Abstract:
According to the invention, a search system for searching intranet datasets and Internet datasets is disclosed. Included in the search system are a first interface portion, a preference and a search translation unit. The first interface portion receives a search query from an end user. A preference indicates a target search engine referenced by the search query. The preference is modifiable by the end user. The target search engine cannot be determined from the search query alone. The target search engine may operate upon an intranet dataset or an Internet dataset. The search translation unit that determines the target search engine indicated by the preference. The search translation unit also translates the search query with a syntax used by the target search engine to create a translated search query. The search translation unit is hosted within an intranet used by the end user.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of and is a non-provisional of both U.S. application Ser. No. 60/543,228, filed on Feb. 9, 2004; and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/614,788, filed on Sep. 29, 2004, which are both incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE  
       [0002]     This disclosure relates in general to searching and, more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to an electronic search engine.  
         [0003]     Searching for information with a computer is frustrating. There are local searches, Internet search engines, web site search fields, etc. Some search features use a Boolean search format, while others use natural language. Even those that use the Boolean search function have wildly varying syntax. Effective searching is not practical except for the most determined and sophisticated users.  
         [0004]     Conventionally, each search engine has its own interface and syntax. Interfaces can have command lines, check boxes and other controls that allow describing a search query. The syntax is somewhat standardized between different search engines with many relying upon some variation of Boolean syntax. Effective searching relies upon knowledge of the semi-custom syntax and interface for each search engine.  
         [0005]     There are metacrawlers that are a search engine or a software program that displays results from multiple search engines. For example, DogPile™ can take a given search query and provide results from a number of search engines. There are similar metacrawlers that search databases of all types such as travel databases and auction listings. The listings from these multiple search engines are displayed in a unified readout. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures:  
         [0007]      FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  1 C are block diagrams of embodiments of a search system;  
         [0008]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are block diagrams of embodiments of an universal search function;  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an universal search interface; and  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for searching with an embodiment of the universal search function. 
     
    
       [0011]     In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0012]     The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.  
         [0013]     Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.  
         [0014]     Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.  
         [0015]     Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “computer-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.  
         [0016]     Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable medium such as storage medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, a universal search function allows an integrated, client-side approach to searching. A single interface is used that can interface with any number of search functions or perform searching itself. A single command line could be used with a syntax that can be translated for the target search engine. The user could specify what types of searches are sent to which target search engines. For example, the user could specify that all web searches would go to Google™ or DogPile™ for them to return results. Additionally, the search could be performed of auction sites, price comparison sites, patent database sites, article archive sites, newsgroups, user forums, travel sites, real estate sites, commercial databases, classified ad sites, local storage media, network storage media, etc. using the same interface.  
         [0018]     The user could specify that local searches be performed with the Microsoft™ Windows search feature, use another local search engine, or use a search engine integral with the universal search function. The search engine of the universal search function may have the ability search on the local machine, within the intranet and/or on the Internet in various embodiments.  
         [0019]     An example of one syntax is shown in the below Tables I, II and III. In this example, a domain prefix would appear first, then the search string and the switches. This is the syntax for the command line embodiment. Generally, the domain prefix specifies the search engine(s) to use or search engine to use within a particular domain. The switch suffix allows further customization. Multiple domain prefixes and switch suffixes are possible in a given search query string.  
                             TABLE I                           Syntax of Domain Prefixes for Command Line            Domain               Prefix   Customize   Explanation               LAN:   No   All storage on network       WAN:   Yes   Intranet web site       Net:   Yes   Internet search of chosen search engine accessible               on the Internet       X:   No   Searches the X drive, but any drive and/or path               can be specified       $:   Yes   Searches the financial search engine of choice               for news or stock quotes       Q:   Yes   Retrieves a stock quote for a ticker symbol or               looks-up the ticker symbol if the search term               cannot be found       Frm:   Yes   Search the previously selected forum(s)       News:   Yes   Search the previously selected newsgroup source       CA:   Yes   Search the previously selected classified ad site(s)       Auct:   Yes   Searches the previously selected auction site(s)       Leg:   Yes   Search for legislation in the previously selected               jurisdiction(s)       Pat:   Yes   Searches the patent database(s) of choice       Tr:   Yes   Searches the travel web site of choice       Google:   No   Passes query to the Google ™ search engine       Y!:   No   Passes query to the Yahoo ™ search engine       Expedia:   No   Passes query to the Expedia ™ search engine                  
 
