Showing papers on "Service provider published in 1996"

System and method for providing trusted brokering services over a distributed network

Abstract: An Online Brokering Service provides user authentication and billing services to allow users to anonymously and securely purchase online services from Service Providers (SP) sites (e.g., World Wide Web sites) over a distributed public network, which may be an untrusted public network such as the Internet. Users and SP sites initially register with the Brokering Service, and are provided with respective client and server software components for using the Brokering Service. In one embodiment, when a user initially connects to an SP site, the SP site transmits a challenge message over the public network to the user computer, and the user computer generates and returns and cryptographic response message (preferably generated using a password of the user). The SP site then passes the response message to the Brokering Service, which in-turn looks up the user's password and authenticates the response message. If the response message is authentic, the Online Brokering Service transmits an anonymous ID to the SP site, which can be used for subsequently billing the user. In addition, the Online Brokering Service transmits user-specific access rights data to the SP site, allowing the SP site to customize its services for the particular user. Billing events generated by the SP sites are transmitted to the Brokering Service, which maintains a user-viewable bill that shows all charges from all SP sites accessed by the user. Advantageously, the payment information (e.g., credit card number) and other personal information of users are not exposed to the SP sites, and are not transmitted over the distributed network.

Key Concepts for New Service Development

Abstract: This article deals with service development from a quality perspective. Our point of departure is to build in the right quality from the start. The article presents a new frame of reference for new service development based on empirical studies in Sweden. It argues that the main task of service development is to create the right generic prerequisites for the service. This means an efficient customer process, that is to say the process must be adapted to the logic of the customer's behaviour and a good customer outcome, i.e., the service is associated with quality. We distinguish three main types of development: the development of the service concept, the development of the service system (resource structure) and the development of the service process.

System and method for providing an on-line directory service

Abstract: An on-line directory service includes a server associated with a database containing a plurality of directory listings including advertising information. A customer subscribing to the on-line directory service may selectively view directory listings from the database by initiating a search research at a personal computer linked with the server. The search request may specify a particular service or product, a particular geographical preference or other search parameters. The search request is then forwarded to the server which accesses the database and retrieves the responsive information for the customer. To place a telephone call to a service provider listed in response to the customer search request, the customer merely activates a telephone icon associated with the selected service or product provider. The server then obtains a telephone number associated with the selected provider from the database and automatically dials the telephone number. Once the telephone call is connected, the directory service establishes a voice connection extending from the customer's computer to a remote telephone device associated with the selected provider. The directory service also develops individual customer profiles for individual customers and stores these profiles in the database. The profiles, which include historical directory usage information, may be used to customize the menu screens and search results provided to the customer.

Level 1 gateway for video dial tone networks

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access. The Level 1 Gateway is itself an interactive device in that subscribers can input information and receive display information from the Gateway to define or modify their own video dial tone service through the network.

Method and apparatus for authorizing remote internet access

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to access the internet from a remote location by using a local internet service provider with whom the user does not have an account. The user logs on to the local internet service provider's system using an identifier that includes the user's identification term and an identifier for the user's home internet service provider server. A first server in the local internet service provider's system determines that the login information includes the identifier for the user's home internet service provider server and sends a query to a second server. The second server verifies that the user's home internet service provider has an account with the local internet service provider and returns an internet protocol address for the home internet service provider's server to the first server. The first server then seeks authorization from the home internet service provider's server to provide internet access to the user over the local internet service provider's system.

Interactive smart card system for integrating the provision of remote and local services

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of remote service transactions. According to the present invention, a smart card (10) includes optics (24) for receiving information from a television channel and a modem (42) for providing real-time two way communication with a remote service provider (16). To maintain system security, data that is provided to the card may be encrypted. The present invention also includes applications of the smart card such as remote financial services, near video-on-demand with automated order and billing, pay-per-view with automated order and billing, appointment TV, home shopping, real-time market studies and opinion polls and electronic gaming and sweep-stakes.

