Abstract: Systems and methods for streamlining the procurement and provisioning of devices, services, and applications are described. At least one embodiment includes a method comprising receiving a request from a member associated with an organization, the request operable to select at least one application to be executed on at least one device, the at least one device configured to operate at least one service; receiving a device selection based on the at least one requested application; receiving a service selection based on the device selection; generating orders to one or more entities, the one or more entities operable to fulfill the device request, service selection, and the application selection; and procuring the at least one device, the at least one device being provisioned with the selected service and the selected application.

Abstract: A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing plan-driven procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include The process components include an RFQ Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Purchasing Contract Processing process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Supply and Demand Matching process component, an External Procurement Trigger and Response process component, and a Customer Requirement Processing process component.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A server system receives, as sent by a computing device, a request to purchase a product. The request is initiated by user selection of an element provided for display by a third-party application program. The server system sends, for receipt by a transaction processing system, a charge request to charge an account of a user of the computing device for purchase of the product. The server system determines, after the charge request has been sent for receipt by the transaction processing system, to cancel the charge request. The server system sends, for receipt by the transaction processing system, a request to cancel the charge request. The server system sends, for receipt by the computing device, an indication that purchase of the product has been cancelled.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a computer-based contract-management approach processes transactions involving at least one supplier (i.e., seller or sellers) fulfilling one or more sub-components of the transaction. Each of the suppliers (e.g., as well as other transaction parties) reference the transaction when communicating transaction information such as invoices, regardless of which sub-component of the transaction the seller is involved with. The invoices are associated with the transaction using the transaction referenced in each invoice and each supplier is accordingly paid for its performance of the sub-component of the transaction with which it is involved. From a buyer's perspective, the transaction is processed in accordance with the sub-components associated with the at least one supplier.

Abstract: A system and method for automated selective gift delivery whereby a gift-giver is provided the opportunity to register as a user of the system and with respect to each desired recipient of one or more gifts for one or more events, typically recurring, to provide information to the system about the recipient and the events such that the system may select, or cause to be automatically selected, a gift suitable for the recipient and event based upon the parameters provided by the gift-giver, and cause the gift to be automatically delivered to the recipient without further action or intervention by the gift-giver. Alternative modes of the invention provide for various additional or alternative actions, including providing for: the sending of alternate gifts, which may be pre-selected or selected by the user; for declining to send a gift; and for sending non-recurring gifts.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing plan-driven procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Inbound Delivery Processing process component, a Site Logistics Processing process component, an Inventory Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Purchasing Contract process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Demand Forecast Processing process component, a Supply and Demand Matching process component, an External Procurement Trigger and Response process component, and a Logistics Execution Control process component.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a redemption account that allows users to purchase in advance and subsequently redeem products and services from one or more vendors that are affiliated with the system. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric authorization system can access a redemption account for advance purchased products and services by submitting their biometric data. Information stored in the user record can then be utilized to enable the fulfillment of the advance purchase.

Abstract: A payment method and system are provided for electronic data that is purchased by a recipient from a supplier thereof for transmission to the recipient with payment being made in advance of downloading of the electronic data. The pre-payment entitles the recipient to a predetermined period of time online, or a predetermined quantity of downloaded electronic data. Payment control means associated with communication means communicates with a source of funding associated with the particular recipient and an allocated funds register is associated with the source of funding such that an initial quantum of value contained in the source of funding is credited to the allocated funds register. The payment control means monitors the balance remaining in the allocated funds register and when a predetermined low value is reached a further predetermined quantum of value contained in the source of funding is credited to the allocated funds register to increase the balance therein and enable continued connectivity.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel apparatus and method for effectuating the ordering of supplies via a wireless handset device. In one embodiment, the handset is pre-loaded with a plurality of folders each representing a multifunction device. A user navigates the hierarchy of folders and selects a folder. The user then selects at least one graphical widget contained therein representing a particular supply commodity available for order from a supplier. In response to a user selection thereof, a part number identified by the selected graphical widget and a supplier profile are retrieved from memory. The profile contains the ordering method and contact information. An order message is prepared according to the ordering method prescribed by the profile and is sent to the supplier to place an order for that supply commodity. The process repeats until no more supplies are to be ordered. Additional features, enhancements, and embodiments have been provided.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request. The transaction approval request can also be automatically verified if one or many pre-verification criteria is/are satisfied by data contained in the transaction approval request.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program product for facilitating electronic ordering of goods, services, or goods and services, or other products, through messaging over a financial services electronic payment network, are provided. A customer provides electronic order registration activation information for an electronic order transaction card. The customer is provided an electronic order card having a unique electronic payment network compatible electronic order card identifier including a non-financial transaction IIN and a customer number, and is provided a catalogue or list including product order codes each associated with a different product, to enable electronic ordering over the financial services electronic payment network.

