Business transactions using the internet

• US 6,868,395 B1
• Filed: 12/22/1999
• Issued: 03/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aspect Software Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cim Ltd. (F. Walther Electrics Ltd.)
• Inventors: Walder, Karl A., Gil, Boguslaw, Szlam, Aleksander
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Greene, Daniel L.
• Application Number:
  US09/469,587
• Time in Patent Office: 1,910 Days
• Field of Search: 705/27, 705/26, 705400-408, 709217-219, 709/238
• US Class Current: 705/26.82
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0637 Approvals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces

Abstract

In a campaign, a customer'"'"'s file is reviewed to determine the offer or solicitation to send to the customer and the time such will remain open, and an e-mail message is sent to the customer that contains the offer or solicitation in text, a packet, or a URL address for a protected personalized web page (501). The packet may be opened on-line or off-line allowing the customer to provide information or terms that are subsequently sent to (505) the originator. Alternatively, such information is obtained via the protected, personalized web page to which the customer is referred. If the customer provides acceptable information and terms (510, 515), the transaction is completed (520).

Claims

1. A method for conducting business, comprising the steps of:

establishing a web site customized for an individual;

sending a first message to said individual inviting said individual to visit said customized web site;

receiving a request from said individual to visit said customized web site;

sending a first web page to said individual, said first web page allowing said individual to download a first packet, said first packet including a plurality of transaction terms;

receiving a request from said individual to download said first packet;

sending said first packet to said individual;

receiving a request from said individual to upload a second packet, said second packet being based upon said first packet;

sending approval to said individual to upload said second packet;

receiving said second packet from said individual;

inspecting said second packet for selected transaction terms;

determining whether said selected transaction terms are acceptable; and

sending a second message to said individual indicating approval or rejection of said selected transaction terms.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of sending said first packet comprises generating said first packet by including a plurality of said transaction terms.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of sending said first packet comprises generating said first packet by including a plurality of said transaction terms, and wherein said step of determining whether said transaction terms which were selected are acceptable comprises comparing said selected transaction terms with limits on said transaction terms.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of sending said first packet comprises generating said first packet by including a software applications program.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of sending said first packet comprises generating said first packet by including a software applications program and a plurality of transaction terms.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of sending said first packet comprises generating said first packet by including a software applications program, a plurality of transaction terms, and predetermined limits for said transaction terms.

7. The method claim 1, wherein said step of sending a message to said individual inviting said individual to visit said customized web site includes providing said individual with information to access said customized web site via an identification code.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of determining whether said transaction terms are acceptable further comprises determining whether said transaction terms were received in a timely manner.