Abstract: A method of providing enterprise applications with shared access to a data warehouse. A web service request is issued over a data network from a first client enterprise application to a second server enterprise application. A database query is then constructed at the second server enterprise application. It is then determined whether a response to the web service request will include the results of posing the database query against the data warehouse, or the SQL syntax necessary to pose the query. If the response is to include the results of posing then the second server enterprise application poses the query against the data warehouse and issues the results to the first client enterprise application. If the response to the request is to include the SQL syntax necessary to pose the query, then the second server enterprise application provides the database query syntax to the first client enterprise application.

Abstract: A method of providing enterprise applications with shared access to a data warehouse. A web service request is issued over a data network from a first client enterprise application to a second server enterprise application. A database query is then constructed at the second server enterprise application. It is then determined whether a response to the web service request will include the results of posing the database query against the data warehouse, or the SQL syntax necessary to pose the query. If the response is to include the results of posing then the second server enterprise application poses the query against the data warehouse and issues the results to the first client enterprise application. If the response to the request is to include the SQL syntax necessary to pose the query, then the second server enterprise application provides the database query syntax to the first client enterprise application.

Abstract: A biometric system for obtaining a biometric enrolment measurement is described. The system comprises a biometric capture unit for capturing biometric data from a user and a control means for producing a biometric match template there from. The control means also analyses the template to determine if the enrolment measurement may be susceptible to allowing false acceptances when in use. This is achieved by using the match template to verify against a number test templates, which have been created from earlier acquired biometric measurements, of the same class, obtained from other sources. If one or more false accepts are detected the enrolment measurement may be rejected.

Abstract: A biometric system (10) for assisting a user in providing a biometric reading is described. The system (10) comprises: a biometric capture unit (12) for capturing biometric data from a user; and feedback means (30) for providing the user with an indication of the extent to which a measurement has been captured. The feedback means (30) may be implemented by a display, a loudspeaker (508), or both. The system may also include anonymizing means (66) for providing the feedback means (30) with an anonymized version of the data measured from the biometric capture unit (12).

Abstract: A data brokerage system (12) is described. The system comprises: a database (18) for storing a plurality of data accounts; a data update interface (24); and a data sales interface (26) for allowing a third party to query preselected data accounts. Each data account includes data associated with an individual and access rights selected by the individual. The data update interface (24) allows an individual to add data to their data account. The system (12) is able to charge a third party a fee for accessing data accounts meeting an acceptance criteria. A method of selling access to data in a database is also described. The method comprises the steps of: storing data associated with an individual (100); allowing the individual to determine access rights to the data (124); and selling access to the data to a third party (106).

Abstract: A biometric system for obtaining a biometric enrolment measurement is described. The system comprises a biometric capture unit for capturing biometric data from a user and a control means for producing a biometric match template there from. The control means also analyses the template to determine if the enrolment measurement may be susceptible to allowing false acceptances when in use. This is achieved by using the match template to verify against a number test templates, which have been created from earlier acquired biometric measurements, of the same class, obtained from other sources. If one or more false accepts are detected the enrolment measurement may be rejected.

Abstract: A biometric system (10) for assisting a user in providing a biometric reading is described. The system (10) comprises: a biometric capture unit (12) for capturing biometric data from a user; and feedback means (30) for providing the user with an indication of the extent to which a measurement has been captured. The feedback means (30) may be implemented by a display, a loudspeaker (508), or both. The system may also include anonymizing means (66) for providing the feedback means (30) with an anonymized version of the data measured from the biometric capture unit (12).

Abstract: A method of providing immediate assistance to a user of a targeted messaging system is described. The method involves: identifying a message appropriate for presenting to the user (step 220); presenting the message to the user (step 222); offering to summon a human agent knowledgeable about products associated with the message (step 222); and summoning an agent to speak with the user in response to the user accepting the offer (step 224). The method may use a campaign server to supply the appropriate message. A self-service terminal, such as an ATM, may be used to present the message.

Abstract: A mobile device (24), such as a mobile telephone, that includes a client application that has embedded or hard-coded code or instructions that are customized for a pre-determined user. Preferably, the client application is operable to present a customized user interface (26) to the user, in which the user's account nick-names are presented rather than the actual account numbers.