Abstract: A system and method for providing financial account messages to customers while accessing web sites is disclosed. Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention enable a financial account issuer to provide an application to customer's computer system over a network. The application may be configured to provide various messages associated with the customer's financial account provided by the financial account issuer while the customer browses web sites. The financial account messages may be configured to provide interactive and dynamically changing account status information based on attempted purchases of goods and/or services by the customer at merchants' web sites. The application may also be configured to provide rating information associated with web sites accessed by the customer.

Abstract: A routing engine functions to respond to a request for routing options for a communication session from a querying node by providing a list of routing options. The original request includes signaling information that is utilized by the routing engine to determine a preliminary list of routing options that identifies vendors capable of handling the communication session. Pre-defined routing definitions may be applied to alter the list of vendors as identified in the preliminary list. Filtering processes may be applied to remove undesirable vendors from the preliminary routing options, resulting in a list of routing options for the communication session. The preliminary list may be ordered according to some parameter, and when a filtering process is applied the process may end upon reaching a first non-compliant vendor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes novel systems and methods for a customer to receive information and/or purchase a product or service while interacting with multiple vendors through a single contact/agency. The customer is able to communicate with the agency through a variety of communication modes. The agency adapts the customer's input as necessary to meet the requirements of the vendors and the agency returns information to the customer so that the customer can conveniently interact with the multiple vendors. The systems and methods allow for the customer to stop and restart the process at various points using any of the communication modes. The agency has the ability to present the customer with prospecting, sales, service, upgrades, cross-sells, and other pre- and post-purchase services at the single point-of-contact agency.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a central server that is programmed to store an initialize business rule associated with a vendor and a DNS associated with the vendor. The central server is programmed to receive a first user query for a product or service of the vendor. The central server is programmed to dynamically form a universal code sequence forming a DNA field, having at least fields for a user identity, a transaction scope and a product definition. The central server is programmed to receive, from the vendor a first vendor response based upon execution by the vendor of the initialize business rule and to receive a second user query. The central server is programmed to dynamically add the universal code sequence to form a request DNA. The central server is programmed to dynamically form an offer DNA and determine if the offer DNA matches the request DNA.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, exchanging value between a service buyer and a service provider. The technology involves establishing a virtual funds account associated with the service buyer. A request for services is received from the service buyer, which includes an amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services. An indication that the service provider will perform the services for the service buyer is received, and a hold is placed in the buyer's virtual funds account on an amount of virtual funds corresponding to the amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to allowing a recipient of a closed-loop gift card to select one of a number of merchants toward which to apply the value. A consumer buys a variable gift card from a service provider for a set amount, pays the service provider that amount, and the service provider holds that amount in escrow. The consumer sends the gift card to a recipient with a predetermined merchant. The recipient receives the gift card and decides to switch the gift card from the predetermined merchant to a desired merchant. The recipient requests the service provider to change the merchant, and the service provider delivers the amount from escrow to the desired merchant. If the recipient does desire to use the predetermined merchant, the recipient contacts the service provider for activation and the service provider transfers the amount to the predetermined merchant.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an authentication server can include a first interface configured to communicate with a first user. The apparatus can also include a second interface configured to communicate with a second user. The apparatus can further includes an authentication controller configured to authenticate the first user based on a first deposit of a first item, authenticate the second user based on a second deposit of a second item, transfer the first deposit to a first pool, wherein the first pool contains a plurality of the first item, transfer the second deposit to a second pool wherein the second pool contains a plurality of the second item, authenticate an exchange transaction between the first user and the second user, transfer a third item from the first pool to the second user, and transfer a fourth item from the second pool to the first user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an item exchange service are usable to aid users in exchanging old items for newer items. According to one embodiment, a system can be operable to receive a request to present a vehicle in a marketplace, calculate a base exchange value for the vehicle and provide, to one or more vehicle resellers, marketplace information associated with the vehicle. Additionally, the system may be configured to receive an exchange offer for the vehicle, determine a final exchange value of the vehicle, and provide the final exchange value of the vehicle to a seller of the vehicle. Further, the system may be configured to allow the seller to determine a course of action regarding disposing of the vehicle after conclusion of the exchange marketplace.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can facilitate computer-assisted haggling and/or negotiation between multiple parties simultaneously. For example, various proxies associated with both buyers and sellers can be configured to negotiate with other proxies to buy or sell an item. The negotiations can be required to be progressive and during the negotiations a buyer or seller is, typically, allowed to withdraw his or her proposals. The architecture can include a registration component that can resolve concurrency and facilitate a registration of an agreement between two of the parties. The registration of an agreement can create a binding obligation between the parties after which other outstanding proposals can be terminated.

Abstract: Embodiments of method, systems and apparatuses for dynamic collaboration of a buyer/supplier network are disclosed. One method includes providing a buyer with a catalog or non-catalog item. A collaboration request is submitted by the buyer, thereby initiating a negotiation with one or more suppliers. The collaboration request is provided to the one or more suppliers. A proposal is received from at least one of the suppliers, and the buyer provides an acceptance or a rejection to each received proposal. An embodiment further specifies that the buyer collaborate with at least N suppliers, wherein N is selected by the buyer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a photovoltaic market exchange that permits registered users to create a request for quote (RFQ) for photovoltaic plant services, receive current RFQs, or submit a bid on an RFQ are disclosed. In one embodiment, the market exchange provides a contract management system. In one embodiment, the market exchange is integrated with a plant asset management platform that is configured to evaluate various aspects of a photovoltaic plant ecosystem.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a collection for sale is disclosed. A collection input module may receive a description of a collection and description of items in the collection from a device of a seller. A collection sale module may offer the collection for sale by publishing a description of a sale of the collection as a whole according to a first offering type. An item sale module may offer the items in the collection for sale by publishing descriptions of the respective items in the collection concurrently with the offer for sale of the collection as a whole according to a second offering type. A comparison module may, upon conclusion of an offering period, compare a sum of bids for the respective items to a bid for the collection as a whole and to determine whether the collection is sold as a whole based on the comparison.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include communication using a payment processing device. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for presenting sale offers to users of mobile devices. In accordance with some embodiments, a controller is used to set parameters for offering a sale offer. The parameters may include a limited time period during which the sale offer may be accepted while displayed on a mobile device, and profile information for targeting a group of users for receiving the sale offer. The sale offer may be presented on a mobile device of each user whose profile information matches the profile information for the targeted group of users. A sale may be completed with a user if the sale offer is accepted within the limited time period.

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: A method of processing a product order is disclosed. The method includes receiving a product order from a consumer and selecting a fulfiller to fulfill the product order. A system for processing a product order is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for estimating future grid job costs by classifying grid jobs and storing results of processing grid job microcosms are provided. In general, a client side agent estimates future grid job costs by comparing a current grid job of a particular classification with a history of stored costs for other grid jobs of that customer of that particular classification. In particular, the grid client agent for a client system enabled to submit grid jobs to a grid provider that facilitates a grid environment, calculates a ratio of an application based metric to a grid provider metric for processing a particular grid job. Then, the grid client agent creates a table with an entry comparing the application based metric to a cost per grid provider metric for the grid provider based on the calculated ratio. Next, the grid client agent stores the table with the entry.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for sorting alert and offer messages on a mobile device. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including receiving alert messages at a mobile device where each alert message contains transaction data associated with a transaction conducted with a merchant. Upon receiving the alert messages, the mobile device receives alert message sorting criteria from a user associated with the mobile device, sorts the alert messages according to the received offer sorting criteria, and displays the sorted alert messages.

Abstract: A method for selling an item, the method including: (a) displaying to a user a web page that includes multiple vendor representations; each vendor representation being representative of a vendor that was previously selected by the user; (b) receiving from a user a vendor selection indicator; (c) receiving from the user a requested price for purchasing an item from the selected vendor during a predetermined period of time that is defined by the selected vendor; (d) determining whether to proceed in a selling process of the item to the user during the predetermined period of time in response to the requested price and to an availability of the item at the predetermined period of time for selling by the selected vendor; and (e) selectively proceeding in the selling process in response to the determination.

Abstract: Described herein is a virtual marketplace via which buyers and sellers can conclude transactions for the sale of goods and services. To facilitate payments for goods and services, and to encourage use of the marketplace, the system facilitates the establishment of interest bearing accounts, via which a buyer can fund transactions.

Abstract: A system for managing labor and materials on a construction site includes a database stored on a computer-readable storage medium, a field-application module in communication with the database, and a vendor module in communication with the database. The field-application module receives information related to materials, labor, and/or services from a data-entry device and stores the information in the database. The vendor module receives vendor information and stores the information in the database. When the field-application module receives a bid request from the data-entry device, the vendor module transmits the bid request to a plurality of vendors. Next, when the vendor module receives bids from one or more vendors, the field-application module transmits one or more of the bids to the data-entry device. Finally, when the field-application module receives a purchase order from the data-entry device, the vendor module transmits the purchase order to the relevant vendor.

Abstract: The vehicular data exchange system of the present invention includes a plurality of computer terminals and a processor. Each of the computer terminals include an input device for inputting the vehicular data and a display device for visually displaying the inputted vehicular data which include vehicular characteristics data units and vehicular financial data units. The processor controls the vehicular data whereby the vehicular characteristics data units inputted into a first one of the computer terminals are transmitted to a plurality of other ones of the computer terminals for display on respective ones of the display devices associated with the other ones of the computer terminals.

Abstract: The GAMING MARKETPLACE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“UBGER”) transform user site navigation inputs via UBGER components into systematically-defined user behavior-based game exchange recommendations and offers. In one embodiment, the UBGER obtains activity logs including data on actions taken by a user within a website. The UBGER extracts user behavioral attributes based on analyzing the obtained activity logs, and queries a database for identifications of electronic games associated with the extracted user behavioral attributes. The UBGER queries a database for electronic games owned by the user, and identifies inactive electronic games from among the electronic games owned by the user, based on the activity logs.

Abstract: A questionnaire network makes it possible to create, disseminate, conduct questionnaires or surveys on mobile handsets and to collect results for processing and storage. The questionnaire network is powered by a questionnaire creation tool and a questionnaire trading system. A questionnaire trading system for QTime makes it possible for producers of QTime, such as carriers, and consumers of QTime, such as product manufacturers and advertising companies, to buy or sell QTime in bulk and to trade in QTime as a commodity. In one embodiment, supplementary information and preambles that are part of a questionnaire are captured in audio form using the questionnaire creation tool and are stored selectively along with the questionnaire in a carrier's questionnaire repository or separately at a hosted repository.

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: 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 online quoting are disclosed. The method may include receiving a user request for price quotes for services. Based on the use request, service providers associated with the services may be selected, and the price quotes may be calculated based on predetermined parameters of the service providers. When calculated, the price quotes may be provided to the user.

Abstract: Work packets are assembled, within a software factory, into a customized deliverable unit of software by software factory components that have been rated as being the most suitable according to requirements set by the customer. The work packets comprise exit criteria for returning the work packets and the customized deliverable unit from an assembly line to a software factory operations unit in the software factory.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a project bid process includes generating a buyer-associated bid request utilizing at least a portion of bid item selections of a stored bid item list, transmitting the buyer-associated bid request to at least one supplier for solicitation of a supplier bid response to be generated with the bid item selections utilized in the buyer-associated bid request, generating a supplier-associated bid request utilizing at least a portion of the bid item selections utilized in the buyer-associated bid request, and transmitting the supplier-associated bid request to at least one subcontracting entity for solicitation of a subcontracting-entity bid response to be generated with the bid item selections utilized in the supplier-associated bid request.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an online service method. The online service method is performed on an online service system including at least one server. The method includes the steps of receiving, with the online service system, bids from service providers in relation to a service to be performed for a customer, receiving, with the online service system, acceptance of one of the bids by the customer and notifying, with the online service system, a parts supplier of one or more parts required for the service to be performed.

Abstract: A method for identifying charitable organizations to receive the proceeds generated from the sale of merchandise includes communicating information to purchasers of the merchandise including a price, identities of charities to which donations can be allocated, and a donation amount. An offer to purchase the merchandise and the identities of two or more charities to which the donation is to be allocated is received.

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: A web-enabled user interface is provided to enable the carriers of private networks to interact and to offer services to one another. The web-enabled user interface is integrated to a switch fabric configured to provide interconnection services for the carriers. The web-enabled user interface is configured to enable the carriers to assign different roles to different representatives. Each of the representatives is granted certain rights and permissions by an administrator representative based on the representative's role. The web-enabled user interface is configured to present to each representative a unique interface based on their roles thus providing each representative a unique experience.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques to market products and services by enabling a potential consumer to access information about a product or service by simply scanning a bar code. Consistent with some embodiments, a computer system stores in a database data records that include bar code information. The computer system is operable to receive requests for information that include bar code information. Upon receiving such a request, the computer system identifies a data record in the database with bar code information that matches the bar code information received in the request, and then processes the request by communicating relevant information to the requestor.

