Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for Real-time Instant Presence with Advertisement (RIPA) using an instant messaging topology with wireless technology to instantly setup and update of presence information of an instant messaging user. The invention provides location information of a business and other business information to a wireless instant messaging user/customer of the business, and obviates the need for the users/customer to manually enter presence information of the business. The invention further provides methods for promotion, advertising and network marketing of a business using presence information sent to instant messaging users and instantly propagated through instant messaging address lists.

Abstract: A technology provides a function capable of passively utilizing a multiplicity of contents on networks. An information processing system includes a storage unit storing information, and a control unit. The control unit searches locating information for locating where data exists, and judges whether or not the data located by the locating information comes under a predetermined category. When the data is judged to come under the predetermined category, the storage unit stores the locating information and collects pieces of locating information for locating where the data exist.

Abstract: To make it possible to restrain a load of a server by setting a request in a standby status when the server has a high load and to restrain a halt of the request.

Abstract: Information about models of computers of a plurality of users and the information about software pre-installed in those computers is registered in a correlated manner as model data. In formation about models of the computers, information about software other than those pre-installed, and information about peripheral equipment that is connected to those computers are registered as user data. Information that is useful to the user and data of software and peripheral equipment that is necessary to use that information are stored as useful data. Information that is useful to a particular user is extracted and provided to that user based on the model data, the user data, and the useful data.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing software information includes an acquiring unit that acquires software information concerning at least one of a software product used in the computer and a suitable software product for the computer; and a providing unit that provides the software information to a computer that is connected to the apparatus via a network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the use of a distributable software application uses two identification codes and a tracking assistant to monitor the operation and distribution of the software application. A first code is preferably a downloaded identification code created when the user accesses a web server. The first identification code and other registration data is stored in a database coupled to the web server. A second unique installation code is automatically created when the software application is installed in the user's computer. Subsequent installations of the application using the same first code results in a different installation code. The tracking assistant module automatically transmits both codes to a database via a network (Internet) according to a predetermined schedule. One embodiment of the tracking assistant also collects other data on the use of the application, such as frequency of use or features commonly used, and transmits it along with the two codes as tracking data.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for Real-time Instant Presence with Advertisement (RIPA) using an instant messaging topology with wireless technology to instantly setup and update of presence information of an instant messaging user. The invention provides location information of a business and other business information to a wireless instant messaging user/customer of the business, and obviates the need for the users/customer to manually enter presence information of the business. The invention further provides methods for promotion, advertising and network marketing of a business using presence information sent to instant messaging users and instantly propagated through instant messaging address lists.

Abstract: A technology provides a function capable of simply passively utilizing a multiplicity of contents on networks. An information processing system (1, 11) includes a storage unit (3, 4, 13, 14) for storing information, and a control unit (2, 12), wherein the control unit (2, 12) searches locating information for locating where data exists, and judges whether or not the data located by the locating information comes under a predetermined category, and the storage unit (3, 4, 13, 14), when the data is judged to come under the predetermined category, stores the locating information and collects pieces of locating information for locating where the data exist.

Abstract: A merchandise selling information providing apparatus provides information on goods for sale at a request from a customer. A goods selling apparatus thereafter receives the result of selection of a item of the goods which the customer wishes to purchase, and which has been selected from the goods information by the customer. If this selection results satisfies a predetermined condition, the goods selling apparatus informs the customer that the price of some of the another goods will be reduced at the time of user' next purchase or afterward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can produce contents including comments, and also to a recording medium. The present invention aims to provide an information processing apparatus and a recording medium that can easily produce and edit comments for the contents. According to the present invention, the corresponding data of each object contains a comment address. By selecting an object, the comment data corresponding to the comment address can be acquired, and the acquired comment data can be rewritten or edited.