Abstract: Cloud based services are provided enabling electronic data interchange between suppliers and consumers of goods and services with the integration of business tools for finance, manufacturing, customer relationship management, supply chains, analytics and electronic commerce. By providing a compatibility layer to these business tools between various suppliers and consumers of goods and services, workflows can be extended with cloud-based services and automatic supply-demand matching provided based on constraints specified by the suppliers and consumers. Real-time (event-driven) order fulfillment can be implemented through the cloud based services.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for dynamically generating a customized subscription package to a user of one or more virtual environments. A computer apparatus analyzes one or more user attributes of a user of one or more virtual environments. The computer apparatus determines a customized subscription package for the user. The customized subscription package comprises one or more virtual assets associated with the one or more virtual environments. The customized subscription package is offered to the user.

Abstract: An announcement distributor distributes, or auctions an opportunity to distribute, an announcement to an announcement recipient such as a consumer, issuer, merchant, or acquirer within a payment processing system. The announcement when there has been a satisfaction of an announcement condition, such as the consumer being determined to be located within a predetermined spatial zone. The content of the announcement may, in turn, facilitate a subsequent cashless transaction for resources of merchants. Implementations describe various permutations of the content of the announcement, the announcement condition, and the announcement recipient.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing residential customer pre-installation criteria for installation of an electrical appliance. The method includes providing a user with a variable set of questions and options concerning the location and environment in which the electrical appliance is to be installed. The questions may vary depending on the responses provided by the user. The response provided by the user is interpreted to provide the user with an estimation of the cost, time, and/or feasibility of installing the electrical appliance in a location specified by the user through the responses given to the questions and options.

Abstract: A system includes a database that stores an expert knowledgebase, and one or more servers configured to implement an expert system. The one or more servers receive sensor data associated with sensors from automobile maintenance systems associated with respective ones of multiple automobiles, and analyze the sensor data, using the expert system and the expert knowledgebase, to diagnose whether the multiple automobiles require maintenance and/or repair. The one or more servers send, via a network, results of the analysis of the sensor data to service stations for scheduling maintenance and/or repair of the multiple automobiles.

Abstract: A mobile plant for supplying hydraulic fracturing service to a well is provided. The plant is particularly useful for wells that require multi-stage fracturing treatments, where the surface equipment may not be moved for longer times than when supplying conventional treatments. Skid-mounted equipment is used, so that the transport vehicle for the equipment can be released after delivery of the equipment to a well site. A method for marketing and executing fracturing treatments is also provided, wherein a customer is provided price data for each item included in the total cost of a fracturing treatment, along with software for calculating the total cost of a treatment to be purchased. The customer may calculate the cost of a treatment from computer-readable storage or over the internet. The customer may also monitor the fracturing treatment remotely and obtain a post-treatment report.

Abstract: Method for dynamically pricing perishable goods with objective of selling all items before point in time any remaining items become worthless, the method comprising: a) controlling time-to-live parameter (TTL) corresponding to maximum time period (t=tn) an item is good for sale, and if time-to-live parameter (TTL)?tn, then; b) counting down update frequency time period until price is updated; c) if interest to buy the goods is received, offering temporarily fixed price Pfreeze equal to current price for a limited period; d) automatically updating current price according to expressed interest; e) accepting order at temporarily fixed price if order is received within limited time period; f) rejecting the order if order is received after limited time period; g) automatically updating current price in accordance with time of receiving accepted order or elapsing of update frequency time period, and automatically repeating the steps b)-g) until time period equals time-to-live parameter.

