Patent ID: 7120647
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for providing expert information from a pool of experts using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system, said method comprising the steps of: storing expert information within the database including a pool of experts and information describing each expert included within the pool of experts, the expert information organized within the database in a plurality of business-related communities including at least one of information technology, finance, manufacturing, engineering, risk management, quality, human resources, environmental, health and safety, legal, and operations; displaying information on the client system identifying alternative paths for assistance to a user, wherein the displayed information comprises the plurality of business-related communities; receiving a request from the user using the client system including an alternative path selected by the user; accessing the database with the server system; cross-referencing information describing the user with the expert information stored within the database; displaying expert information including expert availability information on the client system through an applet downloaded from the server system when the user calls upon an expert to seek assistance, wherein expert availability information includes whether the called upon expert is currently in communication with the client system and available to provide assistance to the user; and contacting the expert based on user selected expert information inputted into the client system.