Abstract:
A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing professional and administrative services to clients ( 102 ) via computer, comprising first computing means ( 103 ) by which potential clients ( 101 ) obtain access to register with the system; second computing means ( 104 ),partitioned into a plurality of privated areas, wherein each private area is dedicated to a single client ( 102 ), other clients ( 102 ) not being granted access to said private area; and third computing means ( 106 ) to which the provider ( 105 ) of services has access but the clients ( 102 ) do not have access. The services may be the formation and organization of a corporation. The invention is most fully described in conjunction with the formation and organization of a Bermuda corporation.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    This invention pertains to the field of service providers_providing professional and administrative services to clients via computer.  
         BACKGROUND ART  
         [0002]    McHugh, Josh, “Going Offshore on the Internet”, Forbes, Sep. 8, 1997, describes an organization in Anguilla that purportedly uses the Internet to assist in the formation of an Anguillan corporation.  
           [0003]    Talev, Margaret, “Same brush has touched opponents”, The Tampa Tribune, Tampa, Fla., Aug. 23, 1998, states that one of the candidates for Secretary of State of Florida “also said she would enable corporations to file their incorporation paperwork over the Internet”.  
           [0004]    “Edge: Work-Group Computing Report”, IAC (SM) Newsletter Database (™), EDGE Publishing, U.S.A., Aug. 12, 1996, refers to “Web.LawPartner: Legal &amp; Business Forms Online: Corporate model documents and forms, among other transactional documents.” 
           [0005]    “Adobe Systems, Inc. introduces interactive PDF Web forms; Portable Document Format”, Information Today, U.S.A., March 1998, states “IncSpot provides lawyers and paralegals with an on-line library of more than 1,000 corporate forms and 3,000 procedural outlines in Adobe PDF.” 
           [0006]    “Software”, Section: Supplement: 1995 Technology Directory, The American Lawyer, March 1995, p.55, U.S.A., mentions at least three companies that provide online services to corporate lawyers.  
         DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION  
         [0007]    A system, method, and computer readable medium by which a provider ( 105 ) provides services to clients ( 102 ) via computer, comprising first computing means ( 103 ) by which a system. Coupled to the first computing means ( 103 ) are second computing means ( 104 ) partitioned into a plurality of private areas, wherein each private area is dedicated to a single client ( 102 ), other clients ( 102 ) not being granted access to said private area. Coupled to the first computing means ( 103 ) and to the second computing means ( 104 ) are third computing means ( 106 ) to which the provider ( 105 ) has access but the clients ( 102 ) do not have access. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    These and other more detailed and specific objects and features of the present invention are more fully disclosed in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the principal subcomponents of first computing means  103 .  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating how a user registers with the system.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating how registered users  102  log into the system.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the principal components of client centre  118 .  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating how a user  102  initiates a process of incorporation.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the second step of incorporation—providing business information.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating the third step of incorporation—giving information concerning shared capital.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the forth step of incorporation —providing information concerning the owner.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the fifth step of incorporation—providing information concerning the directors and officers.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the sixth step of incorporation—organisation review.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of submitting the completed incorporation questionnaire and paying for the incorporation.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating components of client centre  118  to which user  102  has access.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating components of the internal part of the system using the third computing means  106 .  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating how an internal user of the system conducts a search for existing information.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the organization of company details  511  stored within the system.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing searches that may be conducted using the quicksearch facility  507  and their results  529 ,  530 ,  531 , and  532 .  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of the quicklink facility  207  and the access by the administrator  105  to the company details  210 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating components within administrative centre  603  within fourth computing means  602 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating components within the block of incorporation in Bermuda  610 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    This system can be used to provide many different types of professional and/or administrative services to users  102  who may have no experience in performing the requisite task. It is able to generate all relevant documentation and can calculate and collect any required fee. It performs all these tasks in a secure environment that allows access only to the relevant user  102  and administrator  105 . The system streamlines the requisite service by changing it from a task-oriented system to a process-oriented system. This provides significant advantages in quality and efficiency. The specific system detailed in this description is for the incorporation of exempt limited liability companies in Bermuda, but it may be used for many other professional and administrative services.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 1 shows the three different types of user of the system. Unregistered users  101  access the system via the first computing means  103 . Registered users  102  can go directly into the second computing means  104  whilst unregistered users  101  must first register through the first computing means  103 . Administrator(s)  105  may directly access the third computing means  106  after first having been assigned a user name and password. This is the administrative or internal part of the system. They may also enter the second computing means  104  once they have registered. System support enters the system through the fourth computing means  602 .  
         [0031]    There is a direct relationship  107 ,  620  between the various computing means. The user  102  enters data via the first  103  and hence the second  104  computing means. This data is stored in a central database where it may be accessed both by the second computing means  104  and the third computing means  106 . The fourth computing means  602  is directly linked to the first  103 , second  104 , and third  106 , computing means. It provides access for support and maintenance of the system by system support  601 . The first  103 , second  104 , third  106 , and fourth  602  computing means are linked to each other and are normally hosted on the same computer, but may reside on two or more computers. Access may be made by users  101 ,  102 , administrators  105  and system support  601  online, either through an open or closed network. They may therefore be remote to the computers on which the system is hosted. The operation of the system may also be conducted partly off-line with direct contact between the user  101 ,  102 , administrators  105  and system support  601 . The system also provides an automatic e-mail facility, so that at certain specified events, e-mails are sent to users  101 , 102  and administrators  105 .  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 2, the first computing means  103  provides the user  101 ,  102  with details of the functions provided by the system. Any user  101 , 102  may access the various public parts ar a demonstration of the system  108 , frequently asked questions  109 , learn more about the system  110 , and off line transactions  111 . Users  101  who wish to register in order that they may enter the secure client area at the second computing means  104  may do so via registration module  112 . Users  102  already registered on the system may log into the secure client area via log in module  113 . For users  101  who do not wish to use the on-line system, an off-line method of incorporation is provided  111 . Modules  108 - 113  may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, and/or any combination thereof.  
         [0033]    The registration process for access to the secure client centre at the second computing means  104  is shown in FIG. 3. From the first computing means  103 , a user  101 ,  102  is taken to a registration screen  112  and must provide his or her full name and contact details, including the name of any company they may represent. They are also asked to provide a user name and password that must be input twice to ensure that it is correct. A preselected minimum number of letters or alphanumeric characters must be used to ensure a basic level of security. In order to be able to retrieve passwords that ar forgotten, there is also a secret question and secret answer. Certain fields are mandatory and must be completed; these are marked accordingly. Once this data has been input, the user  101  is invited to click on a submit button. After clicking on the submit button, the data is checked at  114  to ensure that the appropriate fields have been completed, the two passwords correspond, and the minimum number of alphanumeric characters have been used for the user name and password. If an error is picked up at this stage, the data is sent back to the user  101  with an error message  115 . The user is invited to correct the error and resubmit the data in order for it to be checked again at  114 . This process continues until the data is correct. When the data that is submitted is correct, the user  101  is asked for confirmation at  116 . At this stage, the user  101  may edit the data by clicking on a button in order to return  117  to the registration screen  112 . Otherwise, they may enter the opening screen of the client centre  118 .  
         [0034]    The process for users  102  who have already registered is shown in FIG. 4. Users  102  access the login screen  113  and provide their user name and password. If the password has been forgotten, they may click on a button which takes them to a screen  119  that enables them to retrieve this information. They are asked to provide their user name and e-mail address. Once this is provided, they then click on a button in order to retrieve the password. The next screen  120  provides them with the secret question originally provided during the registration process at  112 . If they answer the question incorrectly, they will be asked the question again  121 . Once answered correctly, they are provided with their username and password  122 . They may then click through to the client centre  118 , part of second computing means  104 . All through this process, the user is provided with quickhelp and help buttons that they may press for further explanation to be provided.  
         [0035]    Referring to FIG. 5, the client centre  118  lists for the benefit of the user  102  the names of any companies that the user  102  has started to incorporate using the system and the overall status of that incorporation. This separation of relevant data for each user  101 ,  102  is enabled due to the client centre  118  being partitioned into a plurality of secure private areas. Each area is distinct to any other and can be accessed only by a user  102  who has the appropriate user name and password. The names of the companies are hypertext links to the incorporation status screen for that particular company  130 . The relevant part of the screen will remain blank for first time users  101 , as they will not have incorporated any companies. There can be any number of company names that are listed. The client centre  118  also acts as a point of entry to other areas of the secure client centre  118  as well as the outside world. From the client centre  118  the user  102  may access the incorporation status screen  123 . This provides the same information as the client centre  118  but is accessible from any part of the secure area. If the user  102  wishes to start a new incorporation, they may access the new company introduction screen  124 . The user  102  may check the user profile  125  held by the system and the payment information screen  126  that provides details on payments that the user  102  has made using the system. The client centre  118  also provides the user  102  with general help  127 , a log out facility  128 , and the opportunity to contact the professional/administrative service supplier  129 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 details the start of the new company incorporation process. The user  102  enters new company introduction  123  from the client centre  118 . This provides information about how the system works. From here the user  102  is invited to move to the first of the six steps of incorporation. The six steps are name reservation; business information; share capital; owners; directors and officers; and organisation details. To access these areas the user  102  may click on each hypertext link on the questionnaire home page  141  and will be taken through to name reservation review  142 ; business information introduction  143 ; share capital introduction  144 ; owners introduction  145 ; directors and officers introduction  146 ; and organisation introduction  147 . From the questionnaire home screen  141 , the user  102  may also return to the client centre  118 . This first step after the new company introduction  123 , however, is name introduction  131 . This provides general information about company names and their requirements. After this is the name form  132  for the input of the data. At both name introduction and the name form, the user  102  may return to the previous screen. The user  102  is invited to choose the name of the company that they wish to incorporate and two alternatives. They must also provide the meaning of any initials used and whether there are any other companies registered in Bermuda with a similar name.  
