Patent ID: 6047315
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
A first computer connected to a plurality of second computers via a network over which each second computer sends and receives electronic mail to and from another second computer, said first computer comprising:definition means for defining control information, received from a sending second computer, specifying a mail route, at least one authorized user in each receiving second computer, and alternative actions for said electronic mail that are individually-determined and authorized to be conducted by each different authorized user in each receiving second computer;sending means for attaching said control information to said electronic mail and for sending the control information-attached electronic mail via said mail route specified in said control information;memory means for storing information of an operation log containing an action for the electronic mail conducted by the authorized user of each receiving second computer; andcontrol means for referring to both the defined control information received from said sending second computer and said operation log information stored in said memory means, and for thereby guiding the authorized user of said receiving second computer as to a subsequent specific action to be conducted by the authorized user with respect to the received electronic mail.