Patent ID: 7340048
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: H04L,H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for directory service and e-commerce across multi-provider networks, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a first list of secure identity keys at a call center, wherein a secure identity key is assigned to each subscriber and has associated thereto at least one context of the respective subscriber, wherein the at least one context is a predetermined characteristic of the respective subscriber, and wherein the secure identity key includes information identifying a service provider of the respective subscriber; establishing a second list of respective secure identity keys at the service provider of each respective subscriber, wherein each secure identity key at the service provider of each respective subscriber has associated thereto a contact number or address of the respective subscriber; receiving a call at the call center from a user requesting access to a targeted subscriber by providing at least one context associated to the targeted subscriber; performing a search of the first list at the call center using the at least one context provided by the user and identifying from the first list the secure identity key associated with the at least one context; and forwarding the identified secure identity key to the service provider identified by the secure identity key, wherein the service provider identified by the secure identity key uses the identified secure identity key to search the second list and retrieve from the second list a contact number or address of the targeted subscriber associated with the identified secure identity key, without requiring exposure of the contact number or address of the targeted subscriber to the call center, whereby the service provider facilitates a communication connection between the user and the targeted subscriber.