         [0037]    If the user  102  has incorporated a company before, they will be asked whether the detail relating to the current incorporation should be copied into this incorporation. At this stage, the user  102  can exit the system  133 . This will give them two possible actions: either to go to the questionnaire home page  141  or to the client centre  118 . If they remain at the name form  132 , once the questions are completed, the user  102  clicks on the next button and the system checks the data to see that relevant responses have been provided  134 . In the event that the questions have been answered incorrectly, an error message is created and the user  102  is taken to screen  135 . This screen  135  identifies the errors and provides the user  102  with two options. They may ignore the errors  136  and move though to the questionnaire home page  141 , where the name status will be shown as “in progress”. Otherwise, they may correct the errors  137  by clicking on the hypertext link for the relevant question that will take them to a screen  137  that will allow the input of the correct answer. Once completed, they will be taken back to the error screen  138  if there are any further errors to correct. If there are not, they will be taken to the questionnaire home screen  141 . In the event that the user  102  answered all the questions correctly on the first occasion, the user  102  will be taken from  132  to the review screen  140 . If the user  102  is satisfied with the data input, they then click to accept it. This will take them to the questionnaire home page  141  that details the six steps of incorporation with the status of each one. The questionnaire home screen  141  allows the user  102  to control the incorporation process by providing an overview of progress for each of the six steps of incorporation. The steps are listed and the user  102  may click on each one to access the relevant material.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7 shows the second step of incorporation—providing business information. By clicking on the relevant hypertext link, the user  102  is taken to business information introduction  143 . After this is the business information form  148 , which requires input of the relevant data. The form  148  initially requires the user  102  to select from a list of descriptions the intended business of the company. If one of these is selected, the next box is automatically pre-populated with a fuller description. If the business intended by the user  102  is not in the drop-down list, they may complete the next box themselves. At this stage, the user  102  may exit  133  the screen. If they do not do this, then once the questions are completed, the user  102  clicks on the button marked “next” and the system then checks the data to see that relevant responses have been provided  134 . In the event that the questions have been answered incorrectly, an error message is created and the user  102  is taken to screen  135 . In the event that the user  102  answered all the questions correctly on the first occasion, the user  102  is taken from  148  to the review screen  149 . If the user  102  is satisfied with the data input, they then click to accept it. This will take them to the questionnaire home page  141  that details the six steps of incorporation with the status of each one.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 shows the third step of incorporation—giving information concerning share capital. Share capital information  144  provides an introduction to the user  102 . After this is the share capital form  150  requiring input of the relevant data. The form initially requires the user  102  to select the appropriate currency from a pre-determined list. The user  102  must also input the monetary value of the share capital and the par value of the shares. When these are completed, the system then automatically calculates the number of shares available for issue. This is also shown. The user  102  is then asked whether the shares are to be sold at a price higher than par. If the answer is yes, the user  102  is provided with further space where they are requested to provide the amount. The user  102  is required to complete this before moving on. At any stage, the user  102  may exit  133  the screen. If they do not do this, then once the questions are completed, the user  102  clicks on the button marked “next” and the system then checks the data to see that relevant responses have been provided  134 . In the event that the questions have been answered incorrectly, an error message is created and the user  102  is taken to screen  135 . In the event that the user  102  answered all the questions correctly on the first occasion, the user  102  is taken from  150  to the share capital review  151 . If the user  102  is satisfied with the data input, they then click to accept it. This will take them to the questionnaire home page  141  that details the six steps of incorporation with the status of each one.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 9 shows the fourth step of incorporation—providing information concerning the owner. The opening screen  145  provides an introduction to the user  102 . After this, the owner form  152  requires the user  102  to list the owner(s) of the company. The name, number of shares and the type of entity must be input. The percentage shareholding of the owner(s) is automatically calculated  152 . If there are more owners than available boxes on the screen, the user  102  may add more boxes. Once completed, the user  102  clicks on the “next” button. The system checks the data  153  and if less/more than 100% of the shares are listed by the user  102  as having been taken by the owner(s), the user  102  is then taken back to owner form  152  and an error message is provided. The user  102  must correct this before moving to the next screen. If the data input by the user  102  is correct, then the system selects the appropriate owner type screens to be presented to the user  102 . There are four possible types of entity: public limited liability company  154 , an individual  155 , a trust  156 , and a private company  157 . Any types of entity not represented by the owner(s) are by-passed. If there is more than one owner of the same type of entity, the relevant screen is provided as many times as are necessary until each owner is dealt with. If the owner of the company being incorporated is a public limited company, the public limited liability screen is provided  154 . The user  102  must provide the name of that company, the stock exchange on which it is listed, and the stock ticker symbol. Once completed, the data is checked to ensure that all relevant boxes are completed, and the user  102  is moved to either the next owner type screen  155 ,  156  or  157 , or if the public limited liability company was the only owner, the owner review screen  158 . If one or more of the owners was an individual, the user  102  will enter the individual screen  155 . Here the user  102  must provide the name and address of the individual and their occupation, nationality and date of birth. As many individual screens will be provided as there are individuals. Once completed, the data is checked to ensure that all relevant boxes are completed, and the user  102  is moved to either the next owner screen  156  or  157 , or if the individual(s) was the only owner, the owner review  158 . If one or more of the owners was a trust, the user  102  will enter the trust screen  156 . The user  102  is required to state the type of trust, the date of settlement, and the country of settlement. The names and entity types of the settlor, trustee(s) and beneficiary(ies) must also be provided, together with a discretionary box that allows the owner to provide additional comments. Once this is done, the user  102  then clicks “next” and is taken through to the entity screens again  154 ,  155 ,  156  and  157  in order to provide the relevant information about the settlor, trustee(s), and beneficary(ies).  
