Abstract:
A method and system of associating product codes with product characteristics, and using those product codes to send and recieve information about those characteristics to destinations on a network.
Abstract:
A method and system of associating product codes with product characteristics, and using those product codes to send and receive information about those characteristics to destinations on a network when the values of those characteristics change.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for providing an evaluation of a plurality of information sites to a user over a packet-switched network when the user submits a search request through a user interface device in communication with the packet-switched network. The method begins by acquiring a search result, responsive to the search request, which includes network addresses for the plurality of information sites. Next, a plurality of individuals are selected who were previously in communication with at least one of the information sites over the packet-switched network and who meet at least one predefined criterion selected by the user. A plurality of evaluations of at least one of the information sites is retrieved from a database, which are provided by the plurality of individuals. Finally, a rating based on the evaluations is forwarded to the user over the packet-switched network.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is provided for managing communications between an end user seeking to communicate over an open network with at least one member meeting a prescribed set of criteria established by the end user. The end user and the member are registered members of a common service. The method begins by receiving over the open network an end user request generated by the end user. The end user request includes the prescribed set of criteria. Next, a profile of characteristics of a plurality of members are stored in a database. Each profile is associated with an address corresponding to a particular member. The database is searched to generate a search result containing at least one candidate member with characteristics which correspond to the end user request. Finally, an electronic address is transmitted to the end user or the candidate member so that the end user or candidate member can initiate online communication with the other.