Systems and methods for management of contact information

• US 8,280,913 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2005
• Issued: 10/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James P. Bergin
• Original Assignee: James P. Bergin
• Inventors: Bergin, James P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Singh, Amresh
• Application Number:
  US11/628,886
• Publication Number:
  US 20080222127A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,672 Days
• Field of Search: 707/10, 707/793
• US Class Current: 707/793
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/27 Replication, distribution or synchronisation of data between databases or within a distributed database system; Distributed database system architectures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9017 using directory or table look-up use of a directory or look-up table in file systems G06F16/13
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9538 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6227 where protection concerns the structure of data, e.g. records, types, queries
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management

Abstract

Systems and methods for the management of contact information, which may include automatic transfer processes (102,103), automatic update processes, automatic customization processes, automatic delivery processes (1061,1062,1063), automatic storage processes (101), automatic portability processes (106), and/or automatic radial mining processes.

Claims

1. A system for the management of contact information, said system, for use with devices, comprising:

a database having, for a plurality of users of the system, first storage spaces for storing said users'"'"' outgoing contact information profiles and, for at least some of said users, second storage spaces for storing incoming contact information profiles, said database also configured to store preferences for at least some of said users, and wherein said database includes a directory for searching of contact information profiles, said directory including said users'"'"' outgoing contact information profiles that are searchable by one or more other said users of the system, and wherein at least some of said users may set preferences with respect to accessibility of their outgoing contact information profiles in said directory;

an Internet interface linked to said database and enabling interactions, via the Internet, between said database and a plurality of said devices, at least some of said plurality of said devices being equipped with a reader, wherein said interactions include interactions that result from said readers'"'"' reading a contact information profile in machine-readable form present on a conveyor, said reading allowing for receipt of a communication including a return contact information profile for finding in said database a said contact information profile corresponding to said contact information profile in machine-readable form, said return contact information profile either one of containing or allowing for receiving of one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile; and

a communications gateway linked to said database for either sending to or receiving from said devices, or both, communications via either the Internet or other public communications networks, or both.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profiles are configured to be transferrable by a said user in either one of a direct interaction, a communication, or both, with another said user via the Internet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profiles are configured to be transferrable by a said user in a direct communication with another said user via other public communications networks.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profiles are configured to be savable on at least some of said devices and to be uploadable from a first said user'"'"'s device for transmission using close-proximity data transmission technologies directly to a second said user'"'"'s device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept search requests submitted by said users, using said devices, through said Internet interface;

(b) said database arranged to search said directory and

(c) present search results to said users through said Internet interface; and

wherein

(d) said database is further configured to enable downloading of said contact information profiles from said directory and present a selected contact information profile in said search results for downloading to said users'"'"' devices in use.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept search requests submitted by said users, using said devices, through said communications gateway;

(b) said database being arranged to search said directory and;

(c) to present search results to said users through said communications gateway; and

,

(d) wherein said database is configured to enable downloading of said contact information profiles from said directory and present a selected contact information profile in said search results for downloading to said users'"'"' devices in use.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept search requests submitted by said users, using said devices;

(b) said database being arranged to search said directory; and

(c) present search results to said users.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein

(a) at least some of said contact information profiles stored in said database are arranged to include contact information data provided by said users;

(b) said database is configured to accept a search request submitted by a first said user, using a said device, through said Internet interface; and

(c) present said search results to said first user through said Internet interface, where one or more of said search results excludes from display to said first user some or all of said contact information data contained in said contact information profiles corresponding to said search results;

(d) at the request of said first user, said database configured to deliver to a second said user corresponding to a selected said search result a message through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both, where said message identifies said first user and requests said second user'"'"'s permission to establish a connection between said first user and said second user; and

,

(e) said database further configured such that, if said second user responds positively to said request, said database facilitates the exchange of contact information profiles between said first user and said second user, whereby said outgoing contact information profile of each said user is stored as an incoming contact information profile in said second storage space of the other said user.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said users include both individual users and business users, and, with respect to said business users searching said directory, said database may be arranged either to prevent the presentation to said business users of said search results corresponding to said individual users or to prevent said business users from making said requests to establish said connections with said individual users.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein a said user'"'"'s said preferences with respect to accessibility include preferences governing either who among other said users searching said directory may view search results corresponding to said user or who among other said users searching said directory may make said request to establish a connection with said user, or both.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept a search request submitted by a first said user, using a said device, through said Internet interface via the Internet;

and

(b) present search results to said first user through said Internet interface;

