Abstract: Computer-implemented methods are disclosed to enhance implementation of a project where materials and services need to be provided at multiple locations and/or at multiple times. Using computer systems and communication networks, similar tasks to be iteratively performed are concentrated or collected in a task group. Electronic request transmissions are sent to providers identified to provide the materials and services, electronic responses to the requests are elicited from the providers, and the responses are automatically reviewed to determine that providers will provide the materials as needed. Criteria may be specified and used to automatically rank suitability of the one or more providers that may be used, and one or more objectives may be specified to automatically generate a schedule including the providers to be used.

Abstract: In order to avoid undesired access to a data packet in a distributed computer system (10, 13), a class that indicates the degree of freedom of access is allocated to the data packet within the framework of an access control list (ACL). The data packet (10, 13) is additionally allocated to specific privileges that a data processing device (30) must satisfy in order to obtain access to the data packet (10, 13). These privileges can be deposited at the data processing device (31, 41) that has the data packet (10, 13) available to it. A request of a data packet (10, 13) can ensue in a protected fashion within the framework of a security procedure.