Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided in which items are offered for auction sale at a network site to bidders who access the auction site. A seller is enabled to designate a reserve price as well as a number of automatic auction extensions to an initial auction period. If the designated reserve price for an item is not met during the initial auction period, and the seller has authorized a designated number of auction extensions, the auction is continued beyond the initial auction period and is automatically extended for the designated number of extensions until either a bid for the reserve price is received or the number of authorized extensions has transpired.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are disclosed for generating and displaying a local server clock which is synchronized with a server clock using a client clock. The data processing system includes a server computer system, which includes a server clock, and a client computer system, which includes a display and a client clock. Data is requested by the client from the server computer system to be displayed on the client computer system's display. The data is then received in the client computer system. The client computer system determines a current time indicated by the server clock. The client computer system generates a local server clock. Thereafter, the local server clock is updated utilizing the client clock. The local server clock and the data are then displayed together on the client's display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing assistance to a participant in an on-line auction is disclosed. The assistance is based upon selection of a bid advisor program. The bid advisor program offers a choice of three different types of pricing data derived from three different data bases—an historical data base, a current price offering data base, a market value data base. Once the participant selects the type of pricing hint desired, an algorithm searches the appropriate data base for the closest match on pricing and displays the suggested price. When the participant selects a price, the bid is placed and the bid assistant program either goes to another bid or is closed.

Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided in which items are offered for auction sale at a network site to bidders who access the auction site. A seller is enabled to designate a reserve price as well as a number of automatic auction extensions to an initial auction period. If the designated reserve price for an item is not met during the initial auction period, and the seller has authorized a designated number of auction extensions, the auction is continued beyond the initial auction period and is automatically extended for the designated number of extensions until either a bid for the reserve price is received or the number of authorized extensions has transpired.

Abstract: A method and implementing system is provided in which a client is able to initiate an ongoing electronic transaction between a communication device and a network site. A separate port is established for the subsequent direct transmission of transaction status messages from the network site back to the user device. The client is enabled to customize a signaling system at the user terminal to designate various signals to correspond to different kinds of the transaction status messages such that the client is signaled directly when a transaction status change occurs with respect to the electronic transaction initiated by the client. In an example, a client is enabled to log on to an auction web site server and enter a bid on an auctioned item. When the entered bid is no longer winning, an appropriate message is sent to the client through the separate port.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are disclosed for generating and displaying a local server clock which is synchronized with a server clock using a client clock. The data processing system includes a server computer system, which includes a server clock, and a client computer system, which includes a display and a client clock. Data is requested by the client from the server computer system to be displayed on the client computer system's display. The data is then received in the client computer system. The client computer system determines a current time indicated by the server clock. The client computer system generates a local server clock. Thereafter, the local server clock is updated utilizing the client clock. The local server clock and the data are then displayed together on the client's display.