(c) wherein said system is configured to enable said first user to take one or more actions with respect to a desired search result among said search results that results in a said outgoing contact information profile of a second said user corresponding to said desired search result being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said first user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said system is further configured such that, in connection with said first user taking said one or more actions that results in said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said first user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, said system presents a message to one or more other said users radially connected to said first user, said message including said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said system'"'"'s presentation of said messages, whereby said first user may set preferences governing which other said users, if any, are to be presented said message.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein, in connection with said messages, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said first user and said other users radially connected to said first user.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said system is further configured to enable said second user to send promotional updates to one or more of said first users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming contact information profile, said promotional updates including said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to such said first users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said database is further configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding their receipt of said promotional updates, whereby a such said first user may set preferences indicating that said system should not present to such said first user said promotional updates sent by said second user.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said system is further configured to enable said second user to choose one or more targeting options to restrict the delivery of a said promotional update to fewer than all of such said first users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming contact information profile.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein one or more of said targeting options relate to the locations of such said first users.

19. The system of claim 7, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept a search request submitted by a said user through said Internet interface, wherein said device is a mobile device;

(b) said database configured to generate, or be provided, or both, information concerning a current location of said user while using said mobile device; and

(c) said database further configured to present search results to said user through said Internet interface, said search results prioritized based, at least in part, on said current location of said user while using said mobile device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, at least some of said outgoing contact information profiles are arranged to include one or more fields of information for inclusion of business category information, and wherein, in submitting said search request, said user is prompted to select one of a plurality of business categories presented to said user, and wherein, said search results are prioritized based, at least in part, on said business category selected by said user.

21. The system of claim 7, wherein

(a) said database is configured to accept a search request submitted by a said user, using a said device, through said communications gateway;

and

(b) said database also configured to present search results to said user through said communications gateway.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein said search request is a short messaging service communication.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein at least some of said outgoing contact information profiles include one or more fields of information, and wherein, said search request includes one or more search fields corresponding to said one or more fields of information.

24. The system of claim 7, wherein said database is configured to present personalized search results to a first said user.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said database is configured to prioritize in said search results said outgoing contact information profiles, if any, of other said users radially connected to said first user.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein said database is also configured to prioritize in said search results said contact information profiles, if any, in which said other users radially connected to said first user have expressed an interest.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein said database is configured to inform said first user of an identity of one or more said other users radially connected to said first user through whom said first user is linked to a said contact information profile corresponding to a said search result.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein, in connection with said prioritizing in said search results, said database makes assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said first user and said other users radially connected to said first user.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said contact information profiles are configured to be downloadable to at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to accept search requests submitted by said users, using said devices;

(c) said database being arranged to search said directory and;

(d) present search results to said users; and

,

(e) wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of contact information profiles and to distribute selected contact information profiles in said search results to said users'"'"' registered devices, according to said users'"'"' preferences, including, where said users'"'"' devices in use are registered devices and where said contact information profiles are not otherwise downloaded to said devices in use, to said devices in use.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein, on behalf of a said user, said database is configured to automatically construct a search request for searching said directory, using data from said user apart from data stored in said user'"'"'s said second storage space, and to present to said user, through said Internet interface via the Internet, search results identifying one or more other said users whose outgoing contact information profiles are in said directory.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes and further to be savable on at least some of said devices, such that when said contact information profile is saved on a said device, or in either one of a said user'"'"'s first or second storage spaces, or in both, in said database, said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously stored therein.

32. The system of claim 1, herein said second storage spaces in said database are arranged to include address books, and wherein said contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be savable on at least some of said devices, such that when a said contact information profile is saved as an incoming contact information profile on a said user'"'"'s device, or in said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, or both, said incoming contact information profile merges in a single address book entry with contact information profiles having common user identification codes, if any, previously stored therein.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profile is arranged to include an expiration date and erases on said expiration date.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein said contact information profile has displayable related information.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said contact information profiles are configured to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further configured to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive information from said device, relating to a first user'"'"'s interacting with said database through said Internet interface via the Internet;

(c) said database is also configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s modifying and saving a selected outgoing contact information profile, where the now-updated contact information profile contains a stepped-up contact information profile version code and overwrites the now-outdated corresponding contact information profile in said user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database;

(d) said system receiving information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting recipients of said updated contact information profile;

(e) where said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding updating of contact information profiles and to compile a list of recipients of said updated contact information profile, said list including, for each listed recipient, preferences defining how said recipient is to receive said contact information profile;

(f) said database configured to deliver said list and said updated contact information profile to said communications gateway;

(g) said communications gateway configured to present said updated contact information profile for downloading to one or more said devices of each said recipient on said list, in a manner defined by each said recipient'"'"'s preferences, enabling said recipients'"'"' saving of said updated contact information profile on their said devices, where on each said device on which said contact information profile is saved, said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously saved thereon.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein said database, when said updated contact information profile is a promotional update, does not include on said list would-be recipients whose promotional update preferences indicate that they are not to receive said updated contact information profile.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said contact information profiles are configured to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further configured to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive information from said device, relating to a first user'"'"'s interacting with said database through said Internet interface via the Internet;

(c) said database is also configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s modifying and saving a selected outgoing contact information profile, where the now-updated contact information profile contains a stepped-up contact information profile version code and overwrites the now-outdated corresponding contact information profile in said user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database;

(d) said system receiving information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting recipients of said updated contact information profile;

(e) where said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding updating of contact information profiles and to compile a list of recipients of said updated contact information profile, said list including, for each listed recipient, preferences defining how said recipient is to receive said contact information profile; and

(f) for each listed recipient whose preferences indicate said updated contact information profile is to be presented through said Internet interface, said Internet interface configured to present said updated contact information profile for downloading to one or more said devices of each said recipient, enabling said recipients'"'"' saving of said updated contact information profile on their said devices, where on each said device on which said contact information profile is saved, said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously saved thereon.

38. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from said device, relating to a first user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet;

(b) said database configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s creating and saving a special-purpose outgoing contact information profile, where said contact information profile contains a special-purpose contact information profile type code and is stored in said user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database, and where said contact information profile is arranged to be savable on at least some of said devices; and

to

(c) receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting recipients of said special-purpose contact information profile;

(d) said database further configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding customization of contact information profiles and to compile a list of recipients of said special-purpose contact information profile, said list including, for each listed recipient, preferences defining how said recipient is to receive said contact information profile;

(e) said database arranged to deliver said list and said special-purpose contact information profile to said communications gateway;

(f) said communications gateway arranged to present said special-purpose contact information profile for downloading to one or more registered devices of each said recipient on said list, in a manner defined by each said recipient'"'"'s preferences,-enabling said recipients'"'"' saving of said special-purpose contact information profile on their said devices.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from said device, relating to a first user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet;

(b) said database configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s creating and saving a special-purpose outgoing contact information profile, where said contact information profile contains a special-purpose contact information profile type code and is stored in said user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database, and where said contact information profile is arranged to be savable on at least some of said devices; and

to

(c) receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting recipients of said special-purpose contact information profile;

(d) said database further configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding customization of contact information profiles and to compile a list of recipients of said special-purpose contact information profile, said list including, for each listed recipient, preferences defining how said recipient is to receive said contact information profile; and

(e) for each listed recipient whose preferences indicate said special-purpose contact information profile is to be presented through said Internet interface, said Internet interface configured to present said special-purpose contact information profile for downloading to one or more registered devices of each said recipient, enabling said recipients'"'"' saving of said special-purpose contact information profile on their said devices.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet;

(b) said database configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s creating and saving an outgoing advertisement, where said outgoing advertisement is arranged to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(c) said database also configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting potential recipients of said outgoing advertisement including by selecting one or more segmentation parameters to define a recipient profile;

(d) said database further configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said outgoing advertisements and to compile a list of said potential recipients of said advertisement including by searching for recipient profile matches and

(e) where said list includes on it one or more said potential recipients, said database configured to deliver said list and said advertisement to said communications gateway; and

,

(f) said communications gateway configured to present said advertisement to one or more of said potential recipients on said list via either the Internet or other public communications networks, or both, for downloading to one or more said devices of recipients from said list, in a manner defined by each said recipient'"'"'s preferences, enabling said recipients'"'"' saving of said advertisement on their said devices.

41. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet;

(b) said database configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s creating and saving an outgoing advertisement;

(c) said database also configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting potential recipients of said outgoing advertisement including by selecting one or more segmentation parameters to define a recipient profile;

(d) said database further configured to identify said potential recipients of said outgoing advertisement including by searching for recipient profile matches; and

(e) said database configured to present said advertisement to one or more of said potential recipients through said Internet interface.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein said database is configured to search for said recipient profile matches based on information stored in said database either in or as corresponding to, or both, other said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein said database is further configured to search for said recipient profile matches based on information stored in said database either in or as corresponding to, or both, said other users'"'"' said incoming contact information profiles.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein said system is configured to enable said first user, in selecting said potential recipients, to select a said segmentation parameter to include in said recipient profile at least some of other said users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as a said incoming contact information profile.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein said system is also configured to enable said first user, in selecting said potential recipients, to select a said segmentation parameter to exclude from said recipient profile at least some of other said users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as a said incoming contact information profile.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein said system is further configured to enable said first user, in selecting said potential recipients, to select a said segmentation parameter to include in said recipient profile other said users who are radially connected in the first degree to one or more other said users who are radially connected in the first degree to said first user.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein, in connection with said identification of said potential recipients of said outgoing advertisement, said database makes assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said users radially connected in the first degree to said first user and said users radially connected in the first degree to them.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein said system is further configured such that, if said outgoing advertisement is presented to a said user who is radially connected in the first degree to another said user who is radially connected in the first degree to said first user, then said outgoing advertisement may be presented together with information identifying such said user who is radially connected in the first degree to said first user.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein said database is configured to store preferences for at least some of said users regarding disclosure of identities, whereby a said user who is radially connected in the first degree to said first user may prohibit the disclosure of said user'"'"'s identity to other said users to whom said outgoing advertisement is presented.

50. The system of claim 42, wherein said database is configured to search for said recipient profile matches upon the occurrence of a triggering event.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein said triggering event is a said other user'"'"'s provision of an update to said database.

52. The system of claim 42, wherein said system is configured to enable one or more recipients of said outgoing advertisement, when interacting with said database through said Internet interface via the Internet, to take one or more actions with respect to said advertisement that results in said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said second storage spaces of said recipients.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein said system is further configured to enable said first user to send promotional updates to one or more said recipients in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming conact information profile, said promotional updates including said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to such said recipients through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding their receipt of said promotional updates, whereby a such said recipient may set preferences indicating that said system should not present to such said recipient promotional updates sent by said first user.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein said system is further configured to enable said first user to choose one or more targeting options to restrict the delivery of a said promotional update to fewer than all of such said recipients in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming contact information profile.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein one or more of said targeting options relate to the locations of such said recipients.

57. The system of claim 53, wherein said system is further configured such that, in connection with a said recipient taking said one or more actions that results in said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said recipient'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, said system presents a message to one or more other said users radially connected to said recipient, said message including said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said system'"'"'s presentation of said messages, whereby said recipient may set preferences governing which other said users, if any, are to be presented said message.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein, in connection with said messages, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said recipient and said other users radially connected to said recipient.

60. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further arranged to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s saving an incoming contact information profile on said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said saved incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding storage of incoming contact information profiles in said second storage spaces in said database and to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said storage of said corresponding contact information profile in said second storage space in said database; and

,

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that said corresponding contact information profile is to be stored in said second storage space, said database configured to store said contact information profile in said second storage space, wherein said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously stored therein.

61. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s deleting an incoming contact information profile from said device, said communication eluding data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said deleted incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding storage of incoming contact information profiles in said second storage spaces in said database and to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said storage of said corresponding contact formation profile in said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database; and

,

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that said corresponding contact information profile is not to be stored in said second storage space, said database configured to search in said second storage space for said contact information profile and, if stored therein, erase said contact information profile from said second storage space.

62. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s saving an incoming contact information profile on said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said saved incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of incoming contact information profiles to said users'"'"' said devices and to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said distribution of said corresponding contact information profile to said user'"'"'s registered devices;

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that said corresponding contact information profile is to be distributed to said devices, said database configured to deliver said contact information profile to said communications gateway, defining to said communication gateway how said user is to receive said contact information profile; and

,

(e) said communications gateway configured to present said corresponding contact information profile for downloading to one or more of said user'"'"'s said devices, in a manner defined by said user'"'"'s preferences, enabling said user'"'"'s saving of said corresponding contact information profile on said devices, where on each said device on which said user saves said contact information profile, said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously saved thereon.

63. The system of claim 62, wherein said database is configured such that, where said communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s saving an incoming contact information profile on said device includes information indicating that said incoming contact information profile as saved on said user'"'"'s said device does not contain all information contained in a contact information profile corresponding thereto, said database presents said corresponding contact information profile having said more information for downloading to said user'"'"'s said device in use through said Internet interface via the Internet.

64. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s saving an incoming contact information profile on said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said saved incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of incoming contact information profiles to said users'"'"' said devices and further to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said distribution of said corresponding contact information profile to said user'"'"'s registered devices;

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that said corresponding contact information profile is to be distributed to said devices, said database configured to present said corresponding contact information profile through said Internet interface for downloading to one or more of said user'"'"'s said devices, enabling said user'"'"'s saving of said corresponding contact information profile on said devices, where on each said device on which said user saves said contact information profile, said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any, previously saved thereon.

65. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s deleting an incoming contact information profile from said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said deleted incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of clearing contact information profiles to said users'"'"' said devices and further to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said distribution of a corresponding clearing contact information profile to said user'"'"'s said devices;

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that a said corresponding clearing contact information profile is to be distributed to said devices, said database configured to create said corresponding clearing contact information profile;

(e) said database configured to deliver said corresponding clearing contact information profile to said communications gateway, together with said user'"'"'s preferences defining how said user is to receive said clearing contact information profile; and

,

(f) said communications gateway configured to present said clearing contact information profile for downloading to one or more of said user'"'"'s said devices, in a manner defined by said user'"'"'s preferences, enabling said user'"'"'s downloading of said clearing contact information profile to said devices, where on each said device to which said clearing contact information profile is downloaded, said clearing contact information profile erases a corresponding contact information profile, if any, previously saved thereon.

66. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be savable on at least some of said devices;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s deleting an incoming contact information profile from said device, said communication corresponding to said deleted incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of clearing contact information profiles to said users'"'"' said devices and further to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said distribution of a corresponding clearing contact information profile to said user'"'"'s registered devices; and

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that a said corresponding clearing contact information profile is to be distributed to said devices, said database configured to create said corresponding clearing contact information profile and to present said clearing contact information profile through said internet interface for downloading to one or more of said user'"'"'s said devices, enabling said user'"'"'s downloading of said clearing contact information profile to said devices, where on each said device to which said clearing contact information profile is downloaded said clearing contact information profile erases a corresponding contact information profile, if any, previously saved thereon.

67. The system of claim 1, wherein said Internet interface enables said users to access said incoming contact information profiles stored in said users'"'"' said second storage spaces in said database.

68. The system of claim 1, wherein said communications gateway enables said users to access said incoming contact information profiles stored in said users'"'"' said second storage spaces in said database.

69. The system of claim 1, wherein said system enables said users to arrange for group access to one or more of said users'"'"' said incoming contact information profiles, such that at least one said user allows access to at least one said incoming contact information profile stored in said user'"'"'s said second storage space by at least one other said user.

70. The system of claim 1, wherein said database is configured to yield, for a first said user, intelligence concerning said first said user'"'"'s relations to other said users, by mining said contact information profiles stored in said second storage spaces in said database of users radially connected to said first user.

71. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes;

(b) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interacting with said database via the Internet;

(c) said Internet interface further configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting one or more target contact information profiles; and

(d) receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting first-degree users;

(e) said database configured to compile a list of said first-degree users and, for each said first-degree user on said list, search for a contact information profile match in said first-degree user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database and where said database determines there is a said contact information profile match with respect to one or more of said first-degree users, said database generates a report of positive results; and

(f) where said database determines there is no said contact information profile match with respect to any of said first-degree users, said database configured to compile a list of second-degree users and, for each said second-degree user on said list, search for a said contact information profile match in said second-degree user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, where said database determines there is a said contact information profile match with respect to one or more of said second-degree users, said database generates a report of positive results.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein, in connection with said reporting of positive results, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between users.

73. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes;

(b) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interacting with said database via the Internet;

(c) said Internet interface further configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting a search function;

(d) and receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting first-degree users;

(e) said database configured to compile a list of first-degree users and, for each said first-degree user on said list, search for a contact information profile match in said first-degree user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, and where said database determines there is a said contact information profile match with respect to one or more of said first-degree users, said database generates a report of positive results; and

(f) where said database determines there is no said contact information profile match with respect to any of said first-degree users, said database compiles a list of second-degree users and, for each said second-degree user on said list, searches for a contact information profile match in said second-degree user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, where said database determines there is a said contact information profile match with respect to one or more of said second-degree users, said database generates a report of positive results.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein, in connection with said reporting of positive results, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between users.

75. The system of claim 1, wherein said database is configured to yield for a first said user, intelligence concerning said first user'"'"'s relations to other said users, by mining said contact information profiles stored in said first storage spaces in said database of users radially connected to said first user.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein

(a) said outgoing contact information profiles stored in said first storage spaces in said database are arranged to include travel itinerary information of said users to whom said outgoing contact information profiles correspond, said travel itinerary information including travel dates and destination, such that said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile includes said first user'"'"'s said travel itinerary information;

(b) said database configured to search said outgoing contact information profiles of one or more other said users radially connected in the first degree to said first user for travel itinerary information matches, a said travel itinerary information match occurring, with respect to a second said user among such said other users, when said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile includes said travel itinerary information, and when said second user'"'"'s said destination is either the same as or geographically proximate to said first user'"'"'s said destination, and further when said second user'"'"'s and said first user'"'"'s said travel dates at said destinations overlap; and

,

(c) said database further configured such that, where said database determines there is a said travel itinerary information match between said first user and said second user, said database presents to said first user a message through said Internet interface, said message including said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile.

77. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and at least some of said outgoing contact information profiles are arranged to include special-purpose contact information profile type codes;

(b) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interacting with said database via the Internet;

(c) said Internet interface further configured to receive information relating to said first user'"'"'s selecting a search function;

(d) said database configured to compile a list of first-degree users and, for each said first-degree user on said list, search for a special-purpose contact information profile match in said first-degree user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database, where said database determines there is a said special-purpose contact information profile match with respect to one or more of said first-degree users, said database generates a report of positive results.

78. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is configured to operate in conjunction with one or more connected contact information profile distributors.

79. The system of claim 78, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and contact information profile version codes, and further to be savable on at least some of said devices and to be storeable at least some of said connected contact information profile distributors;

(b) said database is configured to receive from said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s saving an incoming contact information profile on said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said saved incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding distribution of incoming contact information profiles to one or more said connected contact information profile distributors and further to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing preference concerning said distribution of said corresponding contact information profile to said connected contact information profile distributors; and

,

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that said corresponding contact information profile is to be distributed to one or more of said distributors, said database configured to distribute said contact information profile to said one or more of said distributors via the connection between them, in a manner defined by said user'"'"'s preferences, enabling the storing of said contact information profile at said distributors, where at each said distributor said contact information profile overwrites a corresponding contact information profile stored at said distributor for said user having a lesser contact information profile version code, if any.

80. The system of claim 78, wherein

(a) said incoming contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes, and further to be savable on at least some of said devices and to be storeable at least some of said connected contact information profile distributors;

(b) said database is configured to receive from a said user'"'"'s said device a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s deleting an incoming contact information profile from said device, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said incoming contact information profile;

(c) said database configured to store preferences for at least some of said users regarding distribution of incoming contact information profiles to one or more said connected contact information profile distributors and further to compile said user'"'"'s preferences to determine a prevailing prefirence concerning said distribution of a corresponding clearing contact information profile to said connected contact information profile distributors;

(d) where said prevailing preference indicates that a said corresponding incoming contact information profile is to he distributed to one or more of said distributors, said database is configured to create said corresponding clearing contact information profile and to distribute said clearing contact information profile to said one or more said distributors via the connection between them, in a manner defined by said user'"'"'s preferences, enabling the downloading of said clearing contact information profile to said distributors, where at each said distributor at which said clearing contact information profile is downloaded said clearing contact information profile erases a corresponding contact information profile stored for said user at said distributor, if any.

81. The system of claim 78 wherein, said contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be storeable at a said distributor, and said database is configured to receive from said distributor a communication generated in response to a said user'"'"'s storing of a said incoming contact information profile at said distributor, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile said corresponding to said stored incoming contact information profile.