Abstract: A quote-to-order system builds an order for cabinets for a house directly from the quote provided to the builder. This reduces data entry time and errors. The system also validates the final order relative to the quote and relative to the builder's purchase order. The quote-to-order system takes the user step-by-step through the process of building an order based upon the quote. The quote includes the floorplans in the development, optional layouts and available styles of cabinets. The quote also associates each of these options with a set of SKUs representing the cabinet components and hardware that would be needed for those options. By building the order based upon the underlying quote to the builder, the order is guaranteed to have the correct SKUs and pricing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a management platform for monitoring and managing one or more smart meters. The management platform comprises means for communicating with smart meters and a workflow handler for executing a workflow. A workflow specifies a process for management of the smart meters.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a method (and corresponding system) for managing a request-for-proposal (RFP). The method comprises receiving, at a website, information about the RFP from a customer for the RFP and receiving, at the website, proposals responsive to the RFP from a set of bidders. If requested by the customer, disclosing to each of the bidders a detailed comparative metric relating to the proposal for each of the other bidders. The detailed comparative metric comprises a comparative metric other than a total project cost for the respective proposal.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium that support an open marketplace for distributed service arbitrage with an integrated risk management is presented. Orders for work packets, which are processed within a software factory, are allowed to be bid upon only by software factories that have been previously ranked by a centralized marketplace portal, thus ensuring that only qualified software factories are allowed to service such orders.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving data related to an item, the item being associated with a listed price and receiving data related to a user requested price for the item. Some embodiments include determining whether a first seller accepts the user requested price for the item and in response to a determination that the first seller accepts the user requested price, sending an offer to the user to purchase the item at the user requested price.

Abstract: An online advertising system integrates third party agents to permit the third party agents to participate in auctions to bid on a per opportunity basis. An advertising exchange module receives requests for opportunities to serve online advertisements to users. In response, an advertising exchange module applies one or more business rules to determine third party agents that qualify to serve the online advertisement. A bid gateway module generates and transmits requests for bids to the third party agents. The bid gateway module then receives bids from the third party agents in response to the requests for bids. The advertising exchange module then selects an advertisement based on the bid. The online advertisement exchange system provides a unified marketplace to permit integrator networks to bid on both ads pursuant to guaranteed contracts and ads not subject to guaranteed contracts (e.g., non-guaranteed ads).

Abstract: A method for having a mobile price transaction system including comparisons. The system obtains information about prices and transactions involving products and services in real time over a wireless link. The actions include making a price comparison inquiry to a central server for the product, service, or price information. The inquiry is formatted in the central server for transmission to sources of the information such as vendors or their web sites. After receiving a response from the sources, the response is suitably formatted and is displayed on the mobile unit. The information will often be available locally on the central server, but the present invention includes commanding remote sources to provide an action such as a response, including a response at a desired time or for desired conditions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for facilitating aggregated market transactions. In one aspect, a method includes receiving inventory data from sellers, where the inventory data specifies an ask price for a particular product and a discount function associated with the product. User input is received from users, where the user input requests information about a particular product. In response to the user input, data are provided that cause presentation of a product request user interface. Bids for the particular product are received from multiple users, and a final price is selected using ask prices, discount function, and bids. In turn, the particular product is allocated to a set of users that specified a bid that meets the final price.

Abstract: A method of bidding to drive competition in an auction, including receiving a plurality of bids from a plurality of bidders, distinguishing the bidders according to a subset of a parameter, assigning at least one identifier to the bidders in each subset, the subset associated with the identifier is unknown to the bidders outside of the subset, and displaying a lowest bid with the identifier for each bidder.

Abstract: The present invention is a web-based software platform used to implement a method for purchasing the highest quality content possible, for the lowest possible market driven prices, from the most qualified profession writer possible. Writers are able to setup an account and log on to the present invention in order to take on projects to develop content for a client or a marketing agency. Thus, the present invention allows for a marketplace of writers. Both an individual client and a marketing agency can setup an account and log on to the present invention in order to post projects. Individual clients post projects for content that they need to be written, while marketing agencies post projects for content that their clients need to be written. Marketing agencies are able to manage multiple projects for multiple clients on the present invention. Individual clients and marketing agencies are also able to set a price on how much they are willing to pay the writer to produce the content.

Abstract: A computer implemented method including steps of: storing, at a central server, an initialize business rule associated with a vendor and a DNS associated with the vendor; receiving, from a user a first user query for a product or service of the vendor; dynamically forming a universal code sequence forming a DNA field, having at least fields for a user identity, a transaction scope and a product definition; receiving, from the vendor a first vendor response based upon execution by the vendor of the initialize business rule; receiving, from the user a second user query; dynamically adding to the universal code sequence to form a request DNA; receiving from the vendor a second vendor response; dynamically forming an offer DNA; determining if the offer DNA matches the request DNA; and sending to the user and to the vendor a notification that the offer DNA matches the request DNA.

