Abstract: A method of controlling access to a data server, in which a web server receives a request from a client for a web page, the web page being configured to receive data from the data server for display by the client. In response to the request, a program associated with the web server generates a password signed with a private key to provide the client with access to the data server. The corresponding public key has previously been sent to the data server. The password is returned to the client and program code in the web page directs the client to connect to the data server. The data server receives the password and attempts to validate it using the public key received from the web server. Data is sent to the client in the event that the password is successfully validated.

Abstract: A user requiring financial information from a number of different sources connects to a single directory server, or quote portal, which lists the information services available. The user selects the required services and receives a signed applet from the quote portal, which he explicitly accepts to allow the applet to set up connections with each of the servers which provide the requested services. The data from the selected servers is simultaneously displayed within a single browser screen.

Abstract: Undefined tags and tag attributes are embedded in a web page written in HTML. The web page includes a script which interprets the undefined attributes to perform a predefined action. The undefined tag attributes can refer to elements of a data source such as a stock and the current value of the stock. The interpreted attributes are used to retrieve the stock and value of interest from a real-time data source, and to write the values into the web page, so that they are displayed in the form of a real-time data stream.