Interactive electronic trade network and user interface

• US 5,799,151 A
• Filed: 07/24/1995
• Issued: 08/25/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Steven M. Hoffer
• Original Assignee: Steven M. Hoffer
• Inventors: Hoffer, Steven M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bowler, Alyssa H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Follansbee, John
• Application Number:
  US08/506,371
• Time in Patent Office: 1,128 Days
• Field of Search: 395/800, 395/200.02, 395/200.12, 395/103, 395/968, 395/972, 395/200.34, 395/200.49, 705/37, 345/330
• US Class Current: 709/204
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/107 Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange

Abstract

An interactive trade network is described that integrates distributive messaging using a host computer and telecommunication networks, real-time interactive communications, a hierarchical knowledge matrix containing two familiar and comprehensive indices of classes of goods and classes of establishments and a legend of trade-related, cross-reference terms or parameters, a multiline programmable application, an integrated application program interface, and integrated application programs. The Host System uses each Index Number of each of the indices as a topic board name. The apparatus creates a highly-selective media for either (a) messaging on mutually exclusive indexed topics of trade or (b) engaging in pubic or private real-time conferencing or electronic mail dedicated to any class of indexed economic activity. It enables progressive discussions on, and the retrieval of just the information needed under, discrete indexed topics on trade instantaneously. The interface typically facilitates access to one of thousands of topic boards upon input for, or interpreted to, three key strokes in the selector process. Users may review, broadcast, post or "chain" messages to one party or multiple parties, whether known or anonymous. Messages are cross-referenceable by geographic codes, time and other alpha-numeric descriptors.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting multiline messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to an unattended host terminal ("Host"), accessible from public and private communication networks supporting asynchronous transfer mode, whereby said Host integrates a programmable application ("PA") an integrated application program interface ("IAPI"), and a matrix of comprehensive indices and a cross-referencing table, to set up a public trade network with distinct modes of interactive message exchange supporting at least public topic board messaging, real-time conference boards, private electronic mail and file transfer among a plurality of RUTs, and which comprises:

means for storing in said Host'"'"'s memory a matrix that includes a table of cross-references relating to trade and industry, and two internationally familiar trade indices that each have a set of mutually exclusive topics, for goods and establishments, respectively,

means for electronically transmitting data to and from said RUTs of varied hardware, that may use no software used by said Host, where said Host comprises a central processing unit, operating system, a memory, a display screen, communication software, multiport module, an input control device, all of which are connected to an input/output interface, and for said Host

to receive, interpret and process inputs from said RUTs and to produce host action outputs,

to encode output received from said RUTs into encoded commands, and

to send encoded prompts, information, menus, documents, and messages to said RUTs to permit said user at RUTs, including anonymous and returning RUTs, over said communication networks to send and receive messages and data;

means in said PA for both (i) loading and continuously running a multiline network, that uses (a) a configuration editor to set up system-wide options, (b) a data base, (c) a set of menu design capabilities, and (d) a userlog, and (ii) partitioning said Host'"'"'s memory

to store two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein one of said sets includes a topic board for each number in said index of goods, and said other set includes a topic board for each number in said index of establishments, and

to interpret and process menu functions and system commands from said PA that permit a user at any one of said RUTs to enter commands to engage in said modes of messaging and file transfer;

means in said IAPI for said user to select one of said modes of messaging and file transfer, select between said index of goods that is dedicated to goods topics and said index of establishments that is dedicated to services topics navigate through menus and said modes using commands to find groups of logically related messages and data on any one of said topics and to send and retrieve data,

means in said IAPI for said user to navigate to and within a selected mode by sending inputs that said Host interprets to display options and data, to make other communications path selections and terminate a session, and further means for said user

to process an on-line key word search to identify topic boards matching each indexed alphanumeric string, to display outputs including index numbers associated with said string, to select a communications path dedicated and leading to a topic board for messaging by entering input related to said outputs,

to retrieve and read messages on said topic board with content equivalent to content stored in said Host'"'"'s memory for said topic board, and

to send messages to be stored with equivalent content in a part of said Host'"'"'s memory dedicated to said topic board which supports archiving of logically grouped messages in said data base;

means for receiving and processing encoded commands and data at said Host using all means and said modes described herein on multiple lines concurrently, for messaging and file transfer among said plurality of RUTs;

