Abstract: A data storage apparatus is provided which includes a storage device for storing digital data. In response to writing of data input from an external apparatus into the storage device, the data storage apparatus analyzes the written data, and performs at least one process and/or algorithm on the written data according to the analysis performed by the control device.

Abstract: When a print button of a customer display device has been depressed, a control unit of a cash register transmits to a digital copying machine print data of details of a displayed advertisement and an application form for a commodity, thereby printing the details of the advertisement or the application form for the commodity. When a customer faxes the application form with necessary items filled in, the customer faxes the content of the application form to a destination facsimile number stated on the application form by using a FAX apparatus. The data of the application form faxed by the FAX apparatus is received by a FAX server of a data center over a public line, converted to image data, and transferred to an application form processing unit.