Abstract: A system is provided that permits events to be propagated between systems in near real time for the purpose of ensuring consistency in a transaction-based environment. In one implementation, transactions are streamed between systems using a lightweight protocol shortly after they are processed, rather than being communicated in a one-way batch mode as is typically done in conventional retail store systems.

Abstract: A system is provided that permits events to be propagated between systems in near real time for the purpose of ensuring consistency in a transaction-based environment. In one implementation, transactions are streamed between systems using a lightweight protocol shortly after they are processed, rather than being communicated in a one-way batch mode as is typically done in conventional retail store systems.

Abstract: A system is provided that permits events to be propagated between systems in near real time for the purpose of ensuring consistency in a transaction-based environment. In one implementation, transactions are streamed between systems using a lightweight protocol shortly after they are processed, rather than being communicated in a one-way batch mode as is typically done in conventional retail store systems.

Abstract: A system is provided that permits events to be propagated between systems in near real time for the purpose of ensuring consistency in a transaction-based environment. In one implementation, transactions are streamed between systems using a lightweight protocol shortly after they are processed, rather than being communicated in a one-way batch mode as is typically done in conventional retail store systems.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein that provide control over the delivery of products. In some embodiments, a product delivery control system comprises: a customer authorization system configured to receive, from a customer who ordered a product, an authorization to associate one of one or more delegates, designated by the customer, to receive products on behalf of the customer; a delegate tracking system configured to identify when a first delegate of the one or more delegates is within a geographic threshold distance of an originally specified receiving location where the product ordered by the customer is scheduled to be received; and a delivery authorization system configured to communicate an authorization to a first user interface unit associated with the first delegates that authorizes the first delegate to receive the product at the receiving location on behalf of the customer.

Abstract: A consolidated electronic payment system operated by a retailer exclusively for its customers is disclosed. Otherwise independent and limited authentication and payment resources are consolidated within the unified system, facilitating broader access at retail checkout to several payment instruments. System functions are executed jointly by a customer-facing checkout facility and backend network resources comprising an authentication agent and a payment processor. Individual customers registered within the system are assigned a primary customer account, which is recorded within the network's data storage facility. Associated with these accounts are all available payment instruments and certain existing authentication accounts. For retail transactions, personal identification information and payment instructions submitted by the customer are transmitted to the network from checkout, with pertinent authentication and payment signals generated and transmitted back in response thereto.