means for using topic boards as communication channels, that are each dedicated to a selected index number for store and forward messaging (a) between said user and said Host, and (b) among multiple users of said plurality of RUTs concurrently using a plurality of channels supported by said Host.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, which further comprises:

means for storing in said Host'"'"'s memory a matrix of topics from indices and cross-references from a table comprising

a familiar international index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been used in cross-border trade to classify all goods to assess and impose import duties,

a familiar index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been routinely used in domestic commerce to classify establishments in all fields of economic activity and which thereby defines industries, and

a cross-referencing legend containing a table of terms related to trade that support selective retrieval of messages;

means in said PA to store in said Host'"'"'s memory, two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein one of said sets includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of goods, and said other set includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of establishments; and

means for storing inside said IAPI hierarchical menus, in an inverted tree and branch architecture, to sequentially process inputs from said user to select an index and enter a topic board matching an index number by entering input identifying the first digit of said index number to pass a first selector menu, the second digit of said index number to pass a second selector menu, and data associated with the third and fourth digits of said index number to pass a final selector menu.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, which further comprises:

means for consolidating a series of PA system commands into a macro, that is activated automatically upon entry of input for said third and forth digits of said index number, where said macro is configured by at least (a) "flattening" said topic board using said menu design capabilities, (b) modifying said hierarchical menu for the third and fourth digits of said index number to include forced commands and set insertion parameter inputs, and (c) setting up a template menu with insertion parameters, to display to user said template menu with uniform options including R! Read, E! Enter and S! Scan to read messages, send messages, and scan headers, respectively, for said topic board.

4. The apparatus defined in 1, which further comprises:

means for storing in said Host'"'"'s memory a matrix of topics from indices and cross-references from a table comprising

a familiar international index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been routinely used in cross-border trade to classify all goods to assess and impose import duties,

a familiar index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been routinely used in domestic commerce to classify establishments in all fields of economic activity and which thereby defines industries, and

a cross-referencing legend containing a table of trade related terms that support selective retrieval of messages; and

means in said PA to store in said Host'"'"'s memory, two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein one of said sets includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of goods, and said other set includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of establishments.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 4, which further comprises:

means in said PA for both (i) loading and continuously running a multiline network, that uses (a) a configuration editor to set up system-wide options, (b) a data base, (c) a set of menu design capabilities, (d) a userlog, (e) system files, and (f) system message and header controls, and (ii) operating a host mode terminal program that allows remote user terminals to access said Host'"'"'s partitioned memory and functions.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 5, which further comprises:

means for storing as part of said matrix a copy of a set of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers and descriptions, described at 19 USC Section 1202, as amended from time to time, and which is incorporated herein by reference;

means for storing as part of said matrix a copy of a set of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code numbers and descriptions set out in Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, Standard Industrial Classification Manual (1987), as amended from time to time, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 4, which further comprises:

means in said PA for both (i) loading and continuously running a multiline network, that uses (a) a set of editors and utilities comprising a configuration to set up system-wide options, a language editor, a menu editor, a message base maintenance utility, a question and answer language compiler, a system definition language decompiler and compiler to create a system of menus, a userlog editor, and (b) a set of system files with source codes, system templates, communication parameters, system message and header controls, userlog data, and help texts, and (ii) operating a host mode terminal program that partitions said Host'"'"'s memory to

interpret and process menu and system commands that permit a user at any one of said RUTs to navigate through all menus, operate system functions, display files, and to use said data base, all modes of messaging and file transfer;

means for storing inside said IAPI hierarchical menus, in an inverted tree and branch architecture, to sequentially and instantly process inputs from said user to select an index and enter a topic board matching an index number by entering input associated with said index number for its first digit, for its second digit and data associated with its third and fourth digits to pass a first selector menu, a second selector menu, and a final selector menu;

means in the IAPI for said user to select from said RUTs a real-time communications path for a group of said index numbers from said RUTs, and means for exchanging messages virtually instantly on real-time conference boards among any subsets of said plurality of RUTs with content equivalent to content buffered and relayed by said Host;

means for using real-time conference boards as communication channels that are each dedicated to a selected group of index numbers, for virtually instantaneous messaging among any subsets of said plurality of RUTs, and means for concurrent messaging on a plurality of real-time channels supported by said Host; and

means for selecting a communications path for electronic mail between said user and any subset of said plurality of RUTs, and sending electronic mail, and reading electronic mail with content equivalent to content stored in said Host'"'"'s memory.

