Abstract:
A user activates the transaction facilitation system from an online banking homepage. Thereafter, communication is performed over a secure communication network. User and transaction type information are received and a unique transaction number is generated. Product information from a vendor is provided to the user, and selected product information is received from the user. Selected transaction information and the transaction number are transmitted to the user&#39;s financial institution, and transaction confirmation information is received from the financial institution. A purchase order and the transaction number are transmitted to the vendor, and a confirmation of the purchase order is received from the vendor. An indication of the confirmation of the purchase order, the transaction number, and a customer relations management password are transmitted to the financial institution. Failing successful delivery or any other transactional problems, the user may go directly to free of charge customer relations management services for resolution.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority from provisional application No. 60/702,891 filed on 26 Jul. 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to data processing systems and methods, and in particular to transaction data processing systems and methods for facilitating financial transactions over communication networks in a way that protects the privacy and identity of users while securing efficient settlement of the transactions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The quantity and value of transactions performed using data communication networks, such as purchase transactions involving goods and/or services, have increased dramatically in recent years. These increases have paralleled the growth and adoption of public communication networks, most prominently the Internet, and the use of data communication networks for transactions is widely expected to increase in volume and scope. 
         [0004]    Conventional transactions performed over data communication networks require transmission and receipt of various types of information, including for example information identifying goods and/or services, price information, as well as identification and financial information such as information identifying purchasers and vendors, financial institution identification information, account information, and the like. Transmission of this identification and financial information presents a potential security problem, and this security problem is particularly significant when a transaction is performed via a public communication network such as the Internet. 
         [0005]    Insecure features of public data communication networks may allow interception of financial and identification information by parties having malicious or criminal motives. The information may additionally be used to monitor purchaser activities and preferences, thus revealing personal characteristics, tastes, choices, profiles, and the like, which the purchaser may prefer to keep confidential. The information may also be used to fraudulently assign transaction costs, resulting in embezzlement of assets or misappropriation of funds. Additionally, vendors may misuse or allow access to the financial and identification information in their custody as a result of the transactions, and may intentionally or inadvertently allow violation of a purchaser&#39;s privacy rights in the information. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods that enable purchasers and users of communication networks to perform transactions for goods and services with greater security and privacy protection, and that enable the secure storage and maintenance of financial and identification information after performance of the transactions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An aspect of the present application provides for a method of facilitating a secure transaction over communication networks, comprising the steps of receiving information associated with a user via a secure communication network, generating a unique transaction number, receiving transaction type information via the secure communication network, providing product information from a computer system of a vendor to the user via the secure communication network, receiving selected product identification information from the user via the secure communication network, transmitting selected transaction information and the generated unique transaction number to a financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, receiving transaction confirmation information from the financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, transmitting a purchase order and the generated unique transaction number to the vendor via the secure communication network, receiving a confirmation of the purchase order from the vendor via the secure communication network, and transmitting an indication of the confirmation of the purchase order, the transaction number, and a customer relations management password to the financial institution of the user. 
         [0008]    A further aspect of the present application provides for a method of facilitating a secure transaction over communication networks, comprising the steps of receiving information associated with a user via a secure communication network, receiving information associated with a vendor via the secure communication network, receiving information associated with the transaction via the secure communication network, generating a unique transaction number, transmitting selected transaction information and the generated unique transaction number to a financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, receiving transaction confirmation information from the financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, transmitting a purchase order to the vendor via the secure communication network, receiving a confirmation of the purchase order from the vendor via the secure communication network, transmitting an indication of the confirmation of the purchase order, the transaction number, and a customer relations management password to the financial institution of the user. 
         [0009]    A further aspect of the present application provides for a method of facilitating a secure transaction over communication networks, comprising the steps of receiving information associated with a user via a secure communication network, generating a unique transaction number, receiving transaction type information, pre-payment platform identification information, and transaction quantity information from the user via the secure communication network, transmitting transaction information to the pre-payment platform via the secure communication network, receiving transaction confirmation information from the pre-payment platform via the secure communication network, and transmitting an indication of the transaction confirmation, the transaction quantity information, the generated unique transaction number, and a customer relations management password to a financial institution of the user via the secure communication network. 
         [0010]    A further aspect of the present application provides for a method of facilitating a secure transaction over communication networks, comprising the steps of receiving information associated with a user via a secure communication network, generating a unique transaction number, receiving transaction type information, pre-payment platform identification information, beneficiary account identification information, and transaction quantity information from the user via the secure communication network, transmitting transaction information to a financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, receiving transaction confirmation information from the financial institution of the user via the secure communication network, transmitting an indication of the transaction confirmation, the generated unique transaction number, and the beneficiary account identification information to a pre-payment platform, and transmitting an indication of the transaction status and a customer relations management password to the financial institution of the user via the secure communication network. 
         [0011]    The systems and methods of the present application may include the sending, receiving, and processing of electronic data related to identities and transactions, both via public communication networks such as the Internet and via private communication networks independent of and separate from the Internet. The electronic data transmission and reception performed via the private communication networks may utilize proprietary, dedicated, private, and secure data communication lines. 