Pull based, intelligent caching system and method for delivering data over a network

Abstract: A network system includes a content provider connected to local service providers via an interactive distribution network, such as the Internet. The local service providers facilitate delivery of the content from the content provider to multiple subscribers. The local service providers schedule delivery of frequently requested content from the content provider prior to a peak time when the subscribers are likely to request the content. The content is downloaded from the content provider during the off-peak hours and cached at the local service providers for serving to the subscribers during the ensuing peak time. In this manner, the frequently requested content is already present at the local service providers and ready to be served to the subscribers before they actually request it. When the content is finally requested, the data is streamed continuously in real-time for just-in-time rendering at the subscriber computer. Another aspect of is invention involves supplementing content delivery over the Internet with delivery of content over a secondary network, such as a broadcast satellite network. The supplemental broadcast link offers additional bandwidth at a fraction of the cost that would be incurred if the local service provider installed additional Internet connections, such as T1 or T3 connections.

A Developmental Perspective on Community Service in Adolescence

Abstract: A substantial number of U.S. adolescents currently participate in community service and there is increased national interest in service programs. This article assesses the assumption of developmental benefits to service participants by critically reviewing 44 empirical studies. It offers a theoretical framework for understanding the findings by connecting them to identity development and delineating three pertinent concepts: agency, social relatedness, and moral-political awareness. These concepts are applied to studies that investigate: (1) the characteristics and motivations of participants, (2) the effects of service, and (3) the process of service. The findings support the conclusion that service activities which provide opportunities for intense experiences and social interactions are often associated with prasocial development. The findings also point to the need for more studies focused on particular service programs and on relationships between service providers and those served.

Time based availability to content of a storage medium

Abstract: A service methodology for time based availability to content, such as, movies, music, games, information and the like, provisioned on a storage medium whereby revenue may be generated for premier and pay-per-use access to the content. The service is manifested by the combination of a video disk reader, controller and authorization center. A service provider, for instance, locks up a movie on a video disk for which a premier event viewing date and time may be defined and which the provider may then directly distribute, in advance of the premier event, to potential consumers. Each consumer may purchase the right to view the movie once for a certain fee, for example $5.00, through online access from the controller to the authorization center, but the single viewing will only be allowed by the controller on or after the premier event. Thereafter, the consumer pays for viewing of the movie on a pay-per-use basis or over a defined window of time, perhaps for reduced fee, such as $1.00. Moreover, the online authorization process makes it possible to track consumer preferences at the authorization center, and as an alternative to the online payment processing, smart cards may be utilized for such.

Demographic discriminators of service quality in the banking industry

Abstract: Service quality continues to be a significant issue in the banking industry. Because money and other financial services are generally undifferentiated products, banks are continually striving for increased service quality in order to achieve and maintain a competitive edge. Critical to the improvement of service quality is the determination of those service quality characteristics considered important by consumers. Moreover, it is necessary to understand which of those elements of service quality are more important to different groups of customers. Reports a study that identifies distinct elements of bank service quality and ascertains which of those elements are most important to different demographic groups.

On-line advertising system and its method

Abstract: When a user accesses an advertisement on an on-line advertising system from a user terminal on the Internet using a WWW browser, an advertisement including the toll-free telephone number of a store is sent to the user terminal. When the user calls this toll-free telephone number, a toll-free call control system connects that call from the user to the store and, at the same time, obtains information on that access to the toll-free telephone number as log information. This log information is posted to the service provider, and the service provider analyzes the hit rate from this log information and the WWW browser access log. From this result, the on-line service provider or the advertiser can determine the effectiveness of that advertisement.

System for integrating access to proprietary and internet resources

Abstract: A system is disclosed that integrates through a single client application access to information resources from a proprietary online service and the Internet. Using a single Web-based client, subscribers enter selections regarding the type of information they would like to retrieve. Relevant information is retrieved from the Internet using the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) addressing scheme of the Internet to locate information on the Internet. Relevant information is retrieved from the online service using extensions to the URL addressing scheme. The extensions map to a proprietary protocol used to obtain information resources from the online service. The client application understands the URLs and extended URLs and manages presentation of the information regardless of the source. Using the present invention, subscribers to online services are no longer required to toggle between a Web browser and service provider communication software in order to view content from both locations.

Client connects to an internet access provider using algorithm downloaded from a central server based upon client's desired criteria after disconnected from the server

Abstract: A database central routing device is provided for routing access requests for internet access among a variety of on-line service providers. The device generally includes a central server having a list of algorithms pertaining to access phone numbers of internet access providers to be chosen from. The central routing device further includes an automatic phone number identifier to identify incoming calls in order to identify the user as a customer. An algorithm generator is also included in order to download algorithms pertaining to particular phone numbers in order to give the user access to a variety of internet access providers. The central routing device allows the user to select from a number of internet access providers depending on the availability of the providers. Factors such as time of day, consistent peak and off peak hours of any particular provider, the time of access, the type of user such as consumer or business user, and other factors in order to make efficient use of a variety of internet access providers.

Electronic licensing system

Abstract: A licensing system provides enhanced flexibility for licensing applications in a network. The licensing system includes a license certificate database which stores all license information. The license certificate database is accessed by providing a request to a license service provider associated with a server. The license service provider generates an executable entity based on the request parameters, which searches the database and, if the appropriate units are available, assembles a license. The license and the application are then transmitted to the requesting client. All aspects of the transaction are also stored in a database organized according to a transaction's relation to a particular license.

Method and system for providing a billing directed communication service

Abstract: A method and system for providing a billing directed communication service that allows the originating party to provide billing instructions on a per-communication basis. An originating party initiates a billing directed communication transmitting a unitary request in a predefined format. Initiating a billing directed communication does not require the originating party to engage in an interactive communication set-up procedure. The billing directed communication service may be applied to a particular telephone line 14a or cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR) 16e so that any originating party knowing the appropriate unitary request format may use the service. Such a billing directed communication service may be accessed only by originating a communication using a telephone line 14a or CMR 16e to which the service has been applied. Alternatively, the billing directed communication service may be applied to a particular billing code such as a billing code associated with a particular terminating station. In this case, a billing directed communication service may be accessed from any originating station 16. The billing directed communication service may also be applied to a particular mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) 50 operated by a cellular mobile communication service provider. In this case, the accounting and billing resources of a land-based telecommunications system 11 provide accounting and billing services for a cellular mobile communication service provider.

Software and hardware for publishing and viewing products and services for sale

Abstract: A computer system that utilizes client/server software to allow users of the client software to log into a server and publish information about a product or service. Once the information is published, other users of the client software may log into the server to browse or search for the information. This system is designed to help extractors and manufacturers of products, as well as service providers, to advertise their product or service to other extractors, manufacturers, service providers, distributors, retailers or other consumers to help aid in the distribution of those products or services. The system is also designed to help reach these establishments over a wide area, limited only by communication networks, and the system is kept current through the use of the established users of the client allowing rapid change.

Method of providing telecommunications services

Abstract: Traditional IN (Intelligent Network) services in a PSTN use service logic and data that is accessible for use only by the PSTN, though provision may be made for users to change certain controlled parameters of the services. The present system has the service logic and data ('service resource items') placed on servers (51) accessible over the Internet (50). This permits service resource items to be accessed from the service control subsystem (42) of a PSTN on a worldwide basis using the highly-resilient infrastructure of the Internet (50). Furthermore, the updating of the service resource items can be made the responsibility of the party to whom the service resource item relates, such updating being readily effected by access direct to the server (51) holding the resource items.

Method and apparatus for transparently providing mobile network functionality

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently providing a remote node with mobile network functionality. One embodiment of the present invention includes a remote node contacting a service provider to establish a remote connection with a home network. In response, the service provider generated an authentication request, on behalf of the remote node to obtain access to the home network. The service provider then sends the authentication request to an authentication server residing at the home network. The service provider then establishes, on behalf of the remote node, a remote connection between the remote node and the home network to enable packets to be transferred between the remote node and the home network.

Factors affecting information systems’ success

Abstract: States that there is continuing difficulty in achieving success with information systems, particularly in the sense of meeting users’ expectations and offers a fresh examination of those attributes of information systems by which users perceive success and failure, and through which they establish their expectations. Reviews existing research literature and suggests that, in addition to the process and product viewpoint, an important factor in achieving success is the service management perspective. Applies repertory grid techniques to uncover a total of 43 constructs which relate to users’ perceptions of success with information systems in business. Reduces these to 21 attributes which provide the basis of a new assessment and measurement framework, incorporating and augmenting the attributes found in previous work in this area. Illustrates the practical use of these attributes using two case studies: an information service provider and a hospital equipment supplier.

The effect of perceived service quality and name familiarity on the service selection decision

Abstract: Considerable attention has been focussed on the measurement of service quality. In fact, the 1990s has been referred to as the era of customer service. However, little empirical research has been done to demonstrate the impact of service quality on usage decisions. Product (brand or service) name familiarity is another variable that has been recognized as having a major influence on the choice of products (services). Reports the findings of an experimental study investigating the impact of service quality and name familiarity on the respondents’ attitudes and intention to use these services.