Abstract: A method and system for buying and selling services online includes a process for custom services, a commodity process and a collaborative workspace on a website. The process for custom services includes the posting by a buyer of specific criteria for a desired service, the bidding by a seller to perform the service, and the selection of a seller by the buyer. The commodity process includes the posting by a seller of a service offering, the posting by the buyer of requirements for the purchase of the service offering, and the purchase of a service offering by the buyer. The commodity process may also include an optimization process that provides the buyer with an optimized list of service offerings. The collaborative workspace includes communication tools, a file structure, workbenches and project management tools used by the buyer and seller for facilitating the setup, development and release of one or more services.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a price calculation for e-commerce related sales by utilizing a plurality of paper characteristics to determine final prices. The present invention utilizes at least four inputs including paper type, width, length and sheets to return to potential online e-commerce users a price calculation for a particular order. Additionally, the system may allow the individual user to select paper type, length and sheets, then utilizes a multiplication factor which is stored in a remote database which calculates a MWT value and returns to the user the final price calculated for their particular order.

Abstract: A faring system includes a production facility including at least one fare shopping server, a staging facility including at least one fare shopping server, and an entry point for conducting bi-directional communications with customers. The staging facility further includes a database storing transformation rules and a traffic generation subsystem configured to receive a transaction via the entry point from a customer, to determine if the received request is one suitable for use in generating simulation data for the fare shopping server of the staging system and, if so, to modify the received transaction in accordance with at least one rule retrieved from the database to create at least one modified transaction, and to send the at least one modified transaction to the fare shopping server of the staging facility for processing. The fare shopping server of the staging facility processes the modified transaction for evaluating a potential new or modified functionality of the faring system.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing insurance quotes to a user from a plurality of insurance carriers. The method and system provide a quick quote based upon minimal information entered by a user. A system reduces the amount of information that is necessary for the user to obtain a preliminary quote thereby providing feedback to the user and encouraging the user to complete the interview process. The user may select a carrier and then continue to enter additional information necessary for providing a binding quote.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for geolocation based bidding are disclosed. In an example embodiment, sales data regarding geolocation availability information and item and/or service information is stored. A consumer may provide a request for a response by inputting machine readable data including an identifier into a mobile device, and the request includes geolocation data of the mobile device. Bids may be requested from sellers determined based on the identifier, the geolocation data, and the sales data. Bids including a price and availability may be received from sellers based on the consumer request. A bid response may be provided to the consumer mobile device with at least one bid that is binding a seller for a period of time.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a user or bidder to purchase an option on auction merchandise or services in an online auction are provided, thus allowing the option winner to purchase the merchandise in the event the original auction bidder (i.e., the highest bidder for the merchandise) defaults on his purchase. The method and system also provides an incentive to the users purchasing the option(s), e.g., bid optionees, by partially distributing the option pool of monies collected to the user who purchases the option at the price closest to the final auction price.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated alternative selection for compound price quotes are provided. A requesting party submits a request that includes information regarding at least one specification. A database is searched based on the information provided by the request. The search results are evaluated to determine whether they meet a predefined target. When the search results do not meet a predefined target, an alternative specification is identified. At least a second set of search results is retrieved from the database that may be used to meet the target. Vehicles are selected for inclusion in a compound price quote. A compound price quote including multiple price quotes for each selected vehicles is generated.

Abstract: An online offer system is directed toward methods and devices that allow a seller to enter information about the attributes of a non-fungible good based on parameter values provided on a database. In response, an automated purchaser issues a firm offer to purchase the good at a set price.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of conducting a multi-level transaction includes receiving a primary call for proposals, receiving one or more primary bids by a computing system with respect to the primary call for proposals, receiving one or more secondary calls for proposals for each primary bid, receiving one or more secondary bids by a computing system with respect to the one or more secondary calls for proposals, automatically determining an estimate of a trustworthiness rating for each primary bid, receiving the selection of a primary bid based on the estimates of the trustworthiness rating, and displaying the selection of the primary bid. Each secondary call for proposals includes a job request associated with the primary bid. The estimate of the trustworthiness rating is based on a trustworthiness rating associated with the primary bid and one or more secondary bid trustworthiness ratings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive assistance on purchase decision-making are provided. These systems and methods are preferably adapted to enable a purchase decision to be made by preferably interactively assisting the purchase decision-making process until a final purchase selection is made or indicated.

Abstract: A quotation system and method are provided (see FIG. 1). A relational database (10) allows various departments (14, 16, 18, 20) to prepare a quotation. The relational database centralizes data to increase efficiency, and the data may be modified, as needed, for particular quotation solutions.