Abstract: A text message order processing system includes: means for receiving text messages from consumers purchasing products, each of the text messages being addressed to an address selected by the consumer and including an identification of the product being purchased and an identification of a device from which the text message was sent; means for parsing each text message to extract the identification of the product and the identification of the device; means for selecting a payment instrument to be used to pay for the purchase; means for establishing payment information related to the selected payment instrument and delivery information indicating where the purchased product is to be delivered; means for generating for each received text message an order including the established payment information, delivery information and identification of the product being purchased; and, means for submitting the generated order to an order management system of the merchant.

Abstract: Methods of the present invention allow for validating eCommerce transactions. An exemplary method for validating an eCommerce transaction may comprise the steps of validating a Hosting Provider, validating a Merchant using the Hosting Provider to host an eCommerce website, and validating a Customer who may purchase goods or services from the Merchant via the eCommerce website. If the Hosting Provider, Merchant, and Customer are validated, an eCommerce transaction may be approved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for electronic gifting. In an exemplary gift purchasing method, a control system receives from a purchasing system a gift purchase request that includes a mobile telephone number (or other unique telephonic identifier) associated with a wireless gift recipient system, sends to a payment authorization system a payment authorization request, receives a payment authorization, and notifies the wireless gift recipient system of an electronic gift certificate. In an exemplary gift redemption method, the control system receives a gift redemption request for goods/services from a point-of-sale (POS) system, sends an authentication request addressed to the wireless gift recipient system by way of text message or other format, receives an authentication confirmation originating from the wireless gift recipient, and sends a redemption authorization to the vendor POS system.

Abstract: An electronic commerce system managing sale and distribution of products over the Internet or other type of network. In order to prevent attempts by users to fraudulently obtain the products, system analyzes the information submitted by the users in connection with stored and associated information in an order to determine that likelihood that the order is an attempt at fraud. Based upon the determination, system accepts or declines the order. The system also saves the user-entered information for use in determining whether to accept to decline future orders.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.

Abstract: A purchasing capability is provided for supporting purchasing by a customer from an establishment, which may include functions such as placement of orders, processing of orders, and like functions. An order is placed from a mobile node (MN) of the customer to an application server (AS) of the establishment to which the order is placed. The AS may process the order for determining whether or not to accept the order and, where accepted, for completing the order. A payment commitment verification process may be used for verifying the commitment of the customer to pay for the order. The placement and processing of the order may be performed using an ordering application supported by the MN and the AS. The communication in support of the purchasing capability may be facilitated using a cellular serving node (CSN) configured for communicating with both the MN and the AS wirelessly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a self-checkout terminal includes a reading unit, a registration processing unit, a determining unit, a checking unit, and a settlement processing unit. The reading unit reads a data code. The registration processing unit acquires sales limitation information. The determining unit determines, according to the limitation information, whether the commodity is subjected to sales limitation. The checking unit transmits, when it is determined that the commodity is subjected to the sales limitation, data for checking whether a limit condition is satisfied and determines whether data of completion of the check is returned. The settlement processing unit inhibits shift to settlement processing for the commodity subjected to the sales limitation and enables, when the checking unit determines that the data of the completion of the check is received, the shift to the settlement processing for the commodity and subjects the commodity to the settlement processing.

Abstract: Provided are a goods buying and selling method for buying goods through offline shopping and a shopping support system supporting the same. A buyer collects delivery information for delivery of bought goods based on short-range wireless communication using his or her own terminal. The collected delivery information includes any one of information about a destination to which bought goods are to be delivered and buyer identifier information, and information about the bought goods, and at least one of a payment terminal, a merchant server and a relay server requests delivery of the bought goods from a delivery server based on the collected delivery information. In addition, the buyer collects goods purchase information recorded in recording media arranged in an offline store using his or her own terminal, and pays for desired bought goods based on the collected goods purchase information.

Abstract: A method for partially verifying the legitimacy of a remote purchase request based on a card number from a card issuing financial institution. The method includes receiving and storing a first purchase request information set including an origin and a card number. Further, the origin and the card number are sent to the card issuing financial institution to determine if the origin matches an origin on file for the card number at the card issuing financial institution.

