Patent ID: 7124101
Filing Date: 2006-10-17
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for a framework manager to provide network asset management in a network-based supply chain framework between at least a first framework user and a second framework user, such as a service provider, vendor, reseller, or manufacturer, the method comprising: (a) providing a plurality of network assets on a network for use by the first framework user and the second framework user; (b) receiving information via the network from the first framework user, wherein the information from the first framework user includes information relating to present network assets of the first framework user from the plurality of network assets and information relating to a set of network asset considerations comprising potential for growth of a network asset, capacity of a network asset, technological level of a network asset, and amount of a network asset; (c) receiving information via the network from the second framework user, wherein the information from the second framework user includes information relating to present network assets of the second framework user from the plurality of network assets and information relating to a set of network asset considerations comprising potential for growth of a network asset, capacity of a network asset, technological level of a network asset, and amount of a network asset; (d) determining the needed optimal network assets based on the present network assets of the first framework user and the second framework user, wherein the optimal network assets are determined according to at least one of the network asset considerations, and wherein the needed network assets include both packet-switched and circuit-switched network assets; and (e) upon determining the needed optimal network assets, managing such optimal network assets by: