METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ONLINE SERVICES AND SOFTWARE
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for providing an online service over a network, comprising:
- receiving a request to utilize the online service and a scratchcard identifier, wherein the scratchcard identifier is provided to the user on a concealed information area of a scratchcard;
authenticating the scratchcard identifier against a list of valid identifiers;
decreasing a prepaid balance associated with the scratchcard identifier; and
providing the online service, wherein the online service includes two-way interaction between the user and a service provider over the network.
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Abstract
A method and system provides online software and services via prepaid scratchcards. Users may pay for online software and services with prepaid scratchcards. For example, online services may include accounting, legal, and auditing services. For example, online software may include productivity and business software. For example, online services and software may be provided on a subscription basis. Use of scratchcards may improve availability of software and services to more users, protect user security, and facilitate gifting between users.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for providing an online service over a network, comprising:
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receiving a request to utilize the online service and a scratchcard identifier, wherein the scratchcard identifier is provided to the user on a concealed information area of a scratchcard; authenticating the scratchcard identifier against a list of valid identifiers; decreasing a prepaid balance associated with the scratchcard identifier; and providing the online service, wherein the online service includes two-way interaction between the user and a service provider over the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for providing an online software over a network, comprising:
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a scratchcard including a scratchcard identifier in a concealed information area; a network interface in communication with a user over a network; and a server, the server configured to, receive a request to utilize the online software and the scratchcard identifier, authenticate the scratchcard identifier against a list of valid identifiers, decrease a prepaid balance associated with the scratchcard identifier, and provide the online software, wherein the online software executes at the server and interacts with the user over the network. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer-readable medium including instructions adapted to execute a method for providing an online service over a network, the method comprising:
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receiving a request to utilize the online service and a scratchcard identifier, wherein the scratchcard identifier is provided to the user on a concealed information area of a scratchcard; authenticating the scratchcard identifier against a list of valid identifiers; decreasing a prepaid balance associated with the scratchcard identifier; and providing the online service, wherein the online service includes two-way interaction between the user and a service provider over the network. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification