Abstract: Technology is described for scheduling and rescheduling a purchased task. The method may include receiving a defined time range and parameters for when the purchased task is to be performed. An anchor may be set on a scheduling calendar according to the defined time range and parameters received. Another operation may be estimating a task duration to perform the purchased task. One or more service providers able to perform the purchased task may be identified according to the anchor and for the task duration. A service provider may be selected based on schedule efficiency as a function of the anchor of the purchased task with respect to the scheduled anchors of scheduled tasks for each service provider. The purchased task may then be assigned to a selected service provider at an efficient schedule time.

Abstract: Technology is described for task exchange. The method can include obtaining a task definition for a task having task details to be performed for a customer. A task value can be set for the task based on the task details. The task can be offered for exchange via an electronic exchange interface. A further operation can be exchanging the task between a first party and a second party based on the task value.

Abstract: Technology is described to control a security device providing access to a restricted resource. The method can include generating a plurality of security access codes at a security locking device using at least one pre-configured symmetric key. The access codes may each be valid from predefined start times for varying time intervals. In a further operation, a candidate access code can be generated at a control server, using the same pre-configured symmetric key. The candidate access code from the control server can be provided to the security locking device. The security locking device can unlock when the candidate access code corresponds to at least one of a valid security access codes on the security locking device.

Abstract: Technology is described for the procurement of task services. In one example, the tasks can be obtained in a single package, such as by the steps of displaying a plurality of tasks and high-level parameters related to the tasks; receiving input to configure the high-level parameters with respect to the tasks; incorporating meta-data parameters with the high-level parameters using the processor; determining a fixed price for performing one or more of the tasks using the processor; and receiving input from the customer for ordering one or more of the tasks. Other examples include inspection regimes for improving efficiencies.

Abstract: Technology is described for generating a market and a fixed price for a customer-selected service. The technology can include pooling service providers from a data store capable of performing the customer-selected service. Additionally, the technology can include acquiring information over a network from the customer and/or one or more additional sources. The information can provide values for a set of task details that can be defined to differentiate a quantity of work associated with the customer-selected service. By applying these values, potential differences in the quantity of work can be removed. Statistical information related to pricing can also be applied to the defined quantity of work to determine a fixed price for the customer-selected service, which can, thereafter, be treated as a virtual commodity.

Abstract: Technology is described for acquiring a task and distributing the task to a service provider. The technology may include obtaining a task purchase from a customer and assigning the task to a service provider using a statistical method that considers weightings placed upon a task and weightings placed upon a plurality of service providers. Alternatively, a service provider may purchase a task at a fixed price. A fixed price may be determined by calculating a task acquisition cost using an average customer conversion cost.