Abstract: An online marketplace is established where sellers compete by offering to sell a mass quantity of a specific product, referenced by a unique product ID. A successful sale is determined at a time that maximizes a group of buyers' offers for the specific product. At the determined time, both the sellers' offers and the buyers' offers for the specific product are separately sorted from the lowest price offer to highest price offer. Competing sellers are awarded sales contingent on one or more buyer offers remaining after each seller having a lower sell price is satisfied for its entire quantity. Sells for each successful seller are satisfied starting from a buyer's offer having a lowest buy price and increasing to successively higher buy prices of the remaining buyers' offers, until the seller's entire quantity of the listed product is satisfied.

Abstract: A bid evaluation system delivers an evaluation report of an estimated bid of a project. One or more client evaluation device can access a bid evaluation server over a communications network. The bid evaluation server controls a database of metadata representing new projects, such as construction, supply or other projects open for bids in response to requests for bid, and historical projects of similar type and project details. A client evaluation device, authorized for access to the system, communicates over the network to the bid evaluation server an identifier recognizable to the bid evaluation server corresponding to a new project. The bid evaluation server searches the database for contents corresponding to project items of historical projects related to project items of the new project. The bid evaluation server calculates an estimated bid of each project item of the new project and a total estimate bid of the new project.

Abstract: An on-demand third party asset rental platform is provided. In some embodiments, on-demand third party asset rental platform includes a self-service platform that enables a third-party renter to electronically submit a conditional rental offer (CRO) for an asset to a plurality of third-party owners of that asset. In some embodiments, on-demand third party asset rental platform includes receiving a request for an asset (e.g., a vehicle or another type of asset) rental; and in response to the request for an asset rental, communicating a plurality of conditional rental offers to a plurality of asset owners, wherein each of the asset owners specifies the asset owner's rental terms. In some embodiments, an asynchronous protocol for CRO distribution is provided.

Abstract: announcement broadcast by a media source. A keyword is associated with the media source. Instructions are included in the announcement to send an initial text message including the keyword, to a text messaging number, to receive a quote for the product. The initial text message including the keyword is then sent from a wireless telecommunication device in response to the announcement having been heard by the user of the device. In response, the quote is sent to the to the telecommunication device.

Abstract: A system includes a proposal engine configured to present quotes and/or proposals to customers at a network site.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating manufacturing of aircraft parts, the method comprising: gathering from a user, via a first computer, the user's aircraft information; gathering, via the first computer, a specification for an aircraft part; soliciting, via a second computer, at least one quotation from a supplier to supply the aircraft part; and ordering the aircraft part based on the quotation from the supplier.

Abstract: A method of distributing, managing, and exchange entries in one or more activities is provided. The entries may be distributed by any suitable process including, without limitation an auction or lottery process. The distributed entries may be exchanged in a market environment. The exchange may operate on an electronic platform. Revenues may be collected from distributions and/or exchanges of entries. A portion of the revenues may be paid to one or more users who hold an one or more particular winning entries determined by any number of parameters and at the occurrence of any number of events.

Abstract: An outsourced service level agreement (SLA) deliverable management method includes configuring SLA client and secondary SLA provider master data, procuring a secondary SLA provider provision services network, administering a secondary SLA provider human resource network, processing an SLA client provisioning requirement, processing an SLA provisioning service voucher, and processing payment of an SLA provisioning work order.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using predictive pricing information for items to assist in evaluating buying and/or selling decisions in various ways, such as on behalf of end-user item acquirers and/or intermediate item providers. The predictive pricing for an item may be based on an analysis of historical pricing information for that item and/or related items, and can be used to make predictions about future pricing information for the item. Such predictions may then be provided to users in various ways to enable comparison of current prices to predicted future prices. In some situations, predictive pricing information is used to assist customers when purchasing airline tickets and/or to assist travel agents when selling airline tickets. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for satisfying a purchase requisition includes receiving, from each of a plurality of candidate suppliers, a corresponding plurality of bids. At least one candidate supplier includes, with its bids, an offer of a business-volume discount that is triggered when an aggregate purchase of at least one unit of a first item and at least one unit of a second item is within a defined volume interval. An optimal award schedule for satisfaction of the purchase requisition is then determined.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating sales personnel and engineering staff in an organization includes automatically generating design specifications for a proposed system by displaying a predetermined sequence of inquiries tailored to known design parameters. In response to the inquiries, the system and method generates required design specifications and other materials, including a pricing quotation, for the designed system.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.