         [0020]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE II 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Syntax of Search Terms for Command Line 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Term 
                 Customize 
                 Explanation 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 AND 
                 Yes 
                 Searches for both key words joined by term 
               
               
                 OR 
                 Yes 
                 Searches for either key word joined by term 
               
               
                 NOT 
                 Yes 
                 Excludes results that include the key word after 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the term 
               
               
                 $ 
                 Yes 
                 Single wildcard character 
               
               
                 * 
                 Yes 
                 One or more wildcard characters 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0021]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE III 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Syntax of Domain Suffix Switches for Command Line 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Switch 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Suffix 
                 Customize 
                 Explanation 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 b 
                 No 
                 Force Boolean interpretation 
               
               
                 nl 
                 No 
                 Force natural language interpretation 
               
               
                 1 
                 No 
                 Activate the first search result that is returned 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (e.g., automatically pull-up the web page of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the first link) 
               
               
                 X 
                 Yes 
                 Define the number of search results to show 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on one page 
               
               
                 $l 
                 No 
                 Sort results from lowest price to highest price 
               
               
                 $h 
                 No 
                 Sort results from highest price to lowest price 
               
               
                 dX 
                 Yes 
                 Only waits for a result for X number of seconds 
               
               
                   
                   
                 before displaying output 
               
               
                 l 
                 No 
                 Force a language other than the default previously 
               
               
                   
                   
                 chosen 
               
               
                 sX 
                 Yes 
                 Force use of syntax X 
               
               
                 n 
                 No 
                 Force no translation of syntax for target search 
               
               
                   