8. The apparatus defined in claim 7, which further comprises:

means for consolidating a series of PA system commands into a macro, that is activated automatically upon entry of input for said third and forth digits of said index number, where said macro is configured by at least (a) "flattening" said topic board using said menu editor, (b) modifying said hierarchical menu for the third and fourth digits of said index number to include forced commands and set insertion parameter inputs, and (c) setting up a template menu with insertion parameters, to display to user said template menu with uniform options including R! Read, E! Enter and S! Scan to read messages, send messages, and scan headers, respectively, for said topic board.

9. An apparatus supporting multiline messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to a host terminal ("Host"), whereby said Host integrates a programmable application ("PA"), an integrated application program interface ("IAPI"), and a matrix of comprehensive indices and a cross-referencing table, to set up a trade network with distinct modes of interactive message exchange supporting at least electronic mail, real-time conference boards, topic board messaging and file transfer among a plurality of RUTs, accessible from public and private communication networks supporting Asynchronous Transfer Mode, and which comprises:

means at said Host that include a central processing unit, operating system, a memory, a display screen, communication software, multiport module, an input control device, all of which are connected to an input/output interface, and means for said Host to electronically transmit and process data to and receive data from said RUTs, including RUTs operating without any software in common with said Host, with further means for said Host

to receive, interpret and process inputs from said RUTs and to produce host action outputs,

to encode output received from said RUTs into encoded commands, and

to send encoded prompts, information, menus, documents, and messages to said RUTs to enable said RUTs to send and receive messages;

means for storing in said Host'"'"'s memory a matrix of topics from indices and cross-references from a table comprising

a familiar international index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been routinely used in cross-border trade to classify all goods to assess and impose import duties,

a familiar index, with mutually exclusive topics, that has been routinely used in domestic commerce to classify establishments in all fields of economic activity and which thereby defines industries, and

a cross-referencing legend containing a table of terms related to trade that support selective retrieval of messages;

means in said PA for (i) loading and continuously running a multiline network, that uses (a) a configuration editor to set up system-wide options, (b) a data base, (c) a set of menu design capabilities, and (d) a userlog, (ii) executing transport to selected topic boards and selective retrieval functions, and (iii) partitioning said Host'"'"'s memory

to store two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein one of said sets includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of goods, and said other set includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of establishments.

to interpret and process menu and system commands that permit a user at any one of said RUTs to navigate through all menus, operate system functions, display files, and to use said data base, all said modes of messaging and file transfer;

means in said IAPI for said user to commence a session, select among said modes of messaging and file transfer options, select between said goods and establishment indices that are dedicated to goods and services, respectively, navigate to and within a selected mode by entering commands that are processed by said Host to find messages and data on any one of said topics, make other selections and terminate a session; and

further means for said user

to process an on-line key word search in either of said full indices, to identify topic boards matching each indexed alphanumeric string, to display outputs including index numbers associated with said string, to select a communications path dedicated and leading to a topic board for messaging by entering input related to said outputs,

to retrieve and read messages on said topic board with content equivalent to content stored in said Host'"'"'s memory for said topic board, and

to send messages to be stored with equivalent content in a part of said Host'"'"'s memory dedicated to said topic board which supports archiving of logically grouped messages into said data base;

means for using each of said topic boards as a separate bi-directional communication channel, that is each continuously dedicated to a selected index number for store and forward messaging (a) between said user and said Host, and (b) among any subset of said plurality of RUTs, where concurrent use of a plurality of bi-directional channels by multiple non-overlapping subsets of said plurality of RUTs is supported by said Host;

means for selecting from said RUTs a real-time communications path for a related group of said index numbers from said RUTs, and means for exchanging messages virtually instantly on real-time conference boards among any subsets of said plurality of RUTs with content equivalent to content buffered and relayed by said Host for text and other, non-graphical, data presentation;

means for supporting real-time conference boards as bi-directional communication channels that are each dedicated to a selected group of index numbers, for virtually instantaneous messaging among any subsets of said plurality of RUTs, and means for concurrent messaging on a plurality of said channels supported by said Host;