Method for selecting a preferable wireless communications service provider in a multi-service provider environment

Abstract: A communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. The frequency band search schedule has a first or home band and a several other frequency bands in a predetermined order. The order of the frequency bands may be programmed by the user or by a home service provider over the air. The communication device searches for an acceptable service provider by examining the home band and then the other bands listed in the frequency band search schedule. The bands are examined in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. An acceptable service provider is identified by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a list of acceptable service providers.

Method for providing called service provider control of caller access to pay services

Abstract: A method for providing called service provider control of caller access to pay services provides for the establishment of service provider criteria controlling whether a particular call to a pay service provider is blocked or passed through a toll network to the pay service provider. For example, an undesirable ANI table is established for all callers who are undesirable for one reason or another, for example, if they have not paid for previously ordered products or pay for information service calls. Moreover, a pay service provider may establish a minimum call score and a caller score table whereby a caller having a good payment history may accumulate a high caller score. The caller score is compared with the minimum call score and the call blocked if the minimum call score is not exceeded. Moreover, by providing the method of pay service processing as close to call origination as possible, required preamble and other announcements are provided from this origination point rather than from the service provider location.

Network directed system selection for cellular and PCS enhanced roaming

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellular and PCS enhanced roaming arrangement for assuring that a roaming mobile station is serviced outside its home service market be a preferred service provider. A mobile station outside its home market, when attempting to register or initiate a call, will attempt to connect to a remote service provider in the geographic region where it is located in the same manner as it would in the home market. The remote service provider will contact the home service provider seeking, among other things, service information and account status. In the event that the home service provider has more favorable arrangements with another service provider in the geographic region where the mobile station is located, the home service provider will transmit redirection instructions to the remote service provider which is transmitted to the mobile station. The redirection instructions direct the mobile station to attempt to establish communication with an alternative preferred service provider in the geographic region where the mobile station is located. Instructions may also be sent identifying what the mobile station should do in the event communication with the alternative preferred service provider cannot be established.

Third-Party Logistics Service Providers: Purchasers’ Perceptions

Abstract: A recent survey of manufacturers provides insight into their relationships with providers of international logistics services. The research examines the purchasers’ perceptions regarding the service providers’ capabilities. Further, differences between high-performance logistics providers and those perceived as providing lower levels of performance are identified and discussed.

A Funny Thing Happened! The Management of Consumer Emotions in Service Encounters

Abstract: This paper examines the interplay between emotions expressed by patients and their families consumers and those expressed and recruited by physicians service providers in the pediatric department of a subspecialty medical setting. Detailed observations made during a year of fieldwork demonstrate that physicians enacted comedic performances in response to patient families' negative emotions. These comedies are a vehicle for the display and generation of fun: incompatible with the anxiety, fear, and despondence patient families typically bring to medical encounters. They further invite a move to positive emotions because the performances themselves are cues for optimism. Four comedies were identified, selectively presented by physicians at various emotional junctures in the service delivery process. Sociability comedy is initiated as physicians and patient families first come face-to-face, and it invites the former to like and feel comfortable with the performing physicians. Mastery comedy induces feelings of reassurance in families at the moment when physicians lay hands on the patients' bodies. Ostentatious Celebratory comedy promotes feelings of joy as it marks treatment successes while carefully modulated Magical performances bid for resilience at those times when patient families find it difficult to be hopeful about the medical prognosis. The positive feelings engendered by these comedies likely expedite physicians' and patient families' dependence on each other. For example, liking, feeling comfortable with, and reassured with their physicians will make patient families less likely to hesitate about cooperating with the diagnostic and treatment procedures the former suggest. Reciprocally, confident of these feelings, physicians can be assured that families will continue in the service relationship and follow through with their medical recommendations. The account provided in this paper has several implications for the study of organizational emotions and of service encounters. For example, the emotional exchanges described in this paper underscore the appropriateness of understanding clients as co-participants in the service process because the emotional displays of physician providers arise in response to various feelings that clients bring to encounters. Additionally. where previous studies of emotion in service encounters highlight the relationship between providers' emotional displays and client satisfaction, this study suggests the emotions that prevail in service encounters influence client cooperation with the service delivery process. And, they may be important to the quality of services generated.