Abstract: A method for automating contract negotiation between a plurality of parties over a communications network. The parties communicate and agree upon a negotiation protocol before commencing the negotiation in a meta contract that is formed to govern or control the negotiation process. The automatic negotiation may include at least one sub negotiation. Machine-executable rules are specified to enable an automatic negotiation to take place between servers over a communications network. A successful negotiation may result in the formation of an electronic commerce contract. Each party may maintain the contract state of the overall negotiation, which may take place among two or more parties, wherein at least one party may be represented by a broker. Thus, complex negotiations may be handled automatically by the inventive method. The negotiation may be conducted semi-automatically to allow for human intervention in the negotiation process.

Abstract: A memory in a computer system includes a visible portion and a hidden portion. The visible portion of the memory is addressable by a processor and the operating system operating within the computer system. Addressability by either the processor or the operating system is excluded to the hidden portion of the memory. The hidden portion of the memory is used for storing data transmitted by either the processor or the operating system. A communications area, located in the visible portion of memory receives requests for data access from either the processor or the operating system. A hidden server which addresses both the visible portion of memory and the hidden portion of memory receives requests for data access from the communications area and initiates data access from the hidden memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupled computer systems provides a single network node image when connected to a computer network, so that the network is unaware of the "fine" structure of the computer systems in the machine room. The coupled complex is made available to the network.