Abstract: Systems and methods for providing display data indicative of trend data include providing, at a server, a set of queries for product content, wherein the product content comprises attributes of a product; receiving, at the server, a request to sort results from the set of queries based on the attribute and on a time period; generating a value based on the sorted query results and the time period; aggregating each value for each time period with values from other results from other queries within the time period; storing the aggregated value in a database; retrieving the stored value to determine trend data relating to the product content; and providing display data indicative of the trend data.

Abstract: A healthcare solution system includes electronic appointment scheduling, medical inquiry session customization, patient response message customization, and broadcast messaging. The appointment scheduling allows patients to use a single front end user interface to communicate with plural medical providers who have disparate backend appointment systems, or no appointment system. The medical inquiry session customization allows medical providers to individually tailor queries and response options related to electronically solicited medical inquiries, such as an electronically requested patient history. The patient response message customization allows the provider to individually tailor responses to patient e-mail inquiries generated within the healthcare solution system. Broadcast messaging allows medical providers to target medical-related information to specific patients who may benefit from the message without compromising the confidentiality of the patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communication network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller. A hardware capable Internet Service Provider (ISP) functions as the communications network service provider. A virtual ISP operates the client controller, leases Internet access time from the hardware capable ISP, and resells Internet services to users. A client accesses the network through a two stage authentication process. First, the hardware capable ISP authenticates the client using a user-provided ID and password. After successfully logging on to the hardware capable ISP, the client automatically sends a start session message containing user identity information to the client controller. In response, the client controller sends a control message to the client authorizing use of the network for a predetermined time period. When the client stops accessing the network, the client informs the client controller using an end session message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communications network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller, such as an Internet service provider. When the client starts the session, a start session message containing user identity information is sent from the client to the client controller using the network in accordance with a client control protocol. The client controller can then determine whether the client is authorized to use the network based on the user identity information and, for example, a user database. If the client is authorized, a session authorization message is sent to the client authorizing the client to use the network for a predetermined period of time. When the client stops accessing the network, the client informs the client controller by sending an end session message. If the client wants to access the network beyond the predetermined period of time, the client sends a continue session message to the client controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine user identity and limit access to a communications network. A first message containing user identity information is received from a client computer in accordance with a first protocol. A first network address is determined from the first message. A second message containing an information request is also received from the client in accordance with a second protocol, and a second network address is determined from the second message. The requesting user identity is then determined based on the first network address, the user identity information and the second network address. Based on the requesting user identity, it can be decided whether to grant the information request. If access is granted, the requested information is retrieved using the communications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communication network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller. In one embodiment, a hardware capable Internet Service Provider (ISP) functions as the communications network service provider. A virtual ISP operates the client controller, leases Internet access time from the hardware capable ISP, and resells Internet services to users. A client accesses the network through a two stage authentication process. First, the hardware capable ISP authenticates the client using a user-provided ID and password. After successfully logging on to the hardware capable ISP, the client automatically sends a start session message containing user identity information to the client controller. In response, the client controller sends a control message to the client authorizing use of the network for a predetermined time period.