82. The system of claim 78, wherein said contact information profiles are arranged to include user identification codes and to be storeable at a said distributor, and said database is configured to receive from said distributor a communication generated in response to said user'"'"'s deleting of a said incoming contact information profile at said distributor, said communication including data for finding in said database a contact information profile corresponding to said deleted incoming contact information profile.

83. The system of claim 78, wherein said database, in accordance with a said user'"'"'s said preferences with respect to accessibility, makes one or more of said user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profiles available to be searched through said connected contact information profile distributor, via the connection between them.

84. The system of claim 78, wherein said system is configured to generate a user profile for at least some of said users and to make said user profile available to a said connected contact information profile distributor, such that said connected contact information profile distributor may employ said user profile when a first said user is utilizing an Internet-based service of said connected contact information profile distributor.

85. The system of claim 84, wherein said user profile includes a list of one or more other said users radially connected to said first user.

86. The system of claim 85, wherein said user profile includes a list of one or more interests of said first user.

87. The system of claim 86, wherein said user profile includes a list of one or more contact information profiles in which said other users radially connected to said first user have expressed an interest.

88. The system of claim 87, wherein said user profile includes information relating to the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said first user and said other users radially connected to said first user.

89. The system of claim 85, wherein said connected contact information profile distributor is an Internet search engine.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein said system is configured to make said user profile available to said search engine, such that said search engine may employ said user profile to present personalized search results to said first user when said first user is utilizing said search engine to search for content included in said search engine'"'"'s index of searchable information.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein said search results prioritize said content, if any, of other said users radially connected to said first user.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein said search results prioritize said content, if any, in which said other users radially connected to said first user have expressed an interest.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein said search results include an identity of one or more said other users radially connected to said first user through whom said first user is linked to said content corresponding to a said search result.

94. The system of claim 76, wherein

(a) said connected contact information profile distributors are Internet websites;

(b) at least some of said contact information profiles are arranged such that they can be posted on said Internet websites, and further arranged to include information to locate a corresponding contact information profile in said database, such that a first said user may post said first said user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile on a said Internet website and one or more other said users may, when interacting with said Internet website via the Internet using said devices, take one or more actions with respect to said posted contact information profile that results in said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said other users'"'"' said second storage spaces in said database.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein said system is further configured to enable said first user to send promotional updates to one or more said other users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming contact information profile, said promotional updates including said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to such said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding their receipt of said promotional updates, whereby a such said other user may set preferences indicating that said system should not present to such said other user promotional updates sent by said first user.

97. The system of claim 96, wherein said system is further configured to enable said first user to choose one or more targeting options to restrict the delivery of a said promotional update to fewer than all of such said other users in whose said second storage spaces in said database said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as an incoming contact information profile.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein one or more of said targeting options relate to the locations of such said other users.

99. The system of claim 95, wherein said system is further configured such that, in connection with a such said other user taking said one or more actions that results in said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile being stored as a said incoming contact information profile in said other user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, said system presents a message to one or more other said users radially connected to such said other user, said message including said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

100. The system of claim 99, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said system'"'"'s presentation of said messages, whereby such said other user may set preferences governing which other said users, if any, are to be presented said message.

101. The system of claim 100, wherein, in connection with said messages, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between such said other user and said other users radially connected to such said other user.

102. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said database is configured to store physical address location information either in or as corresponding to, or both, at least some of said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles;

(b) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet, wherein said device is a mobile device, and wherein said database is configured to generate, or be provided, or both, information concerning a current location of said first user while using said mobile device; and

,

(c) said database is also configured to search at least some of said physical address location information and to present to said first user, through said Internet interface, information identifying one or more other said users, where said presentation of said information identifying said one or more said other users is prioritized, at least in part, based on the proximity of said physical address locations of said one or more said other users to said current location of said first user.

103. The system of claim 102, wherein said system is configured to enable said first user to take one or more actions with respect to said information identifying a second said user among said one or more said other users that results in said system presenting a message to one or more other said users radially connected to said first user, said message including said second user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile and being presentable to such said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said system'"'"'s presentation of said messages, whereby said first user may set preferences governing which other said users, if any, are to be presented said message.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein said database is configured to store either in or as corresponding to, or both, at least some of said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles information relating to a discount on goods or services, and wherein said information presented to said first user includes, with respect to said second user, at least some of said information relating to said discount, and further wherein said message includes at least some of said information relating to said discount.

106. The system of claim 105, wherein, in connection with said messages, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said first user and said other users radially connected to said first user.

107. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said Internet interface is configured to receive information from a said device, relating to a first said user'"'"'s interaction with said database via the Internet, wherein said device is a mobile device, and wherein said database is configured to generate, or be provided, or both, information concerning a current location of said first user while using said mobile device;

and,

(b) said database is configured to determine whether said database has information concerning current locations of one or more other said users appearing in said first user'"'"'s list of said incoming contact information profiles stored in said first user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, wherein said database is configured to generate, or be provided, or both, information concerning said current locations of said other users while using their mobile devices; and

,

(c) if said database has said current location information with respect to one or more of such said other users, to present to said first user, through said internet interface, information identifying said one or more such said other users for which said database has said current location information, where said presentation of said information identifying said one or more such said other users is prioritized, at least in part, based on the proximity of said current locations of said one or more such said other users to said current location of said first user.

108. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) said database is configured to store physical address location information either in or as corresponding to, or both, at least some of said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles;

(b) said database also configured to store an outgoing advertisement either in or as corresponding to, or both, at least some of said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles, said outgoing advertisements including information relating to a discount for goods or services;

(c) said database further configured to present one or more of said outgoing advertisements to a first said user, through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both, wherein the presentation of said one or more said outgoing advertisements is based, at least in part, on the proximity of the physical address location of said first user and the physical address locations of other said users to whom said one or more said outgoing advertisements correspond.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein said outgoing advertisement is presented to said first user together with information identifying one or more other said users radially connected to said first user who have expressed an interest in said outgoing advertisement.

110. The system of claim 108, wherein said presentation of such said outgoing advertisements through said communications gateway, if any, is by email, and wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding their receipt of such said outgoing advertisements, whereby said first user may set preferences accepting such said outgoing advertisements by email.

111. The system of claim 110, wherein said system is configured to enable said first user to take one or more actions with respect to a such said outgoing advertisement that results in said system presenting a message to one or more other said users radially connected to said first user, said message including said outgoing advertisement and being presentable to such said other users through either said Internet interface or said communications gateway, or both.

112. The system of claim 111, wherein said database is configured to store preferences of at least some of said users regarding said system'"'"'s presentation of said messages, whereby said first user may set preferences governing which other said users, if any, are to be presented said message.

113. The system of claim 112, wherein, in connection with said messages, said database makes either assumptions or determinations, or both, about either the type of relationships or the quality of relationships, or both, between said first user and said other users radially connected to said first user.

114. The system of claim 112, wherein at least some of said outgoing advertisements stored in said database either in or as corresponding to, or both, at least some of said users'"'"' said outgoing contact information profiles are in said directory.

115. The system of claim 1, wherein

(a) a said outgoing contact information profile of a first said user, as stored in said first user'"'"'s said first storage space in said database, includes contact information data provided by said first user;

and,

(b) wherein when said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile is stored as a said incoming contact information profile in a second said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database, said incoming contact information profile, as stored in said second user'"'"'s said second storage space, is information to locate said first user'"'"'s said outgoing contact information profile in said database.

116. The system of claim 1, wherein said return contact information profile is a software file.

117. The system of claim 1, wherein said return contact information profile includes a user identification code.

118. The system of claim 1, wherein said return contact information profile includes contact information data.

119. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile are specific preferences.

120. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile are supplementary information.

121. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile are stored in said database.

122. The sys of claim 1, wherein said receiving of said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile is by presenting a display screen enabling a said user to select such said preferences.

123. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference resulting in storage of said corresponding contact information profile in said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database.

124. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference relating to radial mining.

125. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference resulting in distribution of said corresponding contact information profile to one or more of said user'"'"'s said devices.

126. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference relating to categorization of said corresponding contact information profile in said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database.

127. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference generating a message to another said user corresponding to said corresponding contact information profile.

128. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference resulting in clearing of said corresponding contact information profile from said user'"'"'s said second storage space in said database.

129. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more user preferences with respect to either one of storage or distribution of said corresponding contact information profile includes a said user preference resulting in distribution of said corresponding contact information profile to one or more other said users.