Abstract: Among other things, we describe identifying, in first data available to a first user and not available to a second user, and in second data available to the second user not available to the first user, data pertaining to a common topic, and enabling the first user and the second user to communicate about the common topic based on the identification.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe techniques for receiving a list of artifacts that are stored in an archive and are responsive to a search query issued by an entity. A set of artifacts are identified that each have a permission attribute indicating that the respective artifact is accessible to the entity when the respective artifact is responsive, above a threshold responsiveness value, to the search query issued by the entity.

Abstract: Among other things, a method includes a data storage system associated with a provider entity and storing data on behalf of a client entity, the data being accessible from the data storage system by the client entity, a data interface enabling access by the provider entity to the data of the data storage system, and an analysis engine maintained by the provider entity to, at times determined by the analysis engine, access the data using the data interface, analyze the data, and generate results of the analysis for use by the client entity

Abstract: Among other things, from content of a communication composed by a user, a strategy is inferred for selecting target information related to the content. The strategy is used to select target information from a body of target information. And information about the selected target information is reported to the user.

Abstract: A payment system and method are disclosed for processing financial exchanges over a network between a merchant and a buyer. For example, receiving from a merchant, over the network, information associated with a financial transaction and non-financial data relating to a buyer involved in the financial transaction. Authorizing payment, associated with the financial transaction, to the merchant on behalf of the buyer using the non-financial data related to the buyer. A notification of the authorized payment on behalf of the buyer is sent to the merchant over the network. Upon notification from the merchant that the buyer has committed to completing the financial transaction, processing payment to the merchant on behalf of the buyer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for processing an electronic communication by delaying its filtering in order to improve the effectiveness of such filtering. In one embodiment, the invention includes sequestering the electronic communication for a period of time, determining whether the electronic communication should be rejected based on either or both of its source or its content, in the case that the electronic communication should be rejected based on either or both of its source or its content, rejecting the electronic communication, and in the case that the electronic communication should not be rejected based on either or both of its source or its content, delivering the electronic communication to at least one recipient.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for authenticating a first individual for communication with a second individual. In one embodiment, the invention includes receiving a first communication from the first individual via a first communication medium, rejecting the first communication, providing the first individual with information for communicating with the second individual via a second communication medium, receiving a second communication from the first individual via the second communication medium, and authenticating the first individual for communication with the second individual via at least one of the first and second communication medium.

Abstract: An intelligent caching router (ICR) balances the cost-saving and functionality-enhancing benefits of the application-service-provider (ASP) model of software delivery against the inherent risks of relying on networked computing. In so doing, the ICR makes the ASP model practical for services that require extremely high levels of reliability and availability. The ICR is inserted functionally between a (thin) client and the network (i.e., Internet, intranet or extranet) and performs certain operations, including the logging of “mission-critical” application state data; network connectivity monitoring; traditional backup routing features; mission-critical server emulation; and server resynchronization upon reconnection. When networking problems are detected, the ICR initially takes steps to try and restore connectivity. In taking such actions, the ICR is largely behaving as a traditional intelligent network router.

Abstract: A payment system for enabling a first Internet user to make a payment to a second Internet user, typically for the purchase of an information product deliverable over the Internet. The payment system provides cardholder accounts for the first and second Internet users. When the second user sends the information product to the first user over the Internet, the second user also makes a request over the Internet to a front end portion of the payment system requesting payment from the first user. The front end portion of the payment system queries the first user over the Internet whether to proceed with payment to the second user. If the first user replies affirmatively, a charge to the first user is processed off the Internet; however if the first user replies negatively, the first user is not charged for the information product. The payment system informs the second user regarding whether the first user's decision and pays the second user upon collection of the charge from the first user.

Abstract: A payment system for enabling a first Internet user to make a payment to a second Internet user, typically for the purchase of an information product deliverable over the Internet. The payment system provides cardholder accounts for the first and second Internet users. When the second user sends the information product to the first user over the Internet, the second user also makes a request over the Internet to a front end portion of the payment system requesting payment from the first user. The front end portion of the payment system queries the first user over the Internet whether to proceed with payment to the second user. If the first user replies affirmatively, a charge to the first user is processed off the Internet; however if the first user replies negatively, the first user is not charged for the information product. The payment system informs the second user regarding whether the first user's decision and pays the second user upon collection of the charge from the first user.

Abstract: A method and system for use on a quasi-public network, such as the Internet, to enable users of the network to conduct commercial transactions involving a payment of funds by one user to another user of the network. The method includes operating a computer system for sending and receiving messages from users over the network. Upon receiving a message over the network from a qualified user-seller, a message is sent over the network to the user-buyer that was identified in the message from the user-seller. The message to the user-buyer requests confirmation of a transaction identified in the message received from the user-seller. Upon receiving a confirmation over the network from the user-buyer, payment information is sent by secure channels off the network to an agent of the user-seller. The user-seller's agent may be a separate entity or the function of the user-seller's agent may be performed by the transaction enabling system.