Abstract: Embodiments of the components and processes for recording selected Web site data described herein adhere to long-term stability guidelines so as to improve maintainability and viability over time. Additionally, the data recording components can be placed within a software architecture to minimize the number of redundant data recording components. Furthermore, the data recording components can be tailored to specific data recording purposes. Additionally, the data recording components can be designed to take into account system performance issues and minimally impact system performance. Furthermore, the data recording components can be tailored to gather specific data useful for various analytical processes. Additionally, embodiments of the data recording components are relatively easy to implement and able to handle idiosyncrasies and changes of various Web sites in which they are placed.

Abstract: A part location system is described that utilizes computer-based techniques for bringing together repair facilities and suppliers to increase the efficiency of locating recycled, used or aftermarket parts using a computer network, such as the Internet. The part location system receives an estimate from a first user over a communication network. The part location system then parses the estimate to extract information that identifies a list of parts needed by the first user and automatically generates a request for quote (RFQ) using the information extracted from the estimate. The part location system then sends the RFQ to suppliers via the communication network. Subsequently, the part location system receives quotations from at least one of the suppliers via the communication network in response to the RFQ and presents the quotations received in response to the RFQ to a repair facility via the communication network.

Abstract: A commodity order issuing and accepting method is disclosed in which an order issuer requests a first electronic document having first input fields for order issuer information and for commodity order issuance information except for a payment date to an order accepter; the order accepter transmits the first electronic document to the order issuer; the order issuer fills the first input fields; the order issuer transmits the filled information to the order accepter; the order accepter retrieves a transaction condition corresponding to the commodity order issuance information except for the payment date; the order accepter transmits a second electronic document on which the transaction condition is described and which has a second input field for the payment date to the order issuer; the order issuer inputs the payment date to the second input field; and the order issuer transmits the payment date to the order accepter.

Abstract: A system and process for establishing prices for products on line and for allowing acquisition of those products from retailers that honor such prices. The system and process involve a customer having a credit card account, a computer terminal configured to access a network, and a central authority coupled to the computer terminal via the network. The central authority maintains information about a product and a corresponding price. The price is established by the central authority and the central authority is configured to communicate the information about the product and the price to the customer via the network. Also involved is a credit card processor that is coupled to the central authority. The credit card processor is configured to query the information maintained by the central authority and to receive the price from the central authority. A retailer is involved and includes a point-of-sale system coupled to the central authority and to the credit card processor.

Abstract: A computer implemented method including steps of: storing, at a central server, an initialize business rule associated with a vendor and a DNS associated with the vendor, receiving, from a user a first user query for a product or service of the vendor; dynamically forming a universal code sequence forming a DNA field, having at least fields for a user identity, a transaction scope and a product definition; receiving, from the vendor a first vendor response based upon execution by the vendor of the initialize business rule; receiving, from the user a second user query; dynamically adding to the universal code sequence to form a request DNA; receiving from the vendor a second vendor response; dynamically forming an offer DNA; determining if the offer DNA matches the request DNA; and sending to the user and to the vendor a notification that the offer DNA matches the request DNA.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an on-line retailing operation for retailing of at least one print product to a customer. The print product is supplied by a print merchant operation that displays plural image items for remote viewing by a customer. The print merchant operation transacts a first type of order with the customer for supply of at least one print product, and transacts a second type order with the print merchant for fulfillment of the first type order.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided that include receiving, using one or more processors, first data and first metadata corresponding to first content. Second data or second metadata corresponding to second content is received, where the second content includes second data or second metadata not present in the first content. One or more options are provided to a user, where each respective option in the one or more options is for a combination of the first and the second content, where an aspect of the combination is determined by a criterion associated with the respective option. A selection of an option in the one or more options from a user is received, and access to a combination of the first and second content is provided as determined by the criterion of the option selected by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improved dental instrument manufacturing and customer-driven dental instrument design. In one embodiment, there is provided a dental products manufacturer computer unit comprising a display; a connection to a communication network; at least one memory component; product data stored on the at least one memory component; and a plurality of program modules stored on the at least one memory component.