Patent ID: 6230201
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
A computer based electronic transactions gateway comprising:a central processing unit having a link to a host system and links to a plurality of electronic data interface networks, such that said central processing unit may establish communications between said host system and selected ones of said electronic data interface networks to effect transactions between said host system and a plurality of trading partner systems, anda program executable by said central processing unit, said program comprising a hierarchical set of rules that define how said host system may interact with said plurality of trading partner systems, wherein said rules compriseone or more host system default rules applicable to transactions of all types between said host system and said trading partner systems unless a more specific rule applies,one or more host system transaction rules applicable to transactions of a specific type between said host system and said plurality of trading partner systems unless a more specific rule applies,one or more trading partner default rules applicable to all transactions between said host system and specific trading partner systems unless a more specific rule applies, andone or more trading partner transaction rules applicable to specific trading partners and specific transaction types.