means for selecting a communications path for electronic mail between said user and any subset of said plurality of RUTs and sending electronic mail, and reading electronic mail with content equivalent to content stored in said Host'"'"'s memory;

means for receiving, sending and processing encoded commands and data using all means and said modes described herein concurrently, for messaging and file transfer, in multiple sessions among said plurality of RUTs through said Host.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 9, which further comprises:

means for storing in said matrix, as said two indices, separate sets of four digit index numbers, and associated descriptions, reproducible from full sets of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and Special Industry Classification (SIC) codes; and

means for storing parallel sets of topic boards that match separate sets of four digit index numbers reproducible from, a full numerical set of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and Special Industry Classification (SIC) codes;

means for displaying to said user a screen from which said user may conduct an on-line key word search by entering an alphanumeric string to obtain a display of all of said HTS codes within all Sections;

means for displaying to said user a screen from which said user may conduct an on-line key word search by entering an alphanumeric string to obtain a display of all of said SIC codes within all Divisions;

means for modifying said sets of four-digit index numbers and said sets of topic boards as stored, from time to time;

means to operate a host mode terminal program in said PA for both (i) loading and continuously running a multiline network, that uses (a) a configuration editor to set up system-wide options, (b) a data base and data base maintenance utility, (c) menu design capabilities including a language editor, a menu editor, a question and answer language compiler, a system definition language decompiler and compiler to create a system of menus, (d) a userlog data and editor, (e) system files, (f) system message and header controls, and (g) communication protocols, (ii) interpreting and processing RUTs'"'"' commands received as inputs to navigate system and display menus, and exchange messages and data and (iii) partitioning said Host'"'"'s memory

to store two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein one of said sets includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of goods, and said other set includes a topic board for each four-digit number in said index of establishments; and

to interpret and process menu and system commands that permit a user at any one of said RUTs to navigate through all menus, operate system functions, display files, to use said data base, and to allow users to switch during a session between all modes of messaging and file transfer.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 10, which further comprises:

means in said IAPI for said user to select a communication path dedicated and leading to a topic by invoking said PA to execute transport to a topic board associated with said communication path and to enter said topic board matching an index number by entering input in any manner that said Host may interpret for the first digit of said index number for a first selector menu, the second digit of said index number for a second selector menu, and data for the third and fourth digits of said index number;

means for consolidating a series of PA system commands into a macro, that is activated automatically upon entry of input for said third and forth digits of said index number, where said macro is configured by at least (a) "flattening" said topic board using said menu design capabilities, (b) modifying said hierarchical menu for the third and fourth digits of said index number to include forced commands and set insertion parameter inputs, and (c) setting up a template menu with insertion parameters, to display to user said template menu with uniform options including R! Read, E! Enter and S! Scan to read messages, send messages, and scan headers, respectively, for said topic board.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 9, which further comprises:

means in said IAPI for processing inputs from said user to select a topic and enter a topic board matching an index number by entering input for the first digit of said index number at a first selector menu, the second digit of said index number at a second selector menu, and data for the third and fourth digits of said index number;

storing in said IAPI a number of menus to sequentially process inputs from said user specifying input for said third selector menu of said IAPI an input required to enter said index number by pressing a single key 1! through 9!, if the third and fourth digits of said index number are between 01 and 09, respectively;

storing in said IAPI a number of menus to sequentially process inputs from said user specifying input at said third selector menu of said IAPI to enter said selected topic board if the third and fourth digits of said index number associated with said selected topic board are higher than 09, by entering N! until a subsequent selector menu appears reflecting said higher third and fourth digits of said index number and then entering input that is associated with said third and fourth digits of said index number.

