identify a candidate set of changed auction variables for emphasis. The determination of the manner of emphasis is based on the changed auction variable and characteristics of the type of change of the changed auction variable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for tracking recent activities of processes and presenting recommended next actions based thereon. According to one embodiment, a method of tracking and interacting with one or more processes can comprise detecting one or more activities, each activity related to at least one of a plurality of ongoing transactions of the one or more processes. The one or more activities can be recorded in records of an activity log. At a later point in time, relevant records of the activity log for a particular user can be identified. A determination of a recommended next action can be made for each identified relevant record based on the recorded activity and the related transaction. A list of the identified relevant records of the activity log and the determined recommended next actions can be generated and presented to the user.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and computer program product for performing integrated transactional and data warehouse business intelligence analysis using a correlated report constructed from data correlations between current transactional data and historical data from a data warehouse. The method commences by retrieving a transactional data record from an online transactional processing (OLTP) system, the transactional data record comprising at least one OLTP business intelligence value of a particular business intelligence attribute, then receiving from a storage system, results of a query to a data warehouse, the results comprising a historical business intelligence value of the same business intelligence attribute. Modules within the system (e.g., a business intelligence application) perform processing to combine the OLTP business intelligence value with the historical business intelligence value to form a correlated report and transmit the correlated report for displaying on a single surface.

Abstract: A method for implementing an offer/counteroffer negotiation. Characteristics of an offer for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise at least one term defining the offer. The offer is published to a plurality of bidders. Among the potential responses to the offer, at least one counteroffer is received from a bidder. The counteroffer comprises at least one alternative term. Provided the counteroffer is acceptable, the counteroffer is accepted. Provided the counteroffer is not acceptable, a second counteroffer is transmitted to the bidder, wherein the second counteroffer comprising at least one alternative term with respect to the counteroffer. The present invention allows a negotiator to negotiate terms with one or more bidders individually, outside the constraints of a traditional auction.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic form for publication comprising responsive to first user input allowing a user to create the electronic form using a form-creating user interface wherein the user defines the fields and their values for the electronic form that is modeled after format information as specified by an entity; responsive to second user input allowing a user to fill in the electronic form to create a populated form; automatically creating the electronic message compliant with the format information; and transmitting the electronic message to the entity for publication. The user interface allows the user to create the form in compliant with the format information, thereby automating the process for flexible creation and publication of forms without a need to modify the software program for each entity, hence eliminating the manual process and saving time and money as well as creating more competition in the market.

Abstract: A method for graphically presenting auction information. Characteristics of an auction for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise a target price for the item and a close time of the auction. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. At least one bid is received at a bid time, wherein the bid comprises a price for the item. A graphical presentation of status of the auction is generated, presenting auction information. The graphical presentation comprises a first axis and a second axis, wherein the bid is plotted as a point within the graphical presentation where the first axis corresponds to the bid time and the second axis corresponds to the price. New bids received are automatically plotted in real-time.

Abstract: A computer implemented approach to facilitate multi-phase bid evaluation. In one embodiment, a digital processing system receives information packets (corresponding to bids) from different suppliers containing information elements associated with one of a sequence of phases. On receiving an indication (from a buyer) that a specific phase of the bidding is to be evaluated starting at a time instance, the system allows the buyer access of elements associated with the specific phase only after the time instance, while allowing access to elements associated with a previous phase (occurring prior to the specific phase in the sequence of phases) even before the time instance. In a scenario where the suppliers who have successfully qualified in the previous phase are received, the system allows access of elements associated with the specific phase corresponding only to the qualified suppliers in response to the indication.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for dynamically counting down to an on-line auction end time. The method includes initiating a countdown clock with an end time that corresponds to the on-line auction end time, and accessing an auction server to obtain data used to refresh a current time of the countdown clock. The auction server is accessed at an incrementally faster refresh rate as the on-line auction end time is approached. The method further includes presenting, based on the refresh data obtained from accessing the auction server, an updated countdown clock.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for dynamically counting down to an on-line auction end time. The method includes initiating a countdown clock with an end time that corresponds to the on-line auction end time, and accessing an auction server to obtain data used to refresh a current time of the countdown clock. The auction server is accessed at an incrementally faster refresh rate as the on-line auction end time is approached. The method further includes presenting, based on the refresh data obtained from accessing the auction server, an updated countdown clock.

Abstract: A method for graphically presenting auction information. Characteristics of an auction for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise a target price for the item and a close time of the auction. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. At least one bid is received at a bid time, wherein the bid comprises a price for the item. A graphical presentation of status of the auction is generated, presenting auction information. The graphical presentation comprises a first axis and a second axis, wherein the bid is plotted as a point within the graphical presentation where the first axis corresponds to the bid time and the second axis corresponds to the price. New bids received are automatically plotted in real-time.

Abstract: A method for generating a negotiation. A request to generate a negotiation is received, wherein the request comprises a negotiation type. Common data and meta-data are accessed, wherein the meta-data is associated with the negotiation type and comprises at least one rule describing the negotiation type. A first user interface is rendered based on the common data and the meta-data, wherein the first user interface is rendered specific to the negotiation type and prompts for a user response defining a term of the negotiation. In response to the user response, the negotiation is generated based on the user response and the meta-data.

Abstract: A method for implementing an offer/counteroffer negotiation. Characteristics of an offer for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise at least one term defining the offer. The offer is published to a plurality of bidders. Among the potential responses to the offer, at least one counteroffer is received from a bidder. The counteroffer comprises at least one alternative term. Provided the counteroffer is acceptable, the counteroffer is accepted. Provided the counteroffer is not acceptable, a second counteroffer is transmitted to the bidder, wherein the second counteroffer comprising at least one alternative term with respect to the counteroffer. The present invention allows a negotiator to negotiate terms with one or more bidders individually, outside the constraints of a traditional auction.

Abstract: An auction method for implementing attribute-based bidding and bid comparison in an electronic exchange. A specification defining an auction for an item is received, wherein the specification comprises a plurality of attributes of the item. An attribute defines the functionality of an aspect of the item with respect to the current auction. At least one attribute comprises a value and a score associated with the value and a portion of the plurality of attributes comprise a relative weight. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. A bid is received from a bidder, wherein the bid comprises a value associated with at least one attribute. A composite score for the bid is calculated based on the bid and the specification. A plurality of bids are then ranked based on the composite score for each bid. An evaluation score is calculated for each bid based on the bid price and composite score. A plurality of bids are then ranked based on the evaluation score for each bid.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic form for publication comprising responsive to first user input allowing a user to create the electronic form using a form-creating user interface wherein the user defines the fields and their values for the electronic form that is modeled after format information as specified by an entity; responsive to second user input allowing a user to fill in the electronic form to create a populated form; automatically creating the electronic message compliant with the format information; and transmitting the electronic message to the entity for publication. The user interface allows the user to create the form in compliant with the format information, thereby automating the process for flexible creation and publication of forms without a need to modify the software program for each entity, hence eliminating the manual process and saving time and money as well as creating more competition in the market.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed in which locks for shared data are acquired by specifying a pathname for the shared data.