Abstract: A method of and device for enabling the requisitioning of items over a network. The network is coupled to a server, thereby allowing communication between the server and a generating-user, a requisitioning-user and an initiating-user. The server generates a requisition template in response to input received from the generating-user. The server sends an initial e-mail message to the requisitioning-user's e-mail address in response to direction received from the initiating-user. The initial e-mail message includes the requisition template. The initial e-mail message is configured to result in the creation of a reply e-mail message in response to the requisitioning-user selecting to reply to the initial e-mail message from the e-mail application that is accessing the initial e-mail message, the reply e-mail message including the requisition template.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a user may, via a processing device, indicate a desire to purchase a feature of an installed software product. A purchase request may be sent to an e-commerce server, or other server. The purchase request may be validated and information concerning the software product, the feature of the software product, and the processing device may be stored. Enabling information may be sent to the processing device to enable the feature of the software product. In some embodiments, the user may request a trial of a feature of a software product before purchasing the feature. In other embodiments, the user may deactivate a purchased feature of a software product on one processing device and may activate the purchased feature of the software product on a different processing device.

Abstract: A method for selecting a service provider includes receiving a selection of a provider of telecommunications services, the selection being associated with a buyer. The method further includes determining that the buyer does not meet credit requirements of the provider and selecting at least one of a plurality of alternative providers of telecommunications services in response to determining that the buyer does not meet the credit requirements of the provider.

Abstract: Guaranteed funds from a buyer are held until a delivery to the buyer is confirmed by a payment provider. The funds are then released to the seller immediately upon confirmation. Confirmation may be accomplished by the buyer entering an identifier upon delivery or some other confirmation by the shipper, where the identifier was provided to the buyer during the transaction with the seller. In other embodiments, the identifier generated by the payment provider is provided partially to the buyer and partially to the seller. Upon receiving a match of the identifier from the buyer and seller on delivery, buyer funds are released to the seller.

Abstract: Method and apparatus regarding referral services are described. Further embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of effecting a sale over a computer network in which it is determined whether a user passes fraud control before effecting a sale over a computer network. Information associated with a method of payment, such as credit card information, debit card information, checking account information, a telephone service account, a cable television account, a utility service account, or an Internet service provider account, is requested from the user after the user passes the fraud control. Information associated with the method of payment is received from the user in real time. Method-of-payment information is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. The method-of-payment information includes the received information associated with the method of payment. Payment authorization information associated with the method of payment is received from the payment authorization database.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching the buyer with a seller. An item locator system that comprises a repository of information about items for purchase may be provided over a network for users to access information about items for purchase. Along with each item, the system presents an incentive that may be realized if that item is purchased from a designated third party seller. The user then executes the purchase with the seller, who pays the system the agreed upon fee and also issues a certification of purchase to the buyer. The user may then take the certification of purchase back to the central repository to redeem the incentive. The item locator system then checks to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item. The fee or commission may be based on the price of the item, such as if the item is a new house for sale and the seller is a new house builder.

Abstract: A system is provided for multiple retailers to participate in restricted spend financial transaction card programs. A retailer infrastructure includes a point of sale server coupled to a store concentrator and to a product tables/price book(s). An adjudication processor is coupled to the retailer infrastructure and includes: a switch, a market basket analysis server that validates items in a market basket and a process control server. The market basket analysis server is coupled to product catalogs and validates eligible items in the market basket. Content attributes in the market basket are communicated between the market basket analysis server and the switch. A catalog management server is coupled to the adjudication processor. The switch, market basket analysis server, catalog management server and the process control server are configured to provide adjudication.

Abstract: A method of effecting a sale over a computer network in which it is determined whether a user passes fraud control before effecting a sale over a computer network. Information associated with a method of payment, such as credit card information, debit card information, checking account information, a telephone service account, a cable television account, a utility service account, or an Internet service provider account, is requested from the user after the user passes the fraud control. Information associated with the method of payment is received from the user in real time. Method-of-payment information is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. The method-of-payment information includes the received information associated with the method of payment. Payment authorization information associated with the method of payment is received from the payment authorization database.