13. A method of messaging among at least two remote terminals in addition to a host computer that uses communications software and hardware to connect to a communication network for serial data transmission, and whereby said host computer serves as a central messaging information center that provides a plurality of remote user terminals with data in an integrated application program interface ("IAPI") that guides users at any remote user terminals through menus with menu functions to (a) select topic boards, (b) switch during any session between using store-and-forward data messaging over topic boards, public and private real-time conference board text messaging, and electronic mail, and (c) engage in file transfer and file display;

whereby said host computer'"'"'s other sub-systems comprise

a programmable application ("PA") supporting said IAPI menu modification capabilities, system commands, menu functions, and messaging,

a memory partitioned using an operating system, said PA'"'"'s configuration editor for storage, and PA files,

one index of classes of goods and one index of classes of industrial establishments (collectively "indices"),

internal legends with terms that provide a cross-referencing systems,

said method comprises the steps of;

storing in said host computer'"'"'s memory, files calibrated to two complete indices that are routinely used in commerce to pervasively categorize, into mutually exclusive topics, (a) goods to assess and impose duties on imports internationally, and (b) industrial classes of establishments;

modifying said host computer'"'"'s memory, using said PA to store two parallel sets of topic boards identified by four-digit numbers that match all four-digit numbers in each of said indices, and further storing a menu and said option from said PA that permits said user to conduct an on-line key word search in either of said indices to display index numbers matching an entered alphanumeric string;

receiving, interpreting and processing inputs at said host computer from said remote user terminals and for producing host action outputs;

encoding output received at said host computer from said remote user terminals into encoded commands;

storing inside said IAPI logical progressions of menus, in an inverted tree and branch architecture, means for a user at any of said plurality of remote user terminals to select an indexed set of topic boards and enter a topic board matching an index number therein by entering input associated with said index number for its first digit, for its second digit, and data identifying its third and fourth digits;

sending encoded prompts, data, information, documents, and messages from said host computer to said remote user terminals to permit said user to send and receive electronic messages to said topic board;

prompting said users to select a communications path under said index number from said remote user terminals, interpreting said user commands to retrieve and read messages, and displaying messages with content equivalent to content stored by said host computer within its memory for said topic board;

identifying commands from said remote user terminals to be processed by said host computer, and enabling users to send messages, texts in ASCII format and other data to be stored with equivalent content by said host computer in a part of its memory dedicated to said topic board;

sending for display to said remote user terminals data that has been transmitted to said host computer;

receiving, sending and processing encoded commands and data using all steps, described herein, for concurrent messaging in a plurality of topic boards by and among said plurality of remote user terminals through said host computer; and

modifying all topic boards into continuously accessible communication channels for messaging (a) between said user and said host computer, and (b) between any non-overlapping subsets of said plurality of remote user terminals, concurrently, via said host computer.

14. The method defined in claim 13, wherein said host computer, in tandem with said communication network, is used as a messaging information center between any subset of said remote user terminals for receiving and decoding prompts, commands, messages and information, and whereby said information center is accessible through conduits with originating and terminating ends comprised of some combination of public switched networks, virtual private networks, private lines, Internet nodes, microwave sites, radio facilities, coaxial cables, electricity wires, telecommunication satellites, ethernet access, and wireless communication facilities.

15. The method defined in claim 14, wherein said method also comprises the steps of:

identifying for each index number in each of said indices a dedicated communications channel for continuously accessible messaging among said plurality of remote user terminals with said host computer,

storing in said host computer'"'"'s memory as said two complete indices sets of four digit index numbers, and associated descriptions, calibrated to full sets of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and Special Industry Classification (SIC) codes;

storing parallel sets of topic boards using said configuration editor in said PA so that one of said sets of topic boards match the set of four digit index numbers reproducible from, a full set of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, and so that one of said sets of topic boards match the sets of four digit index numbers reproducible from, a full set of Special Industry Classification (SIC) codes;

displaying to said user a screen from which said user may conduct an on-line key word search of said HTS codes with all Sections on one file;

displaying to said user a screen from which said user may conduct an on-line key word search of said SIC codes with all Divisions on another file; and

displaying to said user, upon further input, a menu from which said user may conduct an on-line key word search of a Section-specific file containing HTS Sections I through XXII by pressing A! through V!, respectively, and a search of a SIC Division-specific file containing Divisions A through K by pressing 1! through 9!, 0! and Z!, respectively.

