Abstract: A computer-based method for use in geotargeting online ads to users of search engines by allowing comparison of user's search terms with a set of geo-keywords. The method includes providing a geographic keyword generator on a server that is linked to the Internet. The method includes providing a spatial database storing classes of geographic keywords. The method continues with receiving a keyword request including a business address from a client node. The keyword generator determines a service area based on this location, and a set of geographic keywords is retrieved from the spatial database that are associated (e.g., within) the determined service area. This set of keywords is transmitted or reported to the client node (e.g., displayed in a web browser or user interface) for use in geotargeting of their online advertisements. The keyword request includes a business type, and the service area is sized based on the business type.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in geotargeting online ads to users of search engines by allowing comparison of user's search terms with a set of geo-keywords. The method includes providing a geographic keyword generator on a server that is linked to the Internet. The method includes providing a spatial database storing classes of geographic keywords. The method continues with receiving a keyword request including a business address from a client node. The keyword generator determines a service area based on this location, and a set of geographic keywords is retrieved from the spatial database that are associated (e.g., within) the determined service area. This set of keywords is transmitted or reported to the client node (e.g., displayed in a web browser or user interface) for use in geotargeting of their online advertisements. The keyword request includes a business type, and the service area is sized based on the business type.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in geotargeting online ads to users of search engines by allowing comparison of user's search terms with a set of geo-keywords. The method includes providing a geographic keyword generator on a server that is linked to the Internet. The method includes providing a spatial database storing classes of geographic keywords. The method continues with receiving a keyword request including a business address from a client node. The keyword generator determines a service area based on this location, and a set of geographic keywords is retrieved from the spatial database that are associated (e.g., within) the determined service area. This set of keywords is transmitted or reported to the client node (e.g., displayed in a web browser or user interface) for use in geotargeting of their online advertisements. The keyword request includes a business type, and the service area is sized based on the business type.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in geotargeting online ads to users of search engines by allowing comparison of user's search terms with a set of geo-keywords. The method includes providing a geographic keyword generator on a server that is linked to the Internet. The method includes providing a spatial database storing classes of geographic keywords. The method continues with receiving a keyword request including a business address from a client node. The keyword generator determines a service area based on this location, and a set of geographic keywords is retrieved from the spatial database that are associated (e.g., within) the determined service area. This set of keywords is transmitted or reported to the client node (e.g., displayed in a web browser or user interface) for use in geotargeting of their online advertisements. The keyword request includes a business type, and the service area is sized based on the business type.

Abstract: In a database for a transaction service, a data entity describing a reservable service (reservable) is provided, the reservable comprising an indication of a service to be performed; a time line for the service, which describes time intervals in which the service may be performed over an extended time period and, an indication of the time duration required for performing the service. In the same database, a second data entity describing an engaged reservable service (service engagement) is provided, the second data entity borne of attributes of the first described entity. The service engagement comprises an indication of a service to be performed; a date, a time and a site for the service to be performed; an indication of a customer having engaged the reservable service thereby forming the service engagement, and an indicator that the second entity is an engagement to be consummated at a future time. In preferred embodiments, both entities of the database are implemented therein as XML expressions.

Abstract: A data structure enabling input, storage, and access of client and supplier profile data within a database-driven transaction system is provided. The data structure comprises, a portion thereof dedicated to accommodate client profile information, a portion thereof dedicated to accommodate supplier profile information, a portion thereof dedicated to the creation and application of profile descriptors based on known historical data and a portion thereof dedicated to managing the current states of the profile descriptors according to new data received within the transaction system. The profile descriptors summarize a variety of activity states attributed to specific clients and suppliers doing business through the transaction system and are utilized for the purpose of customizing products and services offered through the transaction system according to a determined status ranking resulting from a combination of descriptors.

Abstract: In a transaction system, an Extensible Markup Language (XML) algebra is provided for micro-managing time-based data entities describing reservable services, engaged reservables, and service requests. Each of the described entities serves as components manipulated through execution of the algebraic set of functions, which when executed, perform various automated services including determining states of being with regard to engaged services, available resources, and satisfaction of service requests. In a preferred embodiment, the entities are represented in the transaction database as XML expressions and the algebraic functions are XML-related functions. In some embodiments, other SGML-based languages may be used in place of XML. In all embodiments, the various computational results achieved by algebraic manipulation of certain types of the data entities are expressed as new data entities indicating desired states and conditions existent in the database as a whole.

Abstract: In a database-driven transaction system, a dynamic-pricing mechanism for setting prices for timebased services offered and available through an interactive interface of the transaction system is provided. The mechanism comprises a floating time window for identifying a span of time in which services are available to be engaged; an averaging function for determining an average price paid to a single or multiple suppliers for services offered; a scaling function for dividing the time window into definitive time units; and a price-adjustment function for adjusting prices paid by customers for services according to position of engagement of said services within the time window. In some embodiments the price-adjusting function is based on service inventory levels defined at the time of potential engagements within the time window. In still other embodiments, the price-adjusting function is programmed according to calendar and or time considerations.

Abstract: A Method for managing a yield of engagements created from available resources (reservables) within a database-driven transaction system is provided. The method enables yield management related to client utilization of available resources. The method, according to a preferred embodiment includes the steps of (a) compiling history records relative to engagement-disposition parameters associated with suppliers of resources contracting with the transaction system; (b) determining, through ongoing study of the history records, average utilization percentages of the actual resources by engaged clients at the locations of the resources and (c) adjusting the volume of actual supplier resources represented within the transaction system, which may be converted to engagements, the adjustment based on mathematical factors created from the average resource-utilization percentages experienced at the supplier locations.