         [0041]    This process will continue until the ultimate ownership of the trust is provided. Once this has been established, the user  102  will then move through to the last entity type screen for a private company  157 , or if there is no other entity type, the owner review screen  158 . If one or more of the owners was a private company, the user  102  will enter the private company screen  157 . At this screen, the user  102  must provide the place of incorporation and the address of the private company. The screen then requires the user  102  to say whether or not the private company is 100% owned (either directly or not) by one parent entity. If the company is owned by one parent entity, the user  102  clicks on the appropriate button and two additional boxes appear. The user  102  must provide the name of the parent entity and the entity type, and then click on next, and is taken through to the appropriate entity screen ( 154 ,  155 ,  156  or  157 ) in order to provide the relevant information about the parent entity. Once this has been established, the user  102  will then move through to the owner review  158 . If the private company is not owned 100% by a parent entity, the user  102  clicks on the appropriate button and an additional question appears. The user  102  must answer the question whether there are more than 25 shareholders in the private company. If there are, additional boxes appear and the user  102  must provide details of all those people and/or entities who have more than 5% of the ownership. When this information has been provided, the user  102  clicks on next and is taken through to the appropriate entity screen(s) ( 154 ,  155 ,  156  and/or  157 ) in order to provide the relevant information about the parent entity. Once this has been established, the user  102  will then move through to the owner review  158 . If there are not over 25 shareholders, additional boxes appear and the user  102  must provide details of all those people and/or entities. When this information has been provided, the user  102  clicks on next and is taken through to the appropriate entity screen(s) ( 154 ,  155 ,  156  and/or  157 ) in order to provide the relevant information about the parent entity. Once this has been established, the user  102  will then move through to the owner review  158 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 shows the fifth step of incorporation—providing information concerning directors and officers. From the questionnaire home page  141 , the user  102  enters the directors &amp; officers introduction  146 . The user  102  is then required to provide the names of the directors, their title, and any officers they wish to appoint  159 . The form is prefilled with certain names as part of the service offering. Once completed, the user  102  clicks on the next button and is taken through to a screen  160  where the contact details, occupation and date of birth of the directors &amp; officers are required. This screen will be repeated  161  for as many names the user  102  provided. Once this has been done, the user  102  is taken through to a review  162  where the information that has been input may be reviewed and amended if necessary. The user  102  is then taken through to the questionnaire home screen  141 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11 shows the sixth and final step of incorporation—organisation review. From the questionnaire home page  140 , the users  102  enters the organisation introduction  147  and then the first details screen  163 . Here the user  102  is asked a variety of questions. Where will the share certificate be held? Will the company establish a business office in Bermuda? Is a Bermuda Bank required? Who is to do the bookkeeping services? Have you selected an auditor? Date of financial year end? First accounting period? Answers may be supplied with either a click box or a text entry box. The user  102  may then go through to the next details screen  164 . Here the user  102  is asked for the names and contact details for administration and billing. Once completed, the user  102  clicks on the next button and is taken through to another question screen  165  where the user  102  is asked if they have any further instructions. Once this has been done, the user  102  is taken through to a organisation review  166  where the information that has been input may be reviewed and amended if necessary. The user  102  is then taken through to the questionnaire home screen  141 . At this stage, the six questions of incorporation should now be complete. If there are any incomplete questions, the user  102  must access the relevant step and answer the outstanding questions. Once the six steps of incorporation are complete, the user  102  clicks on the submit button  167 .  
         [0044]    When the user  101 ,  102  has finished the six steps of incorporation, the questionnaire may then be submitted  167  and the payment process begins as illustrated in FIG. 12. The user  102  is taken to an additional information screen  168 . This requests general information as to why the user  102  has incorporated a company in Bermuda; how did it hear of the service; and what did it think of the service? Once these questions have been answered, the user  102  moves through the payment options screen  169 . This screen provides the user  102  with the amount due and four different payment options: credit card  170 ; wire transfer  171 ; certified cheque  172 ; and trust account  173 . The user  102  selects the appropriate method of payment and is taken through to the respective screen  170 ,  171 ,  172 , or  173 . If credit card payment is chosen, the user  102  is taken to the credit card payments screen  170  that requests the name on the card; the card number; and the expiry date. Once these are completed, the user  102  must click on a box stating that the legal terms and conditions of the service are accepted. The legal terms and conditions are provided on a separate screen  174  that the user  102  may access and the terms include the law that governs the agreement. Once completed, the user  102  is taken to a confirmation page 175 where the relevant data may be checked before final acceptance. After acceptance, the user  102  is taken through to the client centre  118 . If wire transfer is chosen, the user  102  is taken to the wire transfer screen  171  that provides the providers full wire transfer details. The user  102  may print this off so that a wire transfer may be completed. Once the details have been noted, the user  102  must click on a box stating that the legal terms and conditions of the service are accepted. The legal terms and conditions are provided on a separate screen  174  that the user  102  may access.  
         [0045]    Once completed, the user  102  is taken to a confirmation page  175  where the relevant data may be checked before final acceptance. After acceptance, the user  102  is taken through to the client centre  118 . If a certified cheque is chosen, the user  102  is taken to the certified cheque screen  172  that supplies the providers full payment details and address for posting. The user  102  may print this off so that the payment may be completed. Once the details have been noted, the user  102  must click on a box stating that the legal terms and conditions of the service are accepted. The legal terms and conditions are provided on a separate screen  174  that the user  102  may access. Once completed, the user  102  is taken to a confirmation page  175  where the relevant data may be checked before final acceptance. After acceptance, the user  102  is taken through to the client centre  118 . If payment from a trust account is chosen, the user  102  is taken to the trust account screen  173  that enables the user  102  to provide the full details of the trust account. This includes the name of the trust; client name; client number; matter name; currency of the trust; and the responsible attorney. Once the details have been noted, the user  102  must click on a box stating that the legal terms and conditions of the service are accepted. The legal terms and conditions are provided on a separate screen  174  that the user  102  may access. Once completed, the user  102  is taken to a confirmation page  175  where the relevant data may be checked before final acceptance. After acceptance, the user  102  is taken through to the client centre  118 .  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 13, when accessing the client centre  118 , the user  102  is provided with a list of the companies that he or she has incorporated or is incorporating. The name of each company is a hypertext link through to the status page  176  of the particular company. This provides a list of the various actions that form part of the incorporation process, each of which in turn is a hypertext link through to the status page of that particular action. These are, the questionnaire  177 ; payment  178 ; name reservation  179 ; pre-incorporation documents  180 ; application to authority  181 ; company incorporation  182 ; organisation minutes  183 ; directors and officers appointments  184 ; and certificate of incorporation  185 . As actions take place, the status is altered so that the user  102  is kept informed of progress. When the user  102  accesses the pre-incorporation documents  180 , not only is the status shown, but the various pre-incorporation relevant documents are also provided. The user  102  may click on the document that he/she wishes to view, and the document appears on screen. The documents are in a particular format that allows the user  102  access, and they may print them off, but they cannot alter them.  
         [0047]    At all times during the registration process, the user  102  may access the system to find out the latest information relating to any incorporation that they have access to. This information is provided at the client centre  118 . This is the case whether the information for the incorporation is input directly by the user  102  or is conducted offline  111  through the use of a written questionnaire that is sent to the system provider for input by an administrator. At all times, the status of the various stages of the incorporation is updated to reflect current events by the relevant administrator.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 14 shows the opening screens for the internal part of the system  106 ,  602 . The administrator level  4   501  accesses the internal part of the system through the third computing means  106 . As the system may be multi-jurisdictional, once having entered the system, the administrator level  4   501  is provided with access to those jurisdictions for which he/she has access  502 . Once the jurisdiction is chosen, the administrator level  4   501  is taken to the internal client centre  503 . The internal client centre  503  provides the administrator level  4   501  with a number of choices. These are: new company introduction  124 ; user search  504 ; log out  505 ; new company  506 ; quick search  507 ; quick link  508 ; and questionnaire home page  141 .  
         [0049]    If the administrator level  4   501  wishes to create a new company, he/she clicks on the relevant hypertext link and is taken through to the equivalent page within the internal site to the external new company introduction screen  124 . The incorporation process for a new company is the same in the internal part of the system  106 ,  602  as for the external system  103 ,  104 . The administrator level  4   501  may access a user search facility  504 . Referring to FIG. 15, this enables a search to be made using the first and last names of the users  102  of the system and the name of any companies incorporated using the system. By clicking on the link, the administrator level  4   501  is taken to a screen  504  that allows the required search to be made. Upon the search having been done, a screen appears providing the results  509 . The results are a list detailing the client name(s), the client number(s) and the name of the company(ies) that is/are incorporated. The client name(s) and company(ies) incorporated are hypertext links through to the client details  510  and company details  511 , respectively. Referring back to FIG. 14, the administrator level  4   501  may log out of the system  505 . Links are provided to new companies so that the status of payment may be noted  506 . Once the payment has been input, the status changes and the administrator is returned to the internal client centre  503 . If part payment is made, this is reflected in the status, and the administrator may return to record a further payment  506  until the total due is received. A quick search may be performed  507 . The administrator level  4   501  inputs the details to be searched and then must select the search type. The search type may be the company; business type; client number; lawyer; corporate administrator; or id administrator. Upon the search having been carried out, the results are listed  507  with the company name; the lawyer; the corporate administrator and the incorporation administrator. These are all hypertext links. The company link takes you through to the company details  511 .  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 16, from the company details  511  the administrator level  4  may access a wide variety of information. The lawyer  512 ; the corporate administrator  513 ; client name  514 ; administrative contact  515 ; and the incorporation administrator  530  all take you through to the contact details of the respective parties. The client number  529  allows the administrator level  4   501  to assign a reference number to the client for accounting purposes. Assignment  531  takes the administrator level  4   501  to a screen  531  where the id administrator; lawyer; document administrator; document lawyer  1  and document lawyer  2  may be appointed. There is also a facility whereby the administrator level  4   501  may click on a tick box so that the system automatically sends an e-mail to the id administrator, lawyer and document administrator. Company details  511  also provides access to information provided by the external questionnaire home page  141  with links through to the relevant screens—name reservation; business information; share capital; owner; directors and officers; and organisation. The administrator level  4   501  may also add notes to each of these screens. The administrator level  4   501  may also review the questionnaire notes  528  which are a compilation of all the notes from the question screens. Upon the administrator level  4   501  clicking on the relevant hypertext link, the company details  511  also provide contact details for the lawyer  512 ; corporate administrator  513 ; and client  514 . The company details  511  provide status pages for the nine internal steps of incorporation. These are the questionnaire  516 ; payment  517 ; name reservation  518 ; preincorporation documents  519 ; application to authority  520 ; company incorporated  521 ; organisational minutes  522 ; directors or officers  523 ; and certificate of incorporation  524 . There are also step notes  525  that are notes input by administrator level  4   501  referring to the company that is being incorporated. The company details  511  also provide access to view downloadable documents  526  and connect to fileserver  527 . The view downloadable documents screen  526  allows the administrator level  4   501  to view various preincorporation documents that have been created by the system. These are in a particular format that allows the user  102  access and they may print them off, but they cannot alter them.  
         [0051]    The administrator level  4   501  may both access and alter the documents. The administrator level  4   501  clicks on the document that he/she wishes to view and the document appears on screen. Connect to fileserver  527  allows the administrator level  4   501  to view all other documents that the system produces. The administrator level  4   501  may also generate documents  533 . By clicking on this facility, the administrator level  4   501  is taken through to a screen with a list of documents that all have click boxes. By clicking on the click boxes, the administrator level  4   501  identifies the documents for the system to produce. Once this has been done, the administrator level  4   501  clicks on the submit button and is returned to company details  511  whilst the system prints the documents. The administrator level  4   501  may also provide the document details  532 . These are the date of incorporation and the date of the statutory meeting. By clicking on the document details hypertext link, the administrator level  4   501  is taken to a screen, where the date of incorporation and the date of the statutory meeting may be provided. After inputting the data, the administrator level  4   501  is taken back to the company details screen  511 .  
         [0052]    Referring to FIG. 14, quicklink  508  lists the companies that have been assigned to the administrator level  4   501 . Upon clicking on the company names, the administrator level  4   501  is taken through to the company details  511 . The administrator level  4   501  may also access the questionnaire home pages  141  for any companies that they begun to incorporate. Such companies are listed as hypertext links through to those questionnaire home pages  141 .  
         [0053]    The system provides different levels of access to administrators. This provides flexibility and security so that various parties may view those parts of the site relevant to them whilst others may change data and operate the system. Administrator level  4   501  has access to all parts of the system and may alter data and assign tasks. Administrator level  1   201  has the same access as administrator level  4   501  save that he/she may not write notes, assign tasks  531 , generate documents  533 , input a client number  529 , or provide document details  532 . An administrator level  2   301  has the same access as administrator level  4   501  save that he/she may not generate documents  533  or assign tasks  531 . An administrator level  3   401  has the same access as administrator level  4   501  save that he/she may not assign tasks  531 .  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 1, the system requires support and maintenance. System support  601  is provided through the fourth computing means  602 . Access is through a screen  602  that requires the input of a user name and password. There is a direct relationship  620  between the fourth computing means  602  and the third computing means  106 .  
         [0055]    Upon system support  601  having entered the secure area through the fourth computing means  602 , they enter an administration centre  603  as illustrated in FIG. 19. The administration centre  603  is a secure area, but unlike the third computing means  106 , it is not split into plurality of private areas. The fourth computing means  602  allows system support  601  to alter data throughout the system, both in the internal and external parts of the system. This enables, for example, fees to be changed or new system users  102  to be added. The administration centre  603  has a number of hypertext links that allow the system support  601  to access various parts of the secure area. These are control table  604 ; employee types  605 ; error table  606 ; currency  607 ; currency exchange rate  608 ; user  609 ; administration centre  603 ; incorporation Bermuda  610 ; and incorporation Cayman  611 . In order to access these various areas of the fourth computing means  602 , system support  601  clicks on the respective hypertext links at the administration centre  603 . When accessing control table  604 , employee type  605 , error table  606 , currency  607  and currency exchange rate  608 , system support  601  is provided with the means to alter the respective data for those particular screens. Once amended, system support  601  is taken back to the administration centre  603 . When system support  601  clicks on the hypertext link for user and is taken through to the user screen  609 , he/she is provided with a search facility in order to find relative data for each particular user. There is also the facility to add users to the system. If the system support  601  wishes to add a new user, the relevant button is clicked and new boxes appear which enable the data to be input. Upon finishing at the user screen  609 , system support  601  is taken back to the administration centre  603 . The fourth computing means  602  may also provide access to linked systems that provide the same service in other areas or jurisdictions.  
         [0056]    On the current system that is being described, incorporations may take place in various jurisdictions. Therefore, at the administration centre  603 , system support  601  is provided with the opportunity of accessing the pertinent data for the various jurisdictions. In the current system being described, these are incorporation in Bermuda  610  and incorporation in the Cayman Islands  611 . By clicking on the respective hypertext links for those two jurisdictions, the system support  601  is taken through to the respective screens which are incorporation in Bermuda  610  and incorporation in the Cayman Islands  611 . From here, they are provided with several hypertext links that provide them with access to the respective data for that particular jurisdiction. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 20, system support  601  that accesses incorporation Bermuda  610  is provided with hypertext links to help/examples  612 ; fees  613 ; government fee matrix  614 ; reports search  615 ; users  616 ; business type  617 ; banks  618 ; and delete an incorporation  619 . Access by system support  601  to help/examples  612 , fees  613 , government fee matrix  614  and business type  617 , takes the system support  601  to the relevant screens where they may alter the respective data. Once completed, they are then taken back to incorporation Bermuda  610 . When system support  601  accesses reports search  615 , they are provided with the ability to perform a search for financial reports. This permits them to put in various dates, and the system will calculate the reports that are to be produced. Once completed, system support  601  is then taken back to incorporation Bermuda  610 . When system support  601  accesses users  616 , they are provided with the facility for searching each individual user and also to add new users to the system. When the system support  601  adds a new user, they also state the access level. Upon finishing at this screen, system support  601  is taken back to incorporation Bermuda  610 . When system support  601  accesses delete incorporation  619 , system support  601  is provided with the ability to click on a particular incorporation from pre-selected lists of all the incorporations on that part of the system and to delete that incorporation. Upon their finishing at this screen, they are then taken back to incorporation Bermuda  610 . At all stages, the system support  601  is provided with a link back to the administration centre  603 .  
         [0057]    The following are some examples of e-mails that are issued by the service provider pursuant to the present invention.  
         [0058]    Thank you for submitting an Incorporation for Just AS&amp;K Inc.  
         [0059]    Once your questionnaire has been approved we will e-mail you a list of client deliverables.  
         [0060]    Sincerely,  
         [0061]    Appelby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0062]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0063]    RE: &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; 
         [0064]    Your Questionnaire has been approved and we are proceeding with the incorporation of the company. Before we can submit the application to the Bermuda Authorities for approval, you are required to sign, have witnessed (where indicated) and return the following documentation:  
         [0065]    Personal Declarations  
         [0066]    Share holders Proxy  
         [0067]    Subscription Sheet  
         [0068]    Consent to Short Notice  
         [0069]    These documents are available for downloading online from your Secure Client Centre and must be downloaded in Adobe PDF format. Each document file will contain completion and submission instructions. To download the document, follow these simple steps:  
         [0070]    1. Connect to the Internet  
         [0071]    2. Go to https://scc.ask.bm/_mem_bin/FormsLogin.asp  
         [0072]    3. Enter your login and password (created when you registered)  
         [0073]    4. Click on &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; in your companies list  
         [0074]    5. Click on Required Preincorporation Documents in your Incorporation Status List  
         [0075]    6. The documents available for download are listed at the bottom of the page  
         [0076]    In order to expedite your incorporation you will need to return the above documents to our office by facsimile at 441-295-0787 as soon as +OSSIBLE, or you may send them by overnight express to:  
         [0077]    Incorporations Department, Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda.  
         [0078]    Sincerely  
         [0079]    Incorporations Department  
         [0080]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0081]    -----  
         [0082]    Do you have questions about the status of your incorporation?Visit the web site (http://www.justaskinc.bm). We will be updating you on the status of your incorporation online. Just Login and click on the name of the new company you are incorporating for an updated status report.  
         [0083]    From: Customer Service (justaskinc@ask.bm)  
         [0084]    Sub: Update for &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; (&lt;&lt;WebClientNumber&gt;&gt;)  
         [0085]    [0085] 0---------Maximum width,  70 characters----------0  
         [0086]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt; 
         [0087]    RE: &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; 
         [0088]    Your Questionnaire has been reviewed and we are proceeding with the incorporation of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt;. Before we can submit the application to the Bermuda Authorities for approval, you are required to sign, have witnessed (where indicated) and return the following documentation:  
         [0089]    Personal Declarations  
         [0090]    Shareholders Proxy  
         [0091]    Subscription Sheet  
         [0092]    Short Notice  
         [0093]    The documents are available for download online from your Secure Client Centre. The documents are ready for download in Adobe PDF format and each document file will contain completion and submission instructions. To download the document, follow these simple steps:  
         [0094]    1. Connect to the Internet  
         [0095]    2. Go to http://www.justaskinc.bn/login.asp  
         [0096]    3. Enter your login and password (created when you registered)  
         [0097]    4. Click on &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; in your companies list  
         [0098]    5. The documents available for download are listed at the bottom of the page  
         [0099]    In order to expedite your incorporation you will need to return the above documents to our office as soon as possible.  
         [0100]    Sincerely  
         [0101]    Incorporations Department  
         [0102]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0103]    -----  
         [0104]    Do you have questions about the status of your incorporation? Visit the web site (http://www.justaskinc.com). We will be updating you on the status of your incorporation online. Just Login and click on the name of the new company you are incorporating for an updated status report.  
         [0105]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0106]    Thank you for using Just AS&amp;K [Inc] to incorporate your Bermuda company. We will begin the process of incorporating your company once your payment has been received.  
         [0107]    According to our records, you have selected to pay by way of &lt;&lt;PaymentMethod&gt;&gt; for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt;. The cost of incorporation is &lt;&lt;AmountToBePaid&gt;&gt; USD.  
         [0108]    Please note that the incorporation process is dependent on the Bermuda Authorities who carefully vet all applications. The incorporation process is usually completed within 2-3 working days of submission to the Bermuda Authorities.  
         [0109]    If you have any questions, or require further assistance in remitting your payment, please contact us at justaskinc@ask.bm.  
