Abstract: To authenticate a user of a communications network, credentials from the user are centrally receiving. An authentication sequence is retrieved from a plurality of retrievable authentication sequences, and the retrieved authentication sequence is performed to authenticate the user based on the received credentials.

Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture for making a monetary gift. The system includes a communications port, a memory, and a processor. The processor functions to perform the method of the present invention. A request to make a monetary gift to a recipient on behalf of a donor is received. An input associated with an electronic greeting card is also received. The request and the input are processed to generate the electronic greeting card with a notification of the gift. The electronic greeting card is transmitted to the recipient, and the gift is credited to the recipient's bank account.

Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture for making a monetary gift. The system includes a communications port, a memory, and a processor. The processor functions to perform the method of the present invention. A request to make a monetary gift to a recipient on behalf of a donor is received. An input associated with an electronic greeting card is also received. The request and the input are processed to generate the electronic greeting card with a notification of the gift. The electronic greeting card is transmitted to the recipient, and the gift is credited to the recipient's bank account.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture for integrated event tracking of an electronic escrow transaction. An instruction is received from a purchaser, via a network, to effect an electronic escrow transaction. The electronic funds escrow transaction arises out of a sale between a purchaser and a seller for goods or services purchased via a network. To effect the electronic escrow transaction, network communications are directed with each of the seller, the purchaser, and a financial institution. Each of these communications associated with effecting the electronic escrow transaction is stored in a memory.

Abstract: A system and method for processing electronic payment requests. A request to make a payment for a network user is received over a network. The request includes information identifying the network user. All user identifiers associated with the network user are determined. Then, information about previous payments made for the network user is processed. This information about previous payments is based upon the determined identifiers. This processing determines if the request will be honored. A notification of the decision to honor or not to honor the request is then transmitted.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for making payments on a network by a payment service provider. The service provider receives information identifying both a network user and the network user's bank account, and a request to make a payment on behalf of the network user. This information is processed for verification. A unique user identifier is also generated. The information and the unique user identifier are stored together.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture for integrated event tracking of an electronic escrow transaction. An instruction is received from a purchaser, via a network, to effect an electronic escrow transaction. The electronic funds escrow transaction arises out of a sale between a purchaser and a seller for goods or services purchased via a network. To effect the electronic escrow transaction, network communications are directed with each of the seller, the purchaser, and a financial institution. Each of these communications associated with effecting the electronic escrow transaction is stored in a memory.