Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided in a computer network to present marketing and other pertinent information to clients from a host. The client environment is interrogated locally using a profiling engine. A customer class generated by a profiling engine on the customer server controls a URL behind an inquiry tab presented in a client user interface. When the customer clicks on the tab they are taken to a portal designed by a host marketing team specifically designed for customers belonging to the customer class designated by the profiling engine. Using the method and apparatus of the present application, direct, cost effective marketing materials are delivered to customers without sending any customer information through the customer firewall back to the host.

Abstract: Methods and systems where remotely accessible machine-provided data is provided to a customer support (e.g., “help desk”) enterprise system wherein the data automatically satisfies a need for most information traditionally provided for analysis manually during a conversation. Advanced data enables help desk personnel to expeditiously interact with customers and gather specific data useful for isolating a problem and correcting it. Data can convey information regarding a machine's model type, location, serial number, usage history (e.g., counter data), fault codes, etc. Data can be provided directly by the machine over networks to customer support facilities.