Patent ID: 7457777
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing a service to a customer, the service being measurable in quantifiable service units used by the customer such that billing for the service to the customer is based at least in part on a number of the service units used; allowing the customer to obtain service unit credits to be applied against service units used by the customer; a billing computer billing for the service to the customer according to a billing cycle; the billing computer for each billing cycle: applying service unit credits obtained by the customer and extant against the service units used by the customer during the billing cycle; and if service unit credits remain after applying the service unit credits obtained by the customer and extant against the service units used by the customer, carrying forward the remaining service unit credits to be available during a subsequent billing cycle; and allowing the customer to treat service unit credits as a commodity, whereby the commoditized service unit credits may be bought, sold, and/or traded for services and/or goods.