16. The method defined in claim 15, wherein said method also comprises the steps of:

interpreting menu commands using said IAPI to sequentially process inputs from said user specifying input for the combined third and fourth digits of said index number associated with said topic board, so that said users are prompted to press a single key 1! through 9!, if the third and fourth digits of said index number are between 01 and 09, respectively;

interpreting menu commands using said IAPI to sequentially process inputs from said user that specifies input for the combined third and fourth digits of said index number associated with said topic board, so that if the third and fourth digits of said index number associated with said topic board are higher than 09, said user is prompted as many times as necessary to enter N! until the IAPI displays a subsequent selector menu reflecting the higher third and fourth digits of said index number and then to enter input that is associated with the third and fourth digits of said index number;

storing a set of menus at said IAPI and communication paths to enter real-time conference boards, where said option in said PA at said host computer permits said remote user terminals to enter one of two sets of real-time conference boards, where each conference board on one set is dedicated to a different group of related index numbers in single HTS Sections and each conference board on another set is dedicated to a different group of related index numbers in single SIC Divisions for conducting real-time message exchange; and

where said conference boards are configured in said PA and stored on said host computer'"'"'s memory, and further where such conferencing is publicly open to said plurality of remote user terminals;

retrieving data at, and sending prompts, commands, data and associated messages within a real-time conference board from said host computer;

concurrent processing of inputs from said plurality of remote user terminals that may be buffered at said host computer and relayed over said communication network in real-time to an engaged plurality of remote users that separately entered a single real-time conference board, in a manner that ensures that said engaged plurality of remote user terminals display common data on each respective display screen;

receiving and decoding prompts, commands, messages and information sent over a said communication network to said remote user terminals from said host computer that in real-time are to be relayed to and displayed by remote users terminals engaged on said conference board;

receiving said encoded commands and data from a plurality of subsets of said plurality of remote user terminals on multiple real-time conference boards and processing said data for multiple sessions on said real-time conference boards simultaneously at said host computer and processing and relaying encoded commands, and text messages and inputs to said multiples sessions.

17. The method defined in claim 15, wherein said method also comprises the steps of:

means for consolidating a series of PA system commands into a macro, that is activated automatically upon entry of input for said third and forth digits of said index number, where said macro is configured by at least (a) "flattening" said topic board using said menu modification capabilities, (b) modifying said hierarchical menu for the third and fourth digits of said index number to include forced commands and set insertion parameter inputs, and (c) setting up a template menu with insertion parameters, to display to user said template menu with uniform options including R! Read, E! Enter and S! Scan to read messages, send messages, and scan headers, respectively, for said topic board.

18. The method defined in claim 13, wherein said method also comprises the steps of:

real-time conferencing through said PA among said plurality of remote terminal users, to facilitate nearly instantaneous conferencing on parallel sets of real-time conference boards, supporting continuously accessible channels dedicated to index-defined groups of related topics, which conference boards are entered using a set of IAPI menus, configured in said PA and stored on said host computer'"'"'s memory, where such conferencing is publicly open to said plurality of remote user terminals;

retrieving real-time messages and inputs at, and sending text messages and inputs originating from, said plurality of remote user terminals within a real-time conference board; and

providing means to display said text messages originating from different remote user terminals by host computer processing that interleaves lines of text from different sources for display on screens at remote user terminals that enter said real-time conference board;

concurrent processing of text messages and inputs from said plurality of remote user terminals that may be buffered at said host computer and relayed over said communication network in real-time to an engaged plurality of remote users that separately entered a single real-time conference board, in a manner that ensures that said engaged plurality of remote user terminals display common text data on each respective display screen;

receiving and decoding commands, text messages and input sent over said communication network to said remote user terminals from said host computer that in real-time are to be relayed to and displayed at remote users terminals engaged on said conference board; and

receiving said encoded commands, text messages and input from a plurality of subsets of said plurality of remote user terminals on multiple real-time conference boards and processing said data for multiple sessions on said real-time conference boards simultaneously at said host computer and processing and relaying encoded commands, text messages and input to display said multiple separate sessions separately.

19. A method of messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to a host computer ("Host") that is a trade messaging center, that uses software and hardware to connect to a communication network that supports asynchronous transfer mode for concurrent multiline serial data transmission, said method comprises the steps of:

configuring a programmable application ("PA") to support menu functions, system commands, and message conferencing over a single logical network;

partitioning said Host'"'"'s memory using an operating system, a PA'"'"'s configuration editor for storage, and PA files;

storing in said Host'"'"'s memory, conferences matching a series of subdivisions from at least one published index that divides broad economic activity into mutually exclusive numbered topics that routinely are used in public and private sectors;

coordinating said Host and said PA using an integrated application program interface ("IAPI") to allow said RUTs to display menus for conference selection and to process commands to exchange messages; and

establishing communications over said network between said Host and said plurality of RUTs to enable said PA to control both said Host'"'"'s processing of said RUTs'"'"'s commands, and said Host'"'"'s transmission of data for message exchange.