         [0110]    Sincerely,  
         [0111]    Incorporations Department  
         [0112]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0113]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0114]    Thank you for using Just AS&amp;K [Inc] to incorporate your Bermuda company. We will begin the process of incorporating your company once payment has been verified.  
         [0115]    According to our records, you have selected to pay ulilising funds currently held in an existing trust account for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt;. The cost of incorporation is &lt;&lt;AmountToBePaid&gt;&gt; USD.  
         [0116]    For your protection, our accounting department may require further information or verbal authorisation prior to the use of the trust funds.  
         [0117]    Please note that the incorporation process is dependent on the Bermuda Authorities who carefully vet all applications. The incorporation process is usually completed within 2-3 working days of submission to the Bermuda Authorities.  
         [0118]    Sincerely,  
         [0119]    Incorporations Department  
         [0120]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0121]    Dear &lt;&lt;Client Name&gt;&gt;,  
         [0122]    This message is to notify you that your payment for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;Inc_Name&gt;&gt; has not been received yet.  
         [0123]    Sincerely,  
         [0124]    Appelby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0125]    Dear &lt;&lt;Client Name&gt;&gt;,  
         [0126]    Thank you, your payment for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;Inc_Name&gt;&gt; has been received. We will be e-mailing a list of client deliverables soon.  
         [0127]    Sincerely,  
         [0128]    Appelby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0129]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0130]    Thank you. Your “+ 21 `&lt;PaymentMethod&gt;&gt;” payment for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; has been received and the incorporation process has begun! 
         [0131]    Once your Questionnaire has been approved by our Incorporation Team for submission to the Bermuda Authorities, you will receive documents that will require your immediate attention. Please watch for another e-mail arriving in the next day or so with more information.  
         [0132]    Please note that the incorporation process is dependent on the Bermuda Authorities who carefully vet all applications. The incorporation process is usually completed within 2-3 working days of submission to the Bermuda Authorities.  
         [0133]    Sincerely  
         [0134]    Incorporations Department  
         [0135]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0136]    -----  
         [0137]    Do you have questions about the status of your incorporation? Visit the web site (http://www.justaskinc.bm). We will be updating the status of your incorporation online. Just Login and click on the name of the new company you are incorporating for an updated status report.  
         [0138]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0139]    According to our records, payment has not yet been received for the incorporation of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt;. Upon submission of the Questionnaire, you chose to pay by way of &lt;&lt;PaymentMethod&gt;&gt;. The cost of incorporation is &lt;&lt;AmountToBePaid&gt;&gt; USD.  
         [0140]    To ensure your payment is correctly received, please reply to this e-mail with any additional payment details you can provide (such as the date payment was sent, the amount, etc.).  
         [0141]    If you have already submitted your payment, please accept our thanks and disregard this e-mail.  
         [0142]    If you have any queations, or require further assistance in remitting your payment, please contact us at justaskinc@ask.bm.  
         [0143]    Sincerely,  
         [0144]    Incorporations Department  
         [0145]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0146]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0147]    We are pleased to confirm that &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; was successfully incorporated on &lt;&lt;IncDate&gt;&gt;.  
         [0148]    Before &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; can transact any business, the organisational stage of the incorporation process needs to be completed in full. Another e-mail will be arriving in the next day or so to provide you with more information.  
         [0149]    Sincerely  
         [0150]    Incorporation Department  
         [0151]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0152]    -----  
         [0153]    Do you have questions about the status of your incorporation? Visit the Just AS&amp;K [Inc] web site (http://www.justaskinc.bm). We will update the status of your incorporation online. Just Login and click on the name of the new company you are incorporating for an updated status report.  
         [0154]    Dear &lt;&lt;ClientName&gt;&gt;,  
         [0155]    We are pleased to confirm that the incorporation and organisation process is complete and &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; can now transact business.  
         [0156]    Please be advised that the records and files of &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; are under the administration of the assigned A.S. &amp; K. Services Ltd. Corporate Administrator, &lt;&lt;CorpAdmin&gt;&gt;, to whom all future communications should now be referred.  
         [0157]    Once again thank you for using Just AS&amp;K [Inc].  
         [0158]    Sincerely  
         [0159]    Incorporations Department  
         [0160]    Appleby Spurling &amp; Kempe  
         [0161]    Please note, you can now copy and amend the information in the &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; Questionnaire for any future incorporation. This will greatly speed up the process. You can also return to the Just AS&amp;K [Inc] web site (http://www.justaskinc.bm) to review the &lt;&lt;IncName&gt;&gt; Questionnaire and to down load any documents created during the incorporation process.  
         [0162]    List of Client Deliverables  
         [0163]    RE: &lt;&lt;Inc_Name&gt;&gt; 
         [0164]    We are proceeding with the organisation of the above named Company and have available the following documentation on your Secure Client Centre for signature and return:  
         [0165]    Personal Declarations  
         [0166]    Shareholders Proxy  
         [0167]    Subscription Sheet  
         [0168]    Short Notice  
         [0169]    It would be appreciated if you could arrange to have the above-mentioned documents signed and witnessed, where indicated, and returned to this office as soon as possible.  
         [0170]    Your faithfully,  
         [0171]    APPLEBY SPURLING &amp; KEMPE