         [0012]    Additionally, the systems and methods of the present application may be associated with customer relations management (“CRM”) services. The CRM services may include a live-operator call center and/or a help desk, recorded voice message assistance, text-based support, and the like, for resolution of any problems associated with transactions. The problems may arise during performance of transactions, and may include, for example, delayed or incomplete delivery, theft, damage to merchandise, and the like. The CRM services may manage all problems related to the transaction until an ultimate solution is reached that is satisfactory to all parties to the transaction. The CRM services may be provided at no cost, and may be accessed via any method of communication including email, facsimile, telephone, and the like. 
         [0013]    All records associated with transactions performed in association with the transaction facilitation systems and methods of the present application may additionally be securely stored and archived under the supervision and/or surveillance of independent inspecting entities, for example, Group Bureau Veritas. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present application can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a transaction facilitation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating a secure transaction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a transaction facilitation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating a secure transaction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a transaction facilitation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating a secure transaction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a transaction facilitation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating a secure transaction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary transaction facilitation system  100  of the present application may include a user computer system  102 , a transaction facilitation computer system  104 , a vendor computer system  112 , a vendor financial institution computer system  114 , an embedded facilitation computer system module  116  located at the vendor, a CRM help module  110 , a public communication network  150 , a computer system of the financial institution of the user  106 , an active storage device of the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , a secure archive storage device  132 , and an embedded facilitation computer system module  108  located at the financial institution of the user. 
         [0024]    Communication between the plural computer systems of the present application may be performed via the public communication network  150 , and the public communication network  150  may include the Internet. Communication between the plural computer systems may alternatively be performed via one or more dedicated, private communication networks separate from and independent of a public communication network. The financial institutions of the various exemplary embodiments of the present application may include, for example, banks, credit card issuers, debit card issuers, and the like. 
         [0025]    As will be understood by one skilled in the art, references herein to computer systems include software applications stored in and/or run by the computer systems, and the computer systems may be managed and/or administered by independent entities. Furthermore, references herein to individual entities should be understood to encompass and include the respective entity as well as agents of the respective entity and/or instruments controlled by the respective entity, such as computer systems, institutions, and the like. Additionally, the plural computer systems of the various exemplary embodiments may be located in geographically remote locations and linked via data communication networks, or may be integrated into one or more components or combinations of components located in close proximity. The various computer system modules of the embodiments of the present application may include software modules stored in and/or run by computer systems, or may include separate, stand-alone computer components that are networked and/or interfaced with other computer systems. 
         [0026]    The CRM call center and help module  110  may include a software interface that runs on the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , whereby the software interface accepts contact from users, for instance in the form of electronic mail communication, facsimile communication, telephone communication, and the like, and transfers the user to a CRM facility that is staffed by live operators and/or other persons that may assist the user in resolving transaction problems. Alternatively, the user may contact the CRM facility and/or live operator assistants directly. 
         [0027]    An exemplary transaction facilitation system of the present application may include software programs or routines stored in and executed by each computer system, and each software program or routine may be capable of performing communication with other computer systems in conjunction with conventional computer communication hardware and software. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the terms “computer system” and “network” as used herein may include a variety of combinations of fixed and/or portable computer hardware, software, peripherals, and storage devices. Generally each computer system identified herein may include at least a processor, a random-access memory, a local or remote storage device, and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors for enabling input and output of information to and from each computer system. Software routines and/or programs may be embedded and/or stored in the storage devices and run by the processors. Each network identified herein may include wired or wireless communication lines and associated conventional hardware devices used in transmitting, receiving, and routing data, such as routers, switches, hubs, interfaces, and the like. 
         [0028]    The hardware and software components of the computer systems of the present application may include and may be included within fixed and portable devices including desktop, laptop, server, personal digital assistant, smart phone, clock, watch, television, compact disc, digital video disc, radio, audio and video recording, replaying, download-capable, and any other suitable communication devices. The devices may include white and brown appliances. The hardware and software components of the system of the present application may also include communication and entertainment devices, and devices for use in a variety of locations including airplanes, automobiles, boats, trains, trucks, hotels, restaurants, public areas, installations, and the like. 
         [0029]    Storage devices of the exemplary systems of the present application may include devices for storing data electronically, such as hard drive devices, storage servers, storage-area networks, RAID configurations, optical media drives, holographic media drives, tape media drives, magnetic storage media, flash memory devices, and the like. 
         [0030]    The processors of each of the plural computer systems may run software applications including operating systems such as UNIX, BSD, Linux, OS/2, VMS, and Microsoft applications, as well as database applications, web server applications, file server applications, file transfer protocol (“FTP”) server applications, mail server applications, and the like. 
         [0031]    The plural computer systems may also each be configured to function as a web server for delivering information via TCP/IP protocol and/or Internet interface. The information transmitted by the web server may include web page information identified by universal resource locators (“URLs”), and formatted in Hyper Text Markup Language (“HTML”) or a similar formatting language in response to requests received via data communication networks. The web page information may also include information formatted using Dynamic HTML (“DHTML”), Extensible Markup Language (“XML”), Java, JavaScript, and the like. Alternatively, the web server may be configured to provide information utilizing Wireless Access Protocol (“WAP”) to a WAP-enabled device such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), and the like. Web server functions may be performed through utilization of web server applications such as Apache, Netscape, and Microsoft web server applications in conjunction with Common Gateway Interface (“CGI”) applications. The CGI applications may perform tasks related to receiving and sending data packets to other computer systems via communication networks, and may additionally perform communication with the database applications in accordance with information received from the communication networks. The CGI applications may include programs written, for example, using programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, and shell scripts. Additionally, the web server applications may incorporate or may be associated with data encryption applications including Secure Socket Layer (“SSL”) and/or Transport Layer Security (“TLS”) applications for providing endpoint authentication and communications privacy using cryptography, and secure shell (“SSH”) applications for encrypted communications, tunneling, forwarding ports, and transferring data files. The web server applications may additionally provide web services, and the web services may be provided via private communication networks and/or public communication networks such as the Internet. 
         [0032]    The plural computer systems may additionally run database applications, and the database applications may be utilized to build and manage databases. The database applications may include relational database management systems, such as applications developed by Oracle, IBM, and the like. 
         [0033]    Communication between the plural computer systems of the system of the present application may be performed using wired or wireless communication lines, and may be performed using any suitable analog or digital communication protocol including TCP/IP, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WAP, 3G/UMTS, CDMA, TDMA, and the like. Utilization of computer hardware and software components and performance of communication between the various components is well-known in the art, and will therefore not be described in greater detail herein. 
       Internet Purchase Transaction 
       [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary transaction facilitation system  100  for processing a transaction between a user and a vendor or multi-vendor platform. As shown as activity A 1  in  FIG. 1 , a user  102  may initiate a transaction by connecting to and/or communicating with the computer system of the user&#39;s financial institution  106 , at step  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, the communication of step  202  may include utilization of a web browser software application running on user computer system  102 , and the web browser software application may allow transmission of information to, and receipt of information from, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 . 
         [0035]    As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the communications may include data formatted in a conventional web format such as HTML, DHTML, XML, and the like, and may additionally include information in Java, Javascript, Flash, and any other suitable format. The communication may include display of information within a window displayed by the web browser software application, and the displayed web browser window may include conventional text entry boxes, scrolling animated and/or scrolling menus, buttons, widgets, animations, icons, and other suitable graphical elements to allow the user to communicate with the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 . 
         [0036]    In an exemplary embodiment, the user may “log-in” to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  via a web site served and/or maintained by the user&#39;s financial institution and accessed via the web browser software application at step  204 . The log-in procedure may include entering of various pieces of user identification information, and the user identification information may include, for example, user name, user password, user account number, user address and/or telephone number information, and any other suitable information identifying the user. In alternative exemplary embodiments, entry of other identification information may be required during the log-in procedure, such as biometric information including fingerprint information, iris-scan information, voice and voice pattern information, and the like. 
         [0037]    Once the user  102  has logged-in as described above, the user may be presented with a personal online banking home page. The personal online banking home page may contain displays of information associated with accounts, payments, fund transfers, and the like, of the user  102 . The personal online banking home page may additionally provide an interface to account management software applications and/or account information entry mechanisms to allow the user  102  to manage and modify the user&#39;s accounts and funds. A transaction facilitation option may be presented to the user  102  on the personal online banking home page, for instance in the form of a displayed button, icon, scrolling animated menu, text string, or other suitable selectable graphical element. The user  102  may select the transaction facilitation application by clicking on or selecting the graphical element at step  206 . 
         [0038]    As shown as Activity B 1  in  FIG. 1 , upon selection of the transaction facilitation application, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transfer the user  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . The transfer may be performed, for instance, through use of and/or by the transaction facilitation computer system module  108 . As described above, the transaction facilitation computer system module  108  may include a software application stored in and run by the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , or may include a separate, stand-alone computer system that is networked and/or interfaced with the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 . 
         [0039]    The user may be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  by a dedicated, private communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. In addition to the connection of the user&#39;s computer system  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  and/or the transaction facilitation computer system module  108  may transmit information associated with the desired transaction, at step  208 . The transaction information may include one or more of a name of the user&#39;s financial institution, a country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution, and an electronic mail address used by the user for transactions. The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may then generate and assign a one-time transaction number. The one-time transaction number may include any quantity of numerical digits, alphabetical characters, or other appropriate symbols, and may serve as a consistent identifier for the transaction until ultimate conclusion of the transaction, for instance, until delivery of a good or service purchased by the user. 
