Patent ID: 8015049
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method implemented by a central appointments server comprising: receiving at least one request from a user system over a network to make an appointment during a time period; responsive to the request, enabling a selection of a service provider from a plurality of service providers accessible via the central appointments server; determining at least one available appointment time within the time period for the selected service provider through use of the central appointments server, wherein the central appointments server is configured to store representations of respective calendars that indicate available appointment times for the plurality of service providers, wherein the representations of the calendars include a representation of a first calendar for the selected service provider; transmitting the at least one available appointment time obtained from the first calendar to the user system; receiving notification of a selection of an appointment time from the at least one available appointment time; and responsive to the notification, causing a second calendar maintained by the selected service provider separate from the central appointments server to be checked to determine whether the selected appointment time is available in the second calendar.