Abstract: The inventory tracking and purchasing method is deployed VOD interactive TV (STB-TV). Goods advertised with the shop on-demand (OD) process and the shop OD server, via the cable head end (HE) transmits an inventory sales indicator as metadata or configured VA to the STB-TV. The shop OD process displays the inventory scarcity indicia to the user. The shop OD server tracks goods available for sale based upon vendor supplied data or fictitious merchandising efforts. The sales indicator may be a time countdown to sell the goods. The time countdown is clock-based (STB) or metadata or VOD asset-based. Discount coupons may be sent as metadata or VA. The discount, time count and inventory scarcity indicator may be independent.

Abstract: A method and system that employ a central server with an associated database and a Master Agent for establishing a TCP/IP connection between a client and an application server associated with a Remote Agent. The application server hosts one or more business software applications for the client, and the client accesses the one or more business software applications at the application server using the established TCP/IP session. Files created by the client using the one or more business software applications at the application server are maintained and backed-up periodically at the application server by a service provider on behalf of the client.

Abstract: A multi-channel process enrolls user-viewers via VOD inputs and supplemental communications channels (cell phone, VoIP, land-line telephone, Internet or fax). Goods are advertised for the shop on-demand (OD) process via user's interactive TV (STB enabled TV set). A buy-now command is sent with the STB-ID code to the cable head end (HE) and shop OD client application operative thereat and to the shop OD computer server. If the set ID code matches the approved list at the HE, a purchase-confirmation is sent to the user via the STB-TV from the cable HE. One methodology sends a local confirm via metadata or specially configured VA asset. Supplemental communications channels handle supplemental confirms to the user. If not enrolled, supplemental communications network gathers user-viewer profile data. The profile lists user-selectable supple-comm message format (email, voice, text, fax). Non-enrollees may be given discounts to enroll. PINs are also used to control purchasing processes.

Abstract: The VOD purchasing method enables a user-viewer to purchase goods via a shop OD (on-demand) process on an interactive TV (STB enabled TV). The user selects shop OD goods and the STB-TV creates a transaction ID code with the STB-ID code or the cable head end (HE) or shop OD client application at the HE creates the trans-ID. The trans-ID is displayed on the user's TV. If created at the HE, the trans-ID is sent as metadata or configured VA to the STB-TV. Supplemental communications channels may deliver carry trans-ID to the user (cell phone, VoIP, land-line telephone, Internet or fax). User profile data is gathered via supple-comm channel lists purchasing limits (time, day, monetary, and PIN). The shop OD computer server limits purchases thereby. Financial fraud and abuse parameters are set at the OD server as are parental control parameters.

Abstract: The shop on-demand (OD) purchasing method includes an on-line shopping list compiled via a supplemental communications channel (cell phone, land line, Internet, etc.) or compiled via the shop OD VOD process. The list is displayed on the interactive TV (STB-enabled TV) via VOD menu or asset metadata or VOD-VA assets from the cable head end (HE) or shop OD client application operative at the cable HE. To motivate the user-buyer, complementary advertisements for related purchased-ordered goods are (a) compiled at the shop OD server and (b) displayed to the user via metadata or VOD-VA assets. External marketing incentives are sent via supplemental channels (discounts, time-limited offers, limited inventory offers and special sales). A transaction ID is sent to the cable HE with a promoted goods tag. At the shop OD server, a report for promoted goods is created for vendors.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and sending electronic mail messages having multi-media files. The method and system include creating the multi-media file in an email application used to create an email message without having to exit the email application. The multi-media file is added to the email message and sent to a recipient. The multi-media file is removed by a server prior to deliverance of the email message to the recipient. The removed file is replaced with a link to the removed file so that the recipient can click on the link and view the multi-media file.

Abstract: A cable television network provides public, educational and governmental (PEG) programming pursuant to an agreement with the local franchising authority for a local area. A PEG channel is provided in the local area channel lineup. Backdrop programming is provided on the PEG channel. The backdrop programming is general local interest programming provided by the cable television network. When locally produced PEG programming is available and intended for local broadcast, the backdrop programming is preempted and the locally produced PEG programming is provided. In this way, locally produced PEG programming is provided against the backdrop of general local interest programming provided by the cable television network. The method for providing PEG channel programming also comprehends video on demand (VOD) and high speed data (HSD) aspects.