         [0040]    Upon connection to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user  102  may be presented with a web page of the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . At step  210 , the user may then be asked to select a transaction type via the web browser. The available transaction type selections may include, for instance, “financial” or “commercial,” and the selection may be performed via a drop-down scrolling menu, buttons, graphical icons, and the like. Upon selection of a “commercial” transaction type, the user may be presented with a selection of available vendors and/or multi-vendor platforms, for instance via a drop-down scrolling menu, a text listing, graphical icons, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, an arrangement may be made between each vendor or multi-vendor platform and a maintainer and/or administrator of the transaction facilitation system of the present application. A predetermined list of vendors or multi-vendor platforms may be presented to the user, and contents and/or information contained in the predetermined list may be updated periodically by an automated or manual network updating process, or by some other updating mechanism. Any other suitable transaction type may additionally be used. 
         [0041]    At step  212 , upon selection of a desired vendor and/or multi-vendor platform, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may communicate with the vendor and/or multi-vendor computer system  114 , as shown as Activity C 1  in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the communication may include a request for web page information of the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform, and the information received may be displayed in the page displayed by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  and rendered on the web browser viewed by the user  102 . The vendor and/or multi-vendor platform web page may be displayed, for instance, in a sub-window or in a portion of the web page displayed by the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the communication of Activity C 1  may include no identification information of the user  102 , such that the user  102  may remain completely anonymous to the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform. 
         [0042]    Upon retrieval and display of the web page information of the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform, the user may navigate the displayed vendor and/or multi-vendor web page in a conventional manner utilizing the web browser application. The navigation may include the retrieval and rendering of a plurality of linked web pages, and the display, for instance, of items offered for sale by the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform. The user may browse the web page and items offered by the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform, and may for instance select desired items for purchase. The selection for purchase may include a conventional “check-out” function whereby the selected items are designated for purchase and the user  102  is then directed to a payment option and information-entry web page on the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform web site. Upon conclusion by the user  102  of the desired vendor and/or multi-vendor web site browsing activity, the user  102  may indicate a desire to purchase one or more items at step  214 . Upon selection of the items and checking-out by the user  102  as described above, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit all relevant information related to the transaction to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , as shown as Activity D 1  in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitted transaction information may include, for instance, the one-time transaction number generated at step  208 , but may not include information identifying the items selected by the user  102  for purchase. The transmission of the relevant transaction information of step  214  may be performed via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. 
         [0043]    Approximately simultaneously with the transmission of transaction information and via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, the user  102  may additionally be re-linked to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  at step  216 . The user&#39;s personal online banking web page may again be displayed to the user  102  via the web browser. The user&#39;s personal online banking web page may include a description of the selected transaction, and may present the user  102  with an option to confirm the selected transaction and to request payment authorization from the user&#39;s financial institution. The confirmation and payment authorization may be performed, for instance, through utilization of a graphical element, button, text entry, and the like, via the web browser. 
         [0044]    Confirmation of the transaction may be requested by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  at step  218 , as shown as Activity E 1  in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, transmission of the confirmation of the transaction may be requested by the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , for instance, at a predetermined period of time after the transmission of the transaction information in step  214 , or at each of a series of predetermined times thereafter. When the transaction is not confirmed, or for any other reason the payment is not authorized, the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  250 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled, at step  252 . 
         [0045]    As shown as Activity F 1  in  FIG. 1 , when the transaction is confirmed, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transmit the confirmation and an indication to proceed with the transaction at step  220 . In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission of step  220  may be performed via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. 
         [0046]    Upon confirmation of the transaction, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit a purchase order to the vendor computer system  112  at step  222 , shown as Activity G 1  in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission of the purchase order may be performed via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. The purchase order may include an indication that payment authorization has been received from the user&#39;s financial institution, and that a quantity of funds has been set aside and associated with the one-time transaction number. This indication may serve to indicate that funds associated with the transaction are available for transmission by the user&#39;s financial institution, thereby allowing the vendor to supply goods and/or services associated with the transaction without fear of payment risk. 
         [0047]    The vendor may be given a predetermined period of time within which it must respond to the transmission of the purchase order by, for instance, confirming or declining the purchase order. When the vendor declines the purchase order, the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  250 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled at step  252 . 
         [0048]    As shown in Activity H 1  of  FIG. 1 , when the vendor confirms the purchase order at step  224 , a transmission may be made, via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , at step  226 . The vendor confirmation may include the one-time transaction number. 
         [0049]    The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit an indication of the vendor&#39;s confirmation of the purchase order to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, at step  228 , shown at Activity I 1  in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the indication transmitted in step  228  may include the one-time transaction number, and a CRM password. 
         [0050]    After receipt of the indication of the vendor&#39;s confirmation, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transmit payment associated with the transaction to the vendor&#39;s financial institution  114  at step  230 , shown as Activity J 1  in  FIG. 1 . The payment may be performed via conventional financial institution payment channels, such as “Swift” and the like. The payment may be accompanied by the generated one-time transaction number. 
         [0051]    Upon transmission of the payment, the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform  112  may be informed by the vendor&#39;s financial institution  114  that the payment has been transmitted. At step  232 , the vendor may then deliver the goods and/or services associated with the transaction to the user  102  in accordance with shipment and/or delivery instructions provided by the user  102 , as shown in Activity K 1  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 1  as activity L 1 , the CRM call center and help module  110  of the transaction facilitation system may be accessed by the user  102  if there is an incomplete or improper performance of the delivery, for example delayed or incorrect delivery of the requested goods and/or services, theft, damage or malfunction of the delivered goods and/or services, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the user  102  may contact the CRM call center via the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , for instance, via an electronic email address and/or communication application accessible through a web page of the user&#39;s financial institution. Alternatively, the CRM call center and help module  110  may be accessed via telephone, facsimile, email, postal mail, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, access and/or utilization of the CRM services may require provision of the CRM password. 
         [0053]    A record of each transaction may be generated and stored by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  at step  234 , as shown in Activity M 1  of  FIG. 1 . The record may include information corresponding to the transaction including user identity, vendor, purchase amount, purchase date, financial institution, delivery date, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a transaction record may be stored for a predetermined period of time, for example 7 years, in a secure database  132  that is not accessible or connected to a public network such as the Internet, and that is not connected to other storage devices  130  of the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . 
       Online Payment After Checkout on a Vendor Site 
       [0054]    In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the transaction facilitation system of the present application may be utilized without first connecting to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , and may be used, for instance, in association with payments made after selection of items and check-out of a vendor web site by the user  102 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the user  102  may visit a vendor web site via a public communication network such as the Internet  150 , and may browse and shop for one or more desired items, at step  402 , as shown in Activity A 3  in  FIG. 3 . The vendor computer system  112  may be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. Additionally, the vendor may be affiliated with an organization that manages and/or administers the transaction facilitation system. 
         [0056]    The vendor web site may employ a conventional online shopping web page and associated web application software, and may additionally utilize a “check-out” feature as described above, whereby the user  102  may finalize transaction choices and provide payment and identification information. The vendor computer system  112  may additionally display a transaction facilitation activation button on its shopping web site. Alternatively, the transaction facilitation activation may be selected by the user by clicking on an icon, a scrolling menu, a text string, graphical element or any other suitable activation indication device. 
         [0057]    At step  404 , upon activation of the transaction facilitation system, the user  102  may be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , as shown in Activity B 3 , and may communicate with the transaction facilitation computer system  104  via, for instance, a web browser. The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may request information from the user  102 , and the requested information may include the name of the user&#39;s financial institution, the country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution, and an electronic mail address used by the user. The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may process the received information, and may return the user  102  to the vendor web site to arrange for alternative payment options when the user&#39;s financial institution is not affiliated with the organization that manages and/or administers the transaction facilitation system. 
         [0058]    Information associated with the vendor may additionally be collected by the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the embedded transaction facilitation module  116  may collect information associated with the vendor, including a name of the vendor, a name and/or address of the vendor&#39;s website, a vendor data, a vendor time of transaction, information describing contents of the user&#39;s virtual “shopping cart,” an amount of the transaction, and a currency of the transaction. 
         [0059]    At step  406 , the user  102  may then be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, as shown in Activity B 3  in  FIG. 3 . Additionally, the vendor information collected by the embedded transaction facilitation module  116  may be transmitted to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. Upon receipt of this information, the transaction facilitation computer system may generate and assign a one-time transaction number, at step  408 . 
         [0060]    As shown in Activity C 3  of  FIG. 3 , the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit the one-time transaction number and relevant transaction details to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet at step  410 . In an exemplary embodiment, the information describing the contents of the user&#39;s shopping cart is not transmitted to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 . Approximately simultaneous with the transmission described above, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transfer the user  102  to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , where the user  102  may connect to the user&#39;s financial institution personal home page. The user  102  may log-in to the user&#39;s financial institution personal home page in a conventional manner, for instance by entering a log-in name, password, and the like. After logging-in, the user may be presented with a transaction facilitation system activation icon, scrolling menu, button, or the like, displayed on the user&#39;s personal online banking home page. Upon clicking upon or otherwise activating the transaction facilitation activation icon at step  412 , the user  102  may confirm the purchase and request payment authorization from the user&#39;s financial institution for the transaction. When the financial institution does not authorize the payment, or the payment cannot be performed for any reason at step  414 , the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  450 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled, at step  452 . 
         [0061]    When the payment is authorized at step  414 , the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may inform the transaction facilitation computer system  104  of the authorization, and may transmit an instruction to proceed with the transaction, at step  416 , as shown in Activity E 3  in  FIG. 3 . Thereafter, at step  418 , the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit the purchase order to the vendor&#39;s computer system  112  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, and may additionally transmit the one-time transaction number at step  418 , as shown in Activity F 3  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    The transmission of the purchase order at step  418  may include an indication that payment authorization has been received from the user&#39;s financial institution  106 , and that a quantity of funds has been set aside and associated with the one-time transaction number. This indication may serve to indicate that funds associated with the transaction are available for transmission by the user&#39;s financial institution  106 , thereby allowing the vendor to supply goods and/or services associated with the transaction without fear of payment risk. The vendor may be given a predetermined period of time within which it must respond to the transmission of the purchase order by, for instance, confirming or declining the purchase order. When the vendor declines the purchase order, the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  450 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled, at step  452 . 
         [0063]    As shown in Activity G 3  of  FIG. 3 , the vendor may confirm the purchase order at step  420  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . The vendor confirmation may include the one-time transaction number. 
         [0064]    The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit an indication of the vendor&#39;s confirmation of the purchase order to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, at step  422 , shown at Activity H 3  in  FIG. 3 . In an exemplary embodiment, the indication transmitted in step  422  may include the one-time transaction number, and a CRM password. 
         [0065]    After receipt of the indication of the vendor&#39;s confirmation, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transmit a payment associated with the transaction to the vendor&#39;s financial institution  114  at step  424 , shown as Activity I 3  in  FIG. 3 . The payment may be performed via conventional financial institution payment channels, such as “Swift” and the like. The payment may be accompanied by the one-time transaction number or by a reference to the one-time transaction number. 
         [0066]    Upon transmission of the payment, the vendor and/or multi-vendor platform may be informed by the vendor&#39;s financial institution that the payment has been transmitted. At step  426 , the vendor may then deliver or provide the goods and/or services associated with the transaction to the user  102  in accordance with shipment and/or delivery instructions provided by the user  102 , as shown in Activity J 3  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 3  as activity K 3 , the CRM call center and help module  110  of the transaction facilitation system may be accessed by the user  102  when there is an incomplete or improper performance of the delivery, for example delayed or incorrect delivery of the requested goods and/or services, theft, damage or malfunction of the delivered goods and/or services, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the user  102  may contact the CRM call center via the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , for instance, via an electronic email address and/or communication application accessible through a web page of the user&#39;s financial institution. Alternatively, the CRM call center and help module  110  may be accessed via telephone, facsimile, email, postal mail, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, access and/or utilization of the CRM services may require provision of the CRM password. 
         [0068]    A record of each transaction may be generated and stored by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  at step  428 , as shown in Activity L 3  of  FIG. 3 . The record may include information corresponding to the transaction including user identity, vendor, purchase amount, purchase date, financial institution, delivery date, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a transaction record may be stored for a predetermined period of time, for example 7 years, in a secure database  132  that is not accessible or connected to a public network such as the Internet, and that is not connected to other storage devices  130  of the facilitation computer system  104 . 
       Internet Financial Transaction Related to Pre-Payment Platform 
       [0069]    An alternative exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , whereby a user  102  may perform a payment to a pre-payment platform account utilizing the transaction facilitation system of the present application. The pre-payment platform account may be owned by the user  102 , or may be owned by a third party. The payment may be performed without disclosure of any of the user&#39;s personal and/or financial information to the pre-payment platform entity itself. 
         [0070]    At step  602 , the user may connect to the web site home page of the user&#39;s financial institution, and may log-in to the user&#39;s personal online banking home page in a conventional manner, as described above and as shown as Activity A 5  in  FIG. 5 . The log-in procedure may include entering of required on-line banking information, such as a user name and password. Other information may additionally or alternatively be required as part of the log-in process, for instance electronic mail address information, address information, and the like. 
         [0071]    A transaction facilitation application activation icon may be presented to the user  102  on the personal online banking home page. In an exemplary embodiment, the activation icon may be a graphical element such as an icon, scrolling menu, or a button, and the graphical element may blink, shift, or move, or be rendered in a unique or oversized font to attract the attention of the user. Alternatively, the activation icon may include a text element, menu, graphical icon, scrolling menu, or other selectable device to allow the user to activate the transaction facilitation system. 
         [0072]    At step  604 , upon selection of the transaction facilitation application, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transfer the user  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , as shown as Activity B 5  in  FIG. 5 . The transfer may be performed, for instance, by the transaction facilitation computer system module  108 . The user  102  may be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  by a dedicated, private communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. In addition to the connection of the user  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  and/or the transaction facilitation computer system module  108  may transmit all information required to perform a transaction. This transaction information may include one or more of a name of the user&#39;s financial institution, a country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution, and an electronic mail address used by the user for transactions. 
         [0073]    The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may then generate and assign a one-time transaction number to the transaction, at step  606 . The one-time transaction number may serve as a consistent identifier for the transaction until ultimate conclusion of the transaction. Upon connection to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user  102  may be presented with a transaction facilitation web page via the web browser application. The user  102  may then be asked to select a transaction type via the web browser at step  608 . The available transaction type selections may include, for instance, “financial” or “commercial,” and the selection may be performed via a drop-down scrolling menu, buttons, graphical icons, and the like. Upon selection of “financial” transaction type, the user  102  may be asked to specify a sub-category of desired transaction. A listing of available sub-categories may be presented to the user  102 , again, for instance, in the form of a drop-down scrolling menu, graphical icons, and the like. The available sub-categories may include “bank,” “pre-payment platform,” and the like. When the user  102  selects the “pre-payment platform” sub-category, the user  102  may additionally be asked to specify whether the desired transaction involves a retrieval of money from an account of the pre-payment platform, or a payment or pre-payment to the pre-payment account. Any other suitable transaction type may alternatively be used. In addition to selection of the payment or pre-payment transaction type, the user  102  may be asked to provide an electronic mail address and/or other suitable identifier of the beneficiary of the payment or pre-payment. The beneficiary identifier entered may thereafter serve as an identifier of the account to be credited by the payment or pre-payment transaction. After providing the beneficiary identifier, the user  102  may specify a quantity of money to be transferred to the identified account. 
         [0074]    The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may then transmit, via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, all relevant information related to the transaction to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  at step  610 . The transmission of the transaction information may include, for instance, the one-time transaction number, along with the desired quantity of money to be transferred to the identified account. 
         [0075]    The transaction facilitation computer system  104  may request confirmation of the transaction and instruction to proceed from the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , at step  612 , as shown in Activity C 5  in  FIG. 5 . Confirmation of the transaction may depend upon, for instance, a determination by the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  that sufficient funds are available for transfer. When the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  does not confirm the transaction, or the transaction cannot be performed for any other reason, the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  650 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled, at step  652 . 
         [0076]    As shown as Activity D 5  in  FIG. 5 , when the transaction is confirmed by the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transmit the confirmation and indication to proceed with the transaction to the transaction facilitation computer system. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission of the confirmation may be performed via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. 
         [0077]    Upon confirmation of the transaction, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit an indication of a pending payment to the pre-payment platform computer system  160  at step  614 , shown as Activity E 5  in  FIG. 5 . In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission of the indication of the pending payment may be performed via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. The transmission of the indication of the pending payment may additionally include the electronic mail address and/or other beneficiary account identifier, along with the one-time transaction number. 
         [0078]    As shown in Activity F 5  of  FIG. 5 , a transmission may be made by the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, of a quantity of money associated with the transaction to the pre-payment platform&#39;s financial institution  162  at step  616 . The payment may be performed via conventional financial institution payment channels, such as “Swift” and the like. The payment may be accompanied by the one-time transaction number. 
         [0079]    At step  618 , upon transmission of the quantity of money, the user  102  may be informed by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  that the quantity of money has been transmitted via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, as shown as Activity G 5  in  FIG. 5 . In an exemplary embodiment, the user  102  may be informed by a message presented on the user&#39;s personal online banking home page upon the user&#39;s financial institution online banking web site, and the message may additionally include a CRM password. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 5  as activity H 5 , the CRM call center and help module  110  of the transaction facilitation system may be accessed by the user  102  if there is an incomplete or improper performance of the transaction. In an exemplary embodiment, the user  102  may contact the CRM call center via the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , for instance, via an electronic email address and/or communication application accessible through a web page of the user&#39;s financial institution. Alternatively, the CRM call center and help module  110  may be accessed via telephone, facsimile, email, postal mail, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, access and/or utilization of the CRM services may require provision of the CRM password. 
         [0081]    A record of each transaction may be generated and stored by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  at step  620 , as shown in Activity  15  of  FIG. 5 . The record may include information corresponding to the transaction including user identity, vendor, purchase amount, purchase date, financial institution, delivery date, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a transaction record may be stored for a predetermined period of time, for example 7 years, in a secure database  132  that is not accessible or connected to a public network such as the Internet, and that is not connected to other storage devices  130  of the transaction facilitation computer system  104 . 
       Internet Financial Transaction for Retrieval of Money from a Pre-Payment Platform 
       [0082]    A further alternative exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , whereby the user  102  may retrieve a quantity of money from a pre-payment platform account without disclosure of any personal or financial information other than, for instance, the name of the user&#39;s financial institution and the country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution. 
         [0083]    At step  802 , the user  102  may connect to the web site home page of the user&#39;s financial institution, and may log-in to the user&#39;s financial institution personal online banking web site in a conventional manner, as described above and as shown as Activity A 7  in  FIG. 7 . The log-in procedure may include entering of required on-line banking information, such as a user name and password. Other information may additionally or alternatively be required as part of the log-in process, for instance electronic mail address information, address information, and the like. 
         [0084]    Upon logging-in, the user  102  may be presented with the user&#39;s personal online banking web site home page of the user&#39;s financial institution, and a transaction facilitation system activation icon may be presented to the user  102  on the user&#39;s personal online banking home page. In an exemplary embodiment, the activation icon may be a graphical element such as a button, and the graphical element may blink, shift, scroll, move, or be rendered in a unique or oversized font, to attract the attention of the user. Alternatively, the activation icon may include a text element, menu, scrolling menu, graphical icon, or other selectable device to allow the user to activate the transaction facilitation system. 
         [0085]    At step  804 , upon selection of the transaction facilitation application, the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may transfer the user  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , as shown as Activity B 7  in  FIG. 7 . The transfer may be performed, for instance, by the transaction facilitation computer system module  108 . The user  102  may be connected to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  by a dedicated, private communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. In addition to the connection of the user  102  to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  and/or the transaction facilitation computer system module  108  may transmit all information required to perform a transaction. This transaction information may include one or more of a name of the user&#39;s financial institution, a country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution, and an electronic mail address used by the user  102  for transactions. 
         [0086]    The transaction facilitation may generate and assign a one-time transaction number to the transaction, at step  806 . The one-time transaction number may serve as a consistent identifier for the transaction until ultimate conclusion of the transaction. 
         [0087]    Upon connection to the transaction facilitation computer system  104 , the user  102  may be presented with a transaction facilitation system web page via the web browser application. The user  102  may then be asked to select a transaction type via the web browser at step  808 . The available transaction type selections may include, for instance, “financial” or “commercial,” and the selection may be performed via a drop-down scrolling menu, buttons, graphical icons, and the like. Upon selection of the “financial” transaction type, the user may be asked to specify a sub-category of desired transaction. A listing of available sub-categories may be presented to the user  102 , again, for instance, in the form of a drop-down scrolling menu, graphical icons, and the like. The available sub-categories may include “bank,” “pre-payment platform,” and the like. When the user  102  selects the “pre-payment platform” sub-category, the user  102  may additionally be asked to specify whether the desired transaction involves a “retrieval of money” from an account of the pre-payment platform, or a “payment or pre-payment” to the pre-payment account. Upon selection of the “retrieval of money” transaction type, the user  102  may then be asked to provide identification information associated with the pre-payment platform account. The identification information may include, for example, a name of the pre-payment platform, an account number, an account name, and/or any other suitable identifier of the pre-payment platform and account. After providing the account identification information, the user  102  may specify a quantity of money to be transferred from the identified account. 
         [0088]    At step  810 , the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may then transmit an indication of the pending transaction to the pre-payment platform computer system  160  via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, as shown as Activity C 7  in  FIG. 7 . The transmission of the indication may additionally include all relevant information related to the transaction, for instance, the identification information associated with the pre-payment account, the name and country of domicile of the user&#39;s financial institution, the one-time transaction number, and the desired quantity of money to be retrieved. 
         [0089]    The pre-payment platform computer system  160  may inform the transaction facilitation computer system  104  whether the transaction may proceed at step  812 , for example, based upon a determination of whether sufficient funds exist in the identified pre-payment platform account. When the pre-payment platform computer system  160  does not indicate that the transaction may proceed, or when the transaction cannot be performed for any other reason, the one-time transaction number may be destroyed at step  850 , and the transaction may be automatically cancelled and annulled, at step  852 . 
         [0090]    As shown as Activity D 7  in  FIG. 7 , the pre-payment platform computer system  160  may indicate to the transaction facilitation computer system  104  that the transaction may proceed and may authorize the retrieval at step  812 . At step  814 , after receiving the indication that the transaction may proceed, the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may transmit transaction information to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. The transaction information of step  814  may include, for example, the amount of money being transferred to the receiving financial institution and the one-time transaction number associated with the transaction. As shown as Activity E 7  in  FIG. 7 , the transaction facilitation computer system  104  may additionally transmit, via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet, the CRM password to the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 . The user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106  may display the received CRM password, for instance, on the user&#39;s personal online banking home page. 
         [0091]    At step  816 , the pre-payment platform computer system  160  may instruct the pre-payment platform&#39;s financial institution  162  to perform the transfer of money to the receiving financial institution. The instruction may reference the one-time transaction number. As shown as Activity F 7  in  FIG. 7 , upon receipt of the instruction of step  816 , the pre-payment platform financial institution may transmit the payment to the receiving financial institution via a dedicated, private data communication line that is independent of and separate from a public communication network such as the Internet. The payment may be performed via conventional financial institution payment channels, such as “Swift” and the like. The payment may be accompanied by the one-time transaction number. The receiving financial institution may match the one-time transaction number included with the payment against the one-time transaction number associated with the user  102 . When the one-time transaction numbers match, the payment may then be credited to the appropriate recipient account within the recipient financial institution, at step  818 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 7  as activity G 7 , the CRM call center and help module  110  of the transaction facilitation system may be accessed by the user  102  if there is an incomplete or improper performance of the transaction. In an exemplary embodiment, the user  102  may contact the CRM call center via the user&#39;s financial institution computer system  106 , for instance, via an electronic email address and/or communication application accessible through a web page of the user&#39;s financial institution. Alternatively, the CRM call center and help module  110  may be accessed via telephone, facsimile, email, postal mail, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, access and/or utilization of the CRM services may require provision of the CRM password. 
         [0093]    A record of each transaction may be generated and stored by the transaction facilitation computer system  104  at step  820 , as shown in Activity H 7  of  FIG. 7 . The record may include information corresponding to the transaction including user identity, vendor, purchase amount, purchase date, financial institution, delivery date, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a transaction record may be stored for a predetermined period of time, for example 7 years, in a secure database  132  that is not accessible or connected to a public network such as the Internet, and that is not connected to other storage devices  130  of the facilitation computer system  104 . 
         [0094]    It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise illustrative exemplary embodiments described herein, and that various changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In addition, improvements and modifications which become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art after reading the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims are deemed within the spirit and scope of the present application.