Patent ID: 8126991
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for managing network communications, comprising: receiving a request for a first resource from a first requester at a resource management system, the resource management system coupled to a first plurality of broker systems, wherein the resource management system is separate from the first plurality of broker systems, wherein at least one broker system in the first plurality of broker systems is operated by a different entity than an entity operating the resource management system, and at least one broker system in the first plurality of broker systems maintains a different inventory of resources than another broker system in the first plurality of broker systems, and wherein at least one broker system in the first plurality of broker system utilizes a different message format than at least other broker system in the first plurality of broker systems; maintaining a resource data store storing resource identifiers and associated statuses updated in substantially real time based on status data received from the first plurality of broker systems; identifying a first broker system in the first plurality of broker systems controlling the first resource using the resource data store; identifying a message format that will be understood by the first broker system based at least in part on information obtained from a module associated with the first broker system; formatting a message in accordance with the identified message format of the first broker system, the message including an identifier associated with the first resource and an identifier associated with the first requester, wherein the message is configured to cause, at least in part, the first resource to be marked as sold and/or on hold by the first broker system; at least partly causing the message to be serialized, wherein the serialized message is transmitted over a network to the first broker system; receiving an indication via the first broker system as to whether the first broker system has placed a hold on the first resource and/or marked the first resource as sold for the first requester; and if an indication is received from the first broker system that a hold has been placed on the first resource for the first requester and/or the first resource has been marked as sold for the first requester, at least partly causing the first resource to be transferred to the first requester.