Modular web-based ASP application for multiple products

• US 20070225992A1
• Filed: 10/05/2006
• Published: 09/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dun & Bradstreet Corp., DUN & Bradstreet Incorporated (Dun & Bradstreet Corp.), Hoover's Incorporated (Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
• Inventors: Urriola, Jesus, Hayenhjelm, Amy, Tyagi, Prashant, Tam, Robert, Iacavone, Michele, Sirigos, Angelo, Ingerman, David, Gutierrez, Angel, Davidchik, Joseph, Templin, Liz, Palmieri, David, Kaufman, Jeffrey, Harris, Curt, Kinkel, Peter, Gastauer, Keith, Davis, Ruth, Benjamin, Busse, Paradkar, Omcar
• Granted Patent: US 7,708,196 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/7
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/06 Asset management; Financial planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

A method of providing business information data to a user, including allowing the user unlimited access to interactive, customizable modular applications through a single platform. The applications interface with a database to provide real-time business information data to the user, the business information data relating to an entity and being based on a unique corporate identification number associated with the entity.

Claims

1. A method of providing business information data to a user, the method comprising:

allowing a user unlimited access to interactive, customizable modular applications through a single platform;

wherein the applications interface with a database to provide real-time business information data to the user, the business information data relating to an entity and being based on a unique corporate identification number associated with the entity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the modular applications comprise an application providing company information, monitoring, and portfolio analysis.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the modular applications comprise an application providing automated credit decisioning and workflow.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the modular applications comprise an application providing automated account management.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the modular applications comprise a collections application.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises an XML-based interface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a web-based interface.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring a single subscription fee prior to allowing the user to access the modular applications.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the subscription fee is determined based on criteria selected from the group consisting of:

frequency of use, types of products used, modeled opportunity use in the future, and any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the applications are embedded in a third-party application.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the applications are selected from the group consisting of:

credit applications, marketing and sales applications, supplier applications, and any combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of products comprises services.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the services are selected from the group consisting of:

support services, outsourcing, advice, custom modeling, and any combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the services are managed by a provider company.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer is able to request financials from other businesses, leverage a standard universal credit application and capture business data.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer is able to customize the type of business information data to be displayed as well as how and where the business information data is displayed.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the business information data comprises information selected from the group consisting of:

an entity identifying number, a financial stress indicator, risk distribution information, risk trend information, and any combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing alerts to the customer when the business information data changes, based on parameters set by the customer.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the business information data comprises a visual representation illustrating the relationships between business entities.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the each business entity has a visual representation signifying a risk status of the entity.