Abstract: Under the present invention, an approver will log into a purchase application or the like. Upon logging in, the approver will be presented with a view of all item requests for which he/she must make an approval determination. The approver can also be presented with informational messages for the requested items. In any event, the approver can make an approval determination for the item requests and post comments related thereto. Once the approval determination has been made for a particular item request, an approver list and approval status corresponding thereto is updated. It should be understood that as used herein, the term “item” is intended to refer to goods or services.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-step authentication-based electronic payment method using a mobile terminal. Order request information of a product is sequentially transmitted to an affiliated store server and a PG company server, and the product and a relevant affiliated store are verified. A mobile communication company server primarily authenticates the user, and the PG company server generates an OTP. The OTP is transmitted to allow the PG company server to secondarily authenticate the user using the OTP. The affiliated store server requests the PG company server to confirm information about a payment for the product and information about authentication of the user, and the PG company server confirms payment and authentication information. The affiliated store server requests the PG company server to process payment for the product, the PG company server requests the mobile communication company server to process payment, and the mobile communication company server processes requested payment.

Abstract: Under the present invention, user-initiated and system-initiated item request are received by a “purchasing/requisition application” or the like. Upon receipt, a set of tables are populated using data within the requests. Thereafter the item requests are processed with the system-initiated item requests typically being processed in batch. Should an error arise in processing one of the system-initiated item requests (e.g., due to lack of supplier/approver, or a data level error within the request), the failed system-initiated request is placed into a failed request queue. Upon demand, an administrator can be presented with a view of the failed request queue so that he/she can see all requests that have failed. The system could also allow the administrator to view and edit the data corresponding to any of the user-initiated or system-initiated requests. Any views that are presented to the administrator are presented within a single browser window for GWA compliance.

Abstract: A method of and device for enabling the requisitioning of items over a network. The network is coupled to a server, thereby allowing communication between the server and a generating-user, a requisitioning-user and an initiating-user. The server generates a requisition template in response to input received from the generating-user. The server sends an initial e-mail message to the requisitioning-user's e-mail address in response to direction received from the initiating-user. The initial e-mail message includes the requisition template. The initial e-mail message is configured to result in the creation of a reply e-mail message in response to the requisitioning-user selecting to reply to the initial e-mail message from the e-mail application that is accessing the initial e-mail message, the reply e-mail message including the requisition template.

Abstract: A dynamic pricing system for pricing items for sale by a seller which items are available in a limited quantity comprises a pricing server and various types of data stored in memory. The pricing server includes memory, a processor and a clock. One type of data stored in memory is indicative of the initial quantity of an item available in a limited quantity. Another type of data stored in memory is indicative of the current remaining quantity of the item available in a limited quantity. Yet another type of data stored in memory is indicative of an expiration time at which it is desired that all of the item available in a limited quantity be sold. The processor is configured to price the item available in a limited quantity so as to deplete the inventory of the item available in a limited quantity by the expiration date based in part by accessing the memory to retrieve the data indicative of the initial quantity, the current remaining quantity and the expiration time and accessing the clock.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.

Abstract: A lens order system, includes: a server unit, including: a data recognizer that recognizes lens design detail data relating to design details of a lens; an image storage that stores object image data relating to an image of an object; an image recognizer that recognizes the object image data based on the lens design detail data; and an order reception section that recognizes order data relating to an order for a designed lens and generates order reception data, and a terminal unit connected with the server unit in a data transmittable manner, the terminal unit including: a data acquiring section that acquires the lens design detail data; a lens design section that designs the lens based on the lens design detail data; an image processor that superposes lens image data relating to an image of the designed lens designed by the lens design section on the object image data sent from the server unit and generates processed image data in which a superposing portion of the object image data and the lens image data i

Abstract: A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A lens order system, includes: a server unit including: a data recognizer that recognizes lens design detail data on setting details of a lens; an image data recognizer that recognizes image data on an image; a lens design section that designs the lens based on the lens design detail data; an image processor that creates processed image data in which lens image data on an image of the designed lens is superposed on the image data and a superposing portion of the image data and the lens image data is image-processed to show a vision of the image data through the designed lens; and an order reception section that recognizes order data on an order of the designed lens and generates order reception data; and a terminal unit connected with the server unit in a data transmittable manner, the terminal unit including: a data acquiring section that acquires the lens design detail data; a display controller that recognizes and displays on a display the processed image data sent from the server unit; and an order sectio

Abstract: A system for remotely authenticating credit card transactions of a consumer comprises at least one subsystem that alerts the consumer via a communication device of the consumer when a credit card transaction that meets certain criteria is being attempted on the consumer's credit card account. Also, a system for remotely authenticating credit card transactions of a consumer may comprise at least one subsystem that receives an authorization request from a merchant for completing the credit card transaction and at least one subsystem that disallows the transaction to complete if a response is received from the consumer rejecting the transaction. The communication device may be a cell phone, computer, PDA, land line telephone, or any other communication device.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of commercial website accounts maintained by a supplier of goods or services includes receiving a structure via a first computer screen, where the structure specifies a relationship between a first one of the plurality of commercial website accounts and a second one of the plurality of commercial website accounts, so that the first one of the plurality of website accounts is configured to be a parent account of the second of the plurality of website accounts defining a child account; linking the child account and the parent account in accordance with the received structure in response to a command received via the first computer screen; receiving a rule that regulates a purchase of goods or services by a user of the child account via a second computer screen, where the received rule specifies an action associated with a user of the parent account; automatically detecting that the user of the child account has placed an order at the commercial website; and processing the order