20. A method of messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to a host computer ("Host") that uses communications software and hardware to connect to a communication network for serial data transmission, said Host serving as a central messaging information center that provides a plurality of RUTs with data in an integrated application program interface ("IAPI") that integrates said Host'"'"'s other sub-systems that comprise

a programmable application ("PA") supporting said IAPI menu modification capabilities, system commands, menu functions, and multiline real-time text messaging,

a memory partitioned using an operating system, said PA'"'"'s configuration editor for storage, and PA files,

an index system reflecting at least one published index that comprehensively subdivides general economic activity into distinctly numbered topics that routinely are used in public and private sectors,

and said method comprises the steps of:

modifying said Host'"'"'s memory, using said PA to store in series those public and private real-time text messaging conference boards identified by numbers that match corresponding numbers in said index system, and further storing a menu and command from said PA that permits said user to conduct an on-line key word search in said index system to display index numbers matching an entered alphanumeric string;

receiving, interpreting and processing inputs at said Host from said RUTs and for producing host action outputs;

encoding output received at said Host from said RUTs into encoded commands;

storing inside said IAPI logical progressions of menus, means for a user at any of said plurality of RUTs to select from said conference boards and enter a conference board matching an index number therein by entering input associated with said index number;

sending encoded prompts, data, and messages from said Host to said RUTs to permit said user to send and receive electronic messages to said conference board;

prompting said users to select a communications path under said index number from said RUTs, interpreting said user commands to retrieve and read messages, and displaying text messages with content equivalent to content transmitted through said Host for said conference board in real-time;

identifying commands from said RUTs to be processed by said Host, and enabling users to send messages and other data to be transmitted with equivalent content through said Host in a part of its memory dedicated to said conference board;

receiving, sending and processing encoded commands and data, as described herein, for concurrent real-time messaging in a plurality of conference boards by and among said plurality of RUTs through said Host.

21. A method of messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to a host computer ("Host") that uses communications software and hardware to connect to a communication network that supports asynchronous transport mode and serial data transmission, said Host serving as a central messaging information center that provides a plurality of RUTs with data in an integrated application program interface ("IAPI") that coordinates the operation of said Host'"'"'s other sub-systems that comprise

a programmable application ("PA") supporting said IAPI menu functions, system commands, and store-and-forward messaging,

an index system reflecting at least one published index that divides broad economic activity into mutually exclusive numbered topics that are used routinely in public and private sectors,

a memory configured to correspond to said index system using an operating system, said PA'"'"'s configuration editor for storage, and PA files,

and said method comprises the steps of:

storing in said Host'"'"'s memory, file capacity calibrated to each subdivision of said index system;

modifying said Host'"'"'s memory, using said PA to store in a complete series those topic boards identified by multiple-digit numbers that match all multiple-digit numbers in said index system;

storing inside said IAPI sufficient logical progressions of menus with commands for a user at any of said plurality of RUTs to select from said topic boards and enter a topic board matching an index number therein by entering input associated with said index number; and

establishing communications over said network between said Host and said plurality of RUTs to enable said PA to control said Host'"'"'s processing of said RUTs'"'"'s commands, and transmit over multiple lines messages and data on a selected topic board;

whereby a trade network supports users at said plurality of RUTs, who are each guided by said IAPI to select an economic activity, to identify that index topic that corresponds to said activity, to enter that topic board dedicated to said topic, and who are collectively able to concurrently engage in interactive data messaging on said topic boards.