Abstract: An internet-based competitive pricing and bidding transaction system includes one or more transaction processing servers that interface and communicate over the internet with client computer systems of prospective online recruiting organizations, recruiting and staffing professionals and a plurality of related information databases. The transaction processing system handles online communications and procedures for conducting reverse auctions for delivery of staffing services and maintains a registration database of service providers and prospective customers of those services (recruiting organizations). Information relative the performance of the service provider is collected for each transaction and is used to create an automated recommendation that is provided to the requester of a staffing service, which results in the selection of a unique and exclusive service provider.

Abstract: A reverse auction platform for selecting a transaction service is provided. The platform may include a database configured to store a request for a transaction service and to store fee bids corresponding to the transaction service. The platform may also include a memory configured to store execution instructions as well as a processor coupled with the database and the memory. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive a request for a transaction service; to present the request; and to select a transaction service based on a fee bid corresponding to the transaction service.

Abstract: An Ethernet switch platform is configured to receive and process a provisioning order to establish a logical virtual circuit interconnecting a physical port associated with a buying carrier and a physical port associated with a selling carrier to set up a private network to private network connection between the buying and selling carriers. The virtual circuit is established with parameters called for in a request for quote (RFQ) initiated by the buying carrier and in a response to the RFQ submitted by the selling carrier. Information from the RFQ and from the response together with information previously stored in a relational database is extracted and used to fill out the provisioning order. The information extracted from the database include profile information and network service information associated with the buying and selling carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.

Abstract: A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.

Abstract: A subscriber-based sales leads exchange system for efficiently maximizing revenue to lead sellers and for providing high quality, temporally relevant sales leads to lead buyers based on a transaction between a lead seller and a customer of said lead seller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for brokering media content or segments created by media creators for use by licensees on a website or webpage of the licensees. The media creators upload their media to a hosting database via an account, and potential licensees bid for the right to be a licensee and to use the media on their webpage. The highest bidding licensee receives a permission authorizing the delivery and display of the media on their webpage, via the database recording the actual page views and deliveries for calculating a license fee to be paid to the host and to the media creators for use of the media thereon.

Abstract: A procurement analysis system may include a network interface to interface with one or more data sources over a network to receive procurement data and a data storage device to store model building data sets determined from the procurement data. A model generator module may determine procurement scoring models from the model building data sets, and a procurement risk analysis module may determine an evaluation capacity to review bids for a procurement, and evaluate bids for the procurement based on the procurement scoring models and the evaluation capacity to identify high-risk procurements associated with the evaluated bids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing information obtained from both online stores and offline stores and for offering more purchasing options to customers. A customer can specify a particular item with detailed aspects for an information search, along with location information to define a local geographic area. The gathered local price information is presented to the customer over a network connection. The customer can purchase the item from either online stores or offline stores over a network connection.

Abstract: The present invention is an expert matching method and apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an expert request. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller having a database for storing expert qualifications. In one embodiment, the controller receives an expert request. A search program identifies experts qualified to respond to the expert request. The expert request is then transmitted to the expert, which results in an expert answer transmitted to and received by the central controller. After authentication of the expert answer, using a wide range of security levels from passwords to cryptography, the answer is forwarded to the end user. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional voice telephony systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for processing inputs of various formats to be used in an auction are described. In some implementations, a conversion application can be used to assist a user in setting a conversion ratio by which a service can be valued (e.g., for converting values between commercial and proprietary currency). In some implementations, a cash value of the service to be rendered can be defined. In these implementations, the conversion application can facilitate the determination of an appropriate conversion ratio by which the cash value can be converted to other currency value (e.g., to other proprietary currency).

Abstract: An automated system for matching orders to buy and sell securities including a displayed market where orders are executed at a BBO price and where information about the market is made available to investors and a midpoint matching market for matching buy and sell orders at a predetermined price, namely, the midpoint between the national best bid and offer. The displayed market and the midpoint matching market are linked so that orders submitted to the displayed market are exposed to the midpoint matching market and can be executed at an improved price if a contra order is available on the midpoint matching market.