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein which that enable a first party, such as a child, to selected one or more items offered by an online retailer and to send a request to a second party, such as a parent or guardian, to request that the second party purchase the item or items for the first party. The systems and methods provide the second party with the ability to view requests received from the first party, to set limits on the number of requests and the amounts of the requests that the first party may make. The second party may also designate the parties to whom the first party may submit purchase requests. The child may also submit request to one or more non-parental contributors who may contribute money toward the purchase the one or more items for the child.

Abstract: A portable intelligent shopping device which can be worn as a wristwatch or carried on a belt. It makes paying for purchases more secure. The device stores the wearer's private key and digital certificate. It can also store the public keys of various stores. When the wearer (shopper) buys something from a store, the store can request a payment of the appropriate amount from the wearer's watch. The authorization for payment of the amount specified by the request for payment may be transmitted using IR or RF. The watch can then display the amount and request the shopper to confirm the transaction by entering a PIN number by tapping on the touch screen or using the roller wheel. Once the correct PIN is entered, the watch can send a message to the store authorizing payment of the requested amount. The store can verify the message based on the shopper's encrypted certificate by decrypting it using the shopper's public key.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for managing purchasing orders for a plurality of items to be purchased is shown. The system includes a computer implemented purchase order management interface, the purchase order management interface configured to display data associated with a plurality of purchase orders, a purchase order generation application configured to allow a user to generate a new purchase order or modify an existing purchase order, a purchase order procurement application configured to allow a user to obtain financing for purchase order that has failed a budget check, and an event-driven purchase order controlling application configured to allow a user to review existing purchase orders for event-driven information related to the purchase order.

Abstract: A design-time status schema model describes the progress of a data object through a computing process. The status schema model includes status variables, processing actions and constraints for performing actions. The status schema model also may describe permitted changes to a status variable in response to performing an action. At runtime, the status schema model is used to control processing performed by, or on, an instance of a data object corresponding to the status schema model.

Abstract: A method and system for conditional transactions (purchases/financial transactions) are provided. The system may include of these types of cards, to include but not limited to, credit, debit, gift, stored-value, charge, ATM or may use mobile devices with NFC in a swipe and go mode, or other types of mobile payment systems. The system provides one or more master accounts wherein each master account is tied to and control one or more subordinated accounts. Each subordinated account may have a configurable/customizable set of permissions defined by the master account. The subordinated account holder would optionally require permission from the master account holder to complete a purchase/financial transaction. The master account holder would have an extensible number of configurable/customizable permission rules to choose from for each subordinate account.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for assisting in automatically identifying and handling erroneous orders is described. In some situations, an automatic identification is made of received orders from users that are duplicates of one or more other orders recently placed by those users. When orders are identified as being potentially erroneous, fulfillment of those orders may be delayed while automatically querying the users to obtain manual confirmation to continue with the order fulfillment. In other situations, other types of orders are analyzed, orders are identified as being potentially erroneous in other ways, and such orders are handled in ways other than based on querying for a manual confirmation or rejection response. 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 method of entering purchase order data includes receiving first data associated with an item. The first data comprises data entered by a user using a graphical user interface associated with a computerized purchasing system for at least one of products and services. The method also includes transferring the first data to a purchase order list in response to a single user input command facilitated by the graphical user interface, and displaying the first data and second data associated with the item as a purchase order list line item in the purchase order list using the graphical user interface in response to the single user input command. The second data includes at least one of data stored in the computerized purchasing system and data generated by the computerized purchasing system based on the first data.

Abstract: A computer performs a method of communicating with a referral server to identify configurables available to the computer based on the computer's location and at least one other factor. The computer receives a list of provider servers selected by the referral server for referring to the computer because the provider servers on the list auto-configure configurables in the computer's location and according to the at least one other factor. The method communicates with a provider server selected from the list to purchase a selected configurable and to auto-configure the computer's computing environment to operate the selected configurable. The method communicates with the referral server to provide a metric about the provider server's performance during purchase and auto-configure.