                   
                 engine 
               
               
                 “X” 
                 Yes 
                 Search for term X in object found by search string 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0022]     The search terms can use a defined syntax in one embodiment that can be customized by the user. Wild cards, exact phrasing, words to exclude, connectors, etc. are defined for the search phrase portion of the command line entry. For example, a Boolean AND could be the default, but could be redefined by the user as a space between two search terms instead. Table II is an example of a Boolean type of commands available within the search phrase portion. One embodiment provides a plain-language explanation of the current syntax in the universal search function so the user can observe how the search query is being interpreted.  
         [0023]     A given search query can target multiple search engines. Two prefixes can be used with a “/” separating them to denote that both search engines should be searched. For example, C:/Google: will search both the local C drive and Google™. Additionally, Boolean operators can be used for prefixes, for example, the AND operator would only display results that matched from two search engines.  
         [0024]     Changes to the syntax are as simple as editing a field in the explanation fields of the current status. For example, the default Boolean syntax to search for two terms could be AND, but the user could modify this to the “*” character. Modification can be done with configuration screens in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the user can ask that the input syntax be displayed by the interface. All the syntax is displayed and the user can edit any field of their choosing. Those changes can be optionally saved in the configuration for the specified syntax.  
         [0025]     Some embodiments could use a graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting various options in addition to the line for the search string. The GUI could have different settings to allow for searchers of varying levels of experience (i.e., advanced, intermediate, beginner). Also, the GUI could work in Boolean mode, natural language mode or a mode that would allow either. The syntax for the command line could be selectable by the user. There are many variations of syntax in circulation today, and the user could select from the more popular ones, modify one, or define a new one. Regardless of the syntax chosen, appropriate translation would be performed for the target search engine.  
         [0026]     Status information could be provided to the user. Any syntax not supported by the target could be noted in a status window after submission. Also, the translated syntax actually submitted to the target search site could be shown such that the user could observe what the universal search function had done. Some embodiments show the syntax built by the GUI such that the user can see what command line equivalent would accomplish the same result as interacting with the GUI.  
         [0027]     The command line and/or GUI (i.e., universal search interface) could be integral with a web browser or other application as a tool bar. When integral with the browser, JAVA™ or ActiveX™ scripting or a plug-in could be used. Some embodiments use a separate window for the universal search interface. In one embodiment, the address field of the browser (i.e., the field that normally accepts the URI) could also serve as the interface to the universal search function. A particular search string could be save as a favorite or link to allow easy access to the search at a later time. The link would function like any other URL link in the operating system.  
         [0028]     In one embodiment, the universal search function checks the resulting objects. Where a link is broken because the target object or data is no longer available, it can be excluded from the results. Each object can be checked for the search term again to be sure it still includes the searched for criteria. Sponsored links that do not qualify under the search criteria could be removed in this manner. Many databases are based upon prior search results such as web page search engines. When a particular search against the historical data is made, the results could be checked again to confirm their continued relevance.  
         [0029]     One embodiment would allow the universal search function to submit the query to multiple sites. The results could be displayed on the same web page or in separate web browser windows. When on the same page, a frame could be used or the results could be reformatted in a integrated list. One embodiment displays the results in a grid format.  
         [0030]     Where the input to the universal search function does not make sense or yields few results, the universal search function could try to determine what the user meant. Possible spelling errors could be checked client-side and noted in the status. Clicking on the correct spelling in the status would search for the corrected term. Small non-English terms could be checked against ticker symbols and a price quote could be presented if there were a corresponding ticker symbol.  
         [0031]     Some databases could require a user to log-in before a query can be made. The universal search function could store various passwords for the user. Once the user authenticates or logs-into the universal search function, the stored login information could be used to search the databases that require authentication. In some cases, the universal search function could have its own authentication information or a back door that avoids authentication for databases that might normally require each query to be associated with an authenticated user.  
         [0032]     A number of variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments can also be used. For example, the universal search function could be provided with an ASP model and hosted by a remote web site or on a web site remote to the user and maintained by the ISP. The universal search function could be implemented in HTML, application software, scripting languages (e.g., JAVA™, ActiveX™, etc.), operating system software, a browser plug-in, a tool bar, etc.  
         [0033]     Referring initially to  FIG. 1A , a block diagram of an embodiment of a search system  100 - 1  is shown. This embodiment shows only two search sites  108  and a proprietary search interface  156  on the Internet, but there could be any number of search sites  108 , proprietary search interfaces  156  or local datasets  148  available to search in various embodiments. A user  112  interacts with a user computer  128  to call a universal search function  104 . The user computer  128  can have one or more local datasets  148  for searching.  
         [0034]     The local dataset  148  could be anything searchable from the user computer. For example, the dataset could be all files available on the user computer or any other database. The user computer may have a search interface tool for the local dataset  148  or other database or could rely upon a search engine that is part of the universal search function  104 . The local dataset  148  could be directly coupled to the user computer, stored on the user computer, or available over an intranet or local area network. Examples of these types of local datasets include a file system on a storage medium, a network directory service, a proprietary database locally accessible, a library catalog, local databases, knowledge databases, electronic help systems, and research tools. Any software that has a Boolean-type or graphical user interface (GUI) for searching is a suitable target for the universal search function  104 .  
         [0035]     Commonly, datasets  140  are remotely located with respect to the user computer and rely upon the Internet  120  for interaction. A search site  108  is typically a web site with a HTML type interface or could be a proprietary search interface  156  that is accessed by software hosted locally or remotely to the user computer  128 . The dataset  140  could be related to anything that a user might want to search. In some cases, a particular search site  108  may ask user&#39;s to login or otherwise authenticate their identity. An authentication module  124  stores login names and passwords to check for proper authentication. Other embodiments of the authentication module  124  could use any biometric or passcode type verification.  
         [0036]     With reference to  FIG. 1B , a block diagram of another embodiment of the search system  100 - 2  is shown. In this embodiment, the universal search function  104  is located away from the user computer  128 . The user can access the universal search function  104  using the Internet  120 . Other embodiments could separate the universal search function  104  using a LAN, WAN, VPN or other technology.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIG. 1C , a block diagram of yet another embodiment of the search system  100 - 3  is shown. This embodiment shows a local search engine  152  that is accessible to the user computer  128 . A second local dataset  148 - 2 , accessible through an intranet server  160 , is also available for searching from a universal search function  104 . In this embodiment, the universal search function  104  is hosted from the intranet server  160 . The search sites  108  in this embodiment do not use authentication.  
         [0038]     With reference to  FIG. 2A , a block diagram of an embodiment of the universal search function  104  is shown. As discussed above, the universal search function  104  may be local to the user computer  128 , across an intranet or across the Internet  120 . HTML, application software, scripting languages (e.g., JAVA™, ActiveX™, etc.), operating system software, a browser plug-in, and/or a tool bar could be used to implement the universal search function  104 . Included in the universal search function  104  are a universal search interface  204 , a control module  208 , a search preferences database  212 , an authentication module  220 , a login information database  224 , a language processor  216 , a search translator  208 , and a syntax profile database  228 .  
         [0039]     The universal search interface  204  provides the command line and/or GUI that the user interacts with when entering a search query, configuring the universal search function  104  or reviewing search results. The universal search interface  204  could be application software or an interpreted interface such as HTML. Any type of computer or device could be used to display the universal search interface  204 , for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, set top box, tablet computer, etc.  
         [0040]     The operation of the universal search function  104  is largely regulated by the control module  208 . Software and/or hardware could be used to implemented the control module  208 . User information is stored by the control module  208  in the search preferences database  212 . This database holds the customizations selected for each user along with any customizations to any syntax profiles.  
         [0041]     The search translator  208  interfaces with the syntax profile database  228  to provide various syntax profiles and translate among them. A sample syntax profile is shown in the above Tables I, II and III. Should the user edit a syntax profile, it is stored in the search preference database  212 . When a particular user uses the universal search function, any customized syntax profiles are loaded into the search translator  208 . When a search query is entered, the search translator  208  parses the query with the input syntax profile and translates that using an output syntax profile. The resulting search query is provided to the control module  208 , which presents it to the appropriate search engine.  
         [0042]     Natural language queries are possible in this embodiment. The language processor  216  parses the input search query to produce a Boolean equivalent that is presented to the search translator  208  for conversion into the resulting search query. Foreign languages can also be understood and translated by the language processor  216 . When an input search query is provided with a command line or GUI interface, the language processor  216  can formulate a natural language equivalent for presentment back to the user. Review of the natural language equivalent by the user allows quickly finding any miscommunications.  
         [0043]     Referring next to  FIG. 2B , a block diagram of another embodiment of the universal search function  104  is shown. This embodiment includes a native search engine  232 . This search engine  232  provides the ability to directly interface with available data sets and search them. For example, the native search engine  232  could search documents, digital photos, video files, audio files, web pages, newsgroups, and general file systems. The queries to the native search engine can use any syntax before translation to the native syntax of the native search engine  232 .  
         [0044]     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a screen shot of an embodiment of a universal search interface  204  is shown. This embodiment uses a command line  304  interface to enter the search queries, but other embodiments could have a GUI instead. Once the search string is entered along with any other settings, the “search” button  332  initiates the search. Any configuration or customization of the syntax can be done by selecting the “config” button  336 . Where authentication is required by the target search engine, the user can authenticate with the “login” button  340 .  
         [0045]     This embodiment has check boxes  312  to allow selecting various options. The input syntax profile can be displayed. When displayed, fields in the input syntax can be modified by overwriting the particular filed with the new operator. Similarly, the output syntax profile can be displayed and modified. Any changes to the syntax profiles can be saved for use on future searches. The user can also select to have both profiles shown with the translation between the two for each operator.  
         [0046]     Other check boxes  312  allow selecting other options. The output search query  320  can be displayed and/or a plain language equivalent  316  to the query could be shown. This example displays the search results  324  in the same window. These results  324  could be reformatted information from the search engine or a frame that includes the actual results. In other examples, the user could have the results  324  shown in a new window.  
         [0047]     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process  400  for searching with an embodiment of the universal search function  104  is shown. The depicted portion of the process  400  begins in step  404  where the universal search function is loaded. This could be done by opening your web browser with a plug in, loading a web page, loading an application or applet, etc. In step  406 , the user may modify any of the configuration settings or modifying any syntax profile.  
         [0048]     In step  410 , the search query is entered using a command line and/or GUI. The user would then start the search process. In step  414 , the control module  208  determines the one or more search engines that are targeted. A determination is made in step  420  to see if any targeted search engine uses authentication. Where authentication is used, the universal search function  104  may require the user to log in before step  418 , where the login information is retrieved from the search preference database  212 . Where the login information was not previously gathered the user may be queried for the login information. In step  422 , any authentication with the one or more target search engine is performed.  
         [0049]     After any authentication, processing continues to step  424  where the search translator  208  gathers the source and target syntax profiles are retrieved from the syntax profile database  228 . The search translator  208  converts the search query to a target search query. In some cases, the target search query may also be displayed by the universal search interface  204 . The target search query is automatically entered into the target search engine(s) in step  428 .  
         [0050]     The resulting search results may be presented in a new window or an existing search window in step  432 . The results can be reformatted or not during this process. The results are shown to the user in step  436 . Some embodiments may not show the results, but pass them to a file or another process. The user can interact with the search results in step  440  or modify the search query before requesting results again.  
         [0051]     While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the invention.  
       APPENDIX  
       [0052]     Attached and incorporated into this application is an appendix. This appendix includes detail on one or more embodiments of this disclosure. The appendix describes a bandwidth provisioning method and the universal search function could be a service purchased. The scope the disclosure should not be limited by the detail disclosed in the appendixes.  
       Appendix: Enhanced Bandwidth Provision  
       [0053]     Management of a broadband connection is daunting. Firewalls, Internet appliances, routers, e-mail servers and other hardware is maintained by information service (IS) personnel. Software such as virus detection software, spam filtering, content filters, search tools, etc. are also maintained by the IS personnel. The maintenance of the broadband connection typically far outstrips the cost of the bandwidth over the broadband connection. For broadband providers, the profit margin for the bandwidth is declining.  
         [0054]     In an embodiment, the present invention moves many of the IS tasks are moved away from the end user or business customer. These IS tasks are broadly categorized into data scrubbing (spam filtering of e-mail, virus protection from e-mail, web pages and downloaded files, worm protection, content filtering or parental control, firewall screening, network intrusion security and wireless network security, etc.) and application service (virtual private networking (VPN) services, quality of service (QoS) management, network address translation (NAT), TCP/IP port management, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), voice over Internet protocol (VOIP), software and operating system updates, remote installation and update of computer software, computer backup and archive, application hosting, ASP software, e-mail account hosting, searching software, web site hosting, etc.).  
         [0055]     The content filtering and parental control scrubbing services could include eliminating any unwanted data destined for the subject network. In addition to denial of service attacks, worms and viruses, this could include sending of sensitive data from the company network and time wasting activities (e.g., Internet radio, picture and video viewing, newsgroups, instant messaging sessions, etc.). The content of the payloads being received or the IP address and port could be inspected to determine what type of information is being received or sent by the network. Individual user accounts on the network could have customized permissions to access various types of information.  
         [0056]     In most cases, the hardware to support these IS tasks is located remote to the end-user location, but some embodiments could locate some or all hardware at the user location. For example, wireless access points could be installed in the user location to support wireless networking. The authentication and intrusion detection for the wireless network could be located remote to the user location.  
         [0057]     In one embodiment, the bandwidth over the broadband connection is marketed as being free. The give-away of bandwidth could be in some way contingent on purchasing one or more related services. Some embodiments could tie the amount of free bandwidth to the number of related services purchased and/or the dollar amount of the related services. For example, a 128 KB data pipe is free with purchase of VOIP telephone service. If spam filtering and virus and worm protection is added to this, a 256 KB data pipe is provided. The bandwidth could be further scaled by the seats purchased. For example, if 10 lines of VOIP telephone service is purchased, 1 MB of bandwidth could be provided. Any number of bandwidth service levels could be provided in a way that generally correlates to the services purchased. Of course, the customer could purchase additional bandwidth separate from the purchase of IS tasks in some embodiments.  
         [0058]     In one embodiment, a limited amount of bandwidth is given away regardless of whether any IS task is purchased. For example, a 64 KB data pipe could be provided. The user may be subjected to advertising, data gathering on Internet habits and/or mandatory surveys that could be eliminated for a fee. In some cases, the user may have to purchase the terminal equipment for receiving the bandwidth. This could be waived if a contract term for purchase certain IS tasks were formed. Alternatively, the purchase price for the terminal equipment could be refunded in whole or part if the terminal equipment is returned upon cancellation.  
         [0059]     The hardware configuration for end-users could take many forms. Generally, a single user would only require the terminal equipment (e.g., satellite modem and dish, DSL modem, wireless modem, cable modem, optical fiber interface, power line data modem, microwave data modem and dish, etc.). Where there were multiple computers or network devices, a switch or hub could make the bandwidth available to all devices attached to the network. If the terminal equipment does not protect the bandwidth, a virtual private network or encryption could be used to protect the transported bandwidth between the terminal equipment and the bandwidth provider.  
         [0060]     The equipment maintained by the bandwidth provider could be more easily fixed in a central location for the many customers. Some equipment could have redundant systems that take over when necessary. The bandwidth provider could maintain many spares to easily replace broken equipment. Any software or hardware for the bandwidth provider could be upgraded with minimal impact on the customer locations.  
         [0061]     End-users could purchase some IS tasks from the bandwidth provider, while handling others internally in some embodiments. For example, the e-mail functions such as a mail server and virus and spam scanning could be offloaded to the bandwidth provider, while NAT and DHCP could be locally handled with a router in some embodiments. Various configurations could be chosen to divide locally handled services from remotely handled ones.  
         [0062]     The bandwidth provider separates the network traffic for each customer. Systems to support the IS task are connected to each customer network that has purchased the service. The interface between the Internet and various customer intranets is located away from the user location and at one of the bandwidth provider locations. The data scrubbing functions are performed at this interface. Some data scrubbing functions could be located on either side of the interface, such as e-mail virus and spam detection.  
         [0063]     The customer can configure options through a web or application interface to the various systems. For example, the NAT function and port management could be located at the bandwidth provider location and accessed by the user through a web page on the intranet. Any configuration screens could be accessed on the intranet by authorized personnel to modify how the services performed if desired.  
         [0000]     Concise Descriptions of Some Embodiments:  
         [0064]     1. A method for scrubbing a bandwidth allocation to a customer, the method comprising steps: 
        coupling bandwidth provider equipment to an intranet; and     coupling network devices of a customer to the intranet, wherein:     the bandwidth provider equipment is remotely located from the network devices, and     intranet is broadband between the bandwidth provider equipment and the network devices.        
 
         [0069]     2. A computer system adapted to perform the computer-implementable method for scrubbing the bandwidth allocation of claim  1 .  
         [0070]     3. A method for providing bandwidth from a wide area network (WAN) that is coupled with related services, the method comprising: 
        bundling a predetermined amount of wide area network bandwidth with a service;     receiving a customer order for the bundle;     provisioning the bundle, wherein at least part of the service is performed away from a customer location.        
 
         [0074]     4. A computer system adapted to perform the computer-implementable method for providing bandwidth from the WAN of claim  3 .  
         [0075]     5. A method for provisioning Internet services and bandwidth, the method comprising steps of: 
        provisioning an Internet service for a customer; and     automatically including an increment of bandwidth provisioning to the customer without additional cost.