Abstract: Under the present disclosure, a chat interface and computer program product for comparing free time between instant message chat members in order to schedule an upcoming event are provided. One approach includes: storing individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat; initiating a free time comparison; and combining the individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat into a free time summary calendar, wherein the free time summary calendar indicates at least one of free time periods that are simultaneously available to all of the members of the chat and conflict time periods during which at least two chat members simultaneously have an event scheduled. The free time summary calendar may be viewed in day, week, and month view formats.

Abstract: Under the present disclosure, a chat interface and computer program product for comparing free time between instant message chat members in order to schedule an upcoming event are provided. One approach includes: storing individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat; initiating a free time comparison; and combining the individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat into a free time summary calendar, wherein the free time summary calendar indicates at least one of free time periods that are simultaneously available to all of the members of the chat and conflict time periods during which at least two chat members simultaneously have an event scheduled. The free time summary calendar may be viewed in day, week, and month view formats.

Abstract: A planar cutting tool has a body comprising a first end, a second end and substantially flat portion that extends between the first and second portions. The substantially flat portion has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface and a longitudinal axis extending between the body first and second ends. A first handle is coupled to the body proximate the front end and a second handle is coupled to the body proximate the body back end. A cutting assembly is operatively connected to the body and comprises: (i) a cutter having a cutting edge and a cutter holder for securing the cutter to the body in a position where the cutting edge is parallel to a plane that encompasses the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a method, system, chat interface, and program product for comparing free time between instant message chat members in order to schedule an upcoming event are provided. The method includes: storing individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat; initiating a free time comparison; and combining the individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat into a free time summary calendar, wherein the free time summary calendar indicates at least one of free time periods that are simultaneously available to all of the members of the chat and conflict time periods during which at least two chat members simultaneously have an event scheduled. The free time summary calendar may be viewed in day, week, and month view formats.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a synchronous sales stack for a customer dialog. A user can visit a Web site and load selections into a checkout basket to prepare to purchase desired products and/or services. The user can select a live chat feature, which invokes an instant message, audio or video dialog with a sales representative. The sales representative can initiate a synchronous sales stack with the user, by which the user and sales representative can share a common view of purchase selections and potential alternatives or add-ons to the selections, as they are made. The customer and sales representative can continue their dialog as possible selections are explored, and the resulting sales stack is updated in real-time. When the user is satisfied with their selections, the sales stack can be stored as the customer's finalized checkout basket and the transaction can be completed.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for automatic bid solicitation during a transaction process, in which a user's checkout basket is automatically transmitted to a set of vendors for potential bids based on the user's selected items. The user can select products or services for purchase from an original Web site or vendor. Upon receipt of those selections, a transaction server can identify vendors who wish to receive notification of a pending purchase of particular items. The set of selections can be transmitted to participating vendors to determine a bid on the same or related goods or services. A vendor may wish, for example, to bid to offer after-market support or supplies for a printer or other pending hardware purchase. The user can view the additional bid items in a bid dialog, make selections from those options, and incorporate options of their choosing in the finalized transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for automatic bid solicitation during a transaction process, in which a user's checkout basket is automatically transmitted to a set of vendors for potential bids based on the user's selected items. The user can select products or services for purchase from an original Web site or vendor. Upon receipt of those selections, a transaction server can identify vendors who wish to receive notification of a pending purchase of particular items. The set of selections can be transmitted to participating vendors to determine a bid on the same or related goods or services. A vendor may wish, for example, to bid to offer after-market support or supplies for a printer or other pending hardware purchase. The user can view the additional bid items in a bid dialog, make selections from those options, and incorporate options of their choosing in the finalized transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a synchronous sales stack for a customer dialog. A user can visit a Web site and load selections into a checkout basket to prepare to purchase desired products and/or services. The user can select a live chat feature, which invokes an instant message, audio or video dialog with a sales representative. The sales representative can initiate a synchronous sales stack with the user, by which the user and sales representative can share a common view of purchase selections and potential alternatives or add-ons to the selections, as they are made. The customer and sales representative can continue their dialog as possible selections are explored, and the resulting sales stack is updated in real-time. When the user is satisfied with their selections, the sales stack can be stored as the customer's finalized checkout basket and the transaction can be completed.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for synchronization queue management. A synchronization queue management system can include a connection manager programmed to establish a synchronization link between a host pervasive device and a synchronization partner platform. The system further can include a link quality analysis service programmed to indicate a link quality for an established synchronization link. Finally, the system can include a synchronization application coupled to the connection manager and the link quality analysis service. The synchronization application can be configured to synchronize data in a synchronization queue in the host pervasive device with the synchronization partner platform over the established synchronization link. The synchronization application further can be configured to manage the synchronization queue based upon a link quality indicated by the link quality analysis service. Preferably, the link quality can be a throughput measurement or a usage cost measurement.