Abstract: Systems and methods described herein pertain to providing price protection programs related to the purchase of a commodity to a consumer. Embodiments of such a program may provide price protection related to the purchase of a commodity to the consumer so that when a consumer purchases the commodity, the price the consumer pays for the commodity may be determined under the provided program. Embodiments of these programs may be quite useful in incentivizing consumers in certain ways, including to seek or obtain employment from a particular employer.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a new way to generate estimated forward retail prices for a retail commodity within a geographic boundary that represents a target market. Using estimates for local retail prices, combined with knowledge of current and historical wholesale prices, embodiments disclosed herein enable the creation of a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels for a specific location, time period, and fuel grade. In some embodiment, the process of creating a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels comprises performing a predictive modeling utilizing wholesale gasoline prices, rack markup, retail markup, and taxes on a location, time period, and fuel grade basis. In some cases, the estimated forward retail prices thus generated can be used in a pricing model for price protection services for that retail commodity in that target market.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a new way to generate estimated forward retail prices for a retail commodity within a geographic boundary that represents a target market. Using estimates for local retail prices, combined with knowledge of current and historical wholesale prices, embodiments disclosed herein enable the creation of a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels for a specific location, time period, and fuel grade. In some embodiment, the process of creating a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels comprises performing a predictive modeling utilizing wholesale gasoline prices, rack markup, retail markup, and taxes on a location, time period, and fuel grade basis. In some cases, the estimated forward retail prices thus generated can be used in a pricing model for price protection services for that retail commodity in that target market.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a unique methodology as well as the overall architecture necessary to implement the methodology that can enable an entity to create and provide a consumer price protection product under the Forward Contract Exception of the Commodity Exchange Act. Even consumers who do not meet commodity-related regulation requirements such as the Eligible Contract Participant regulatory requirements may purchase such a consumer price protection product or a variation thereof to reduce or cancel out the risk or at least reduce the unpredictability in purchasing commodities such as motor fuels.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for determining a retail price for a commodity within a geographic boundary. Retail prices for the commodity may be obtained from various sources, such as observers, third-party reporting, transactional data, and self-reporting. The retail price for each source may be analyzed to determine a risk factor. The retail prices from all sources associated with a location may be compared to determine a composite retail price for the location. The retail prices for all the locations within the geographic boundary may be analyzed to generate an aggregate composite price for the commodity within the geographic boundary. The analysis may include using a weighted formula. The analysis may include a volume proxy.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a new way to generate estimated forward retail prices for a retail commodity within a geographic boundary that represents a target market; Using estimates for local retail prices, combined with knowledge of current and historical wholesale prices, embodiments disclosed herein enable the creation of a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels for a specific location, time period, and fuel grade. In some embodiment, the process of creating a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels comprises performing a predictive modeling utilizing wholesale gasoline prices, rack markup, retail markup, and taxes on a location, time period, and fuel grade basis. In some cases, the estimated forward retail prices thus generated can be used in a pricing model for price protection services for that retail commodity in that target market.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide viable revenue models for a service provider that offers price protection on a retail commodity to businesses as well as individual consumers in a retail commodity network. Specifically, embodiments disclosed offer a plurality of revenue flows in which the cost incurred by a service provider to offer hedge positions associated with a retail commodity can be offset in a variety of ways to cover the operating expenses and generate realistic profits. In some embodiments, a revenue model for a service provider in a retail commodity network may be built depending upon whether hedging cost information is generated internally or obtained externally. Such cost may be passed on to a customer entirely, none at all, or somewhere in between. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a plurality of revenue sources and ways to generate revenues therefrom.

Abstract: A method includes pooling bandwidth between first and second pooling points in a communication system. The pooled bandwidth is commoditized by making available tradeable bandwidth segments having negotiable sizes and characteristics. A transaction between a buyer and a seller for at least one bandwidth segment is initiated, wherein the seller delivers to the buyer bandwidth between the first and second pooling points pursuant to agreed upon terms. The delivered bandwidth is monitored to ensure that the bandwidth is delivered according to the agreed upon terms. A system includes a first pooling point, a second pooling point, a service provisioning system, a cross connection switch, and a quality of service manager. The second pooling point is coupled to the first pooling point and bandwidth is pooled between the first and second pooling points. The pooled bandwidth is commoditized by making available tradeable bandwidth segments having a negotiable size and a determinable quality of service.