22. A method in accordance with claim 38, wherein said index system is at least:

one indexed of classes of goods and one index of classes of industrial establishments (collectively "indices"),

and said method comprises the steps of;

storing in said host computer'"'"'s memory, a table of topic boards matching subdivisions of said indices that are used routinely in commerce to pervasively categorize into mutually exclusive topics (a) traded goods, and (b) industrial classes of establishments;

modifying said Host'"'"'s memory, using said PA to store two parallel sets of topic boards, wherein each separate set'"'"'s topic boards correspond to one of said indices, and are identified by multi-digit numbers that match all of its multi-digit numbers;

receiving, interpreting and processing inputs at said Host from said RUTs and for producing host action outputs;

encoding output received at said Host from said RUTs into encoded commands;

transmitting data to and from said RUTs, including anonymous and returning RUTs, over said communication network to said Host;

storing a menu and said option from said PA that permits said user to conduct an on-line key word search in either of said indices to display index numbers matching an entered alphanumeric string;

sending encoded prompts, data, documents, and messages from said Host to said RUTs to permit said user to send and receive electronic messages to and from said topic board;

prompting said users to select a communications path under said index number from said RUTs, interpreting commands from said users to retrieve and read messages, and displaying messages with content equivalent to content stored by said Host within its memory for said topic board;

identifying and decoding commands from said RUTs to be processed unsplit by said Host, and enabling users to send messages and other data to be stored with equivalent content by said Host in a part of its memory dedicated to said topic board;

receiving, sending and processing encoded commands and data using all steps, described herein, for concurrent messaging in a multitude of topic boards by and among said plurality of RUTs through said Host; and

modifying all topic boards into continuously accessible communication channels for messaging (a) between said user and said Host, and (b) between any non-overlapping subsets of said plurality of RUTs, concurrently, via said Host.

23. An apparatus supporting messaging among at least two remote user terminals ("RUTs") in addition to a host terminal ("Host"), wherein said Host, comprising at least one central processing unit that supports a host mode terminal program, a memory, an operating system, a multiport module, a display screen, communication software, and an input control device connected to an input/output interface, and integrates:

(a) a multiline programmable application ("PA");

(b) an integrated application program interface ("IAPI"); and

(c) a matrix of (i) two familiar, comprehensive, and key-word-searchable trade and industry indices, each with mutually exclusive topics substantially covering all goods and all establishments, respectively, and (ii) a cross-referencing table;

such apparatus comprises

storing means in said Host'"'"'s memory said matrix to support a multitude of conferences matching subdivisions from each published index;

messaging mean to support a trade network with distinct modes of interactive message exchange, which facilitates any combination of electronic mail, real-time conference boards, topic board messaging on mutually exclusive topic boards, and file transfer capabilities among a plurality of RUTs without common software; and

processing means to centrally process all data over channels within a unified communication network supporting asynchronous transfer mode;

whereby message exchange on an economic topic is attained when a sending user at an RUT sends data to a selected board, that board is dedicated to a mutually exclusive indexed topic, that board is accessible to any users at other said RUTs including users unknown to that sending user, and at least one other RUT displays said data from that board.

24. A method of making a trade message database for users at a plurality of remote user terminals ("RUTs") to populate with data sent to and stored by a host computer ("Host"), wherein said Host'"'"'s operating system loads a programmable application ("PA") to provide database capabilities, files, menu functions, system commands, configuration editor facilities, and interactive message conferencing programs via a single logical network that supports multiline serial data communications;

said method comprises the steps of;

setting PA files to identify each subdivision from at least one published index that logically divides broad economic relations into mutually exclusive numbered topics, and that commonly is used in public and private sectors;

storing in said database, using said Host'"'"'s systems, partitions separating each of said subdivisions to allow users at said RUTs to send data to each specific group of messages that corresponds to a narrow subdivision, and to selectively receive data solely from any of said subdivisions; and

providing over said Host and said PA an integrated application program interface ("IAPI") to allow said users at said RUTs to display menus to select a subdivision, to query said Host that processes unsplit commands, and to continually exchange messages on any subdivision using said database;

whereby said Host sends and receives data to and from said RUTs, including both anonymous and predetermined RUTs, over said network for concurrent messaging across topic boards.

25. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein said database centrally processes commands and includes a cross-referencing table of properties, and said subdivisions of said index and of said database correspond to at least one of the following:

(a) a copy of a set of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers and descriptions, described at 19 USC Section 1202, as amended from time to time, and which is incorporated herein by reference,

(b) a copy of a set of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code numbers and descriptions set out in Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, Standard Industrial Classification Manual (1987), as amended from time to time, and which is incorporated herein by reference.