Abstract:
A method of processing online applications is disclosed. The method includes receiving a customer contact lead, contacting the customer to obtain application data, preparing an application using the application data, and delivering the application to the customer. An electronic signature is accepted for completion of the application.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application relates to debt settlement generally and, more specifically, to a network based debt settlement management system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Consumer credit has become a mainstay of American life and the American economy. With consumer loans, both fixed term and revolving, people of all classes can afford to purchase large ticket items and use them immediately. This is in contrast with practices of generations past where a person or family was typically required to do without the desired item until sufficient capital to pay for the item outright was available. Notwithstanding commentary concerning the long term risks to the economy and an aging population, other problems exist within the modern credit market. 
         [0003]    A typical consumer is at an informational disadvantage at every stage of dealing with a creditor. Although federal regulations exist to specify requisite disclosure on credit applications, even these can be difficult to understand. Particular circumstances and events make it all the more difficult to discern a good offer of credit from a poor one. For example, many consumers may be forced to deal with issues of credit when in the high pressure atmosphere of an automobile showroom or when an appliance needs immediate replacement or expensive repairs. These and other such problems lead many consumers to be overwhelmed by consumer debt. Even with responsible debt management, volatility in the job market can easily leave one overextended. 
         [0004]    A consumer who is overly pressured by debt, or unable to pay the required payments at all, continues to face informational disadvantage and is often unaware of ways to obtain respite that may be available. In fact, a variety of ways that the consumer may have access to assistance and information exist. The proliferation of Internet access and personal computers in the home means that even a family in financial difficulty is likely to have Internet access. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a system and method of addressing the above, and related, issues. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a method of processing online applications. The method includes receiving a customer contact lead, contacting the customer to obtain application data, preparing an application using the application data, and delivering the application to the customer. An electronic signature is accepted for completion of the application. 
         [0007]    The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in another aspect thereof, comprises a method of processing online applications. The method includes serving a customer a webpage including an application form, receiving the completed application form, storing the completed application contents in a database, preparing an enrollment packet, and providing the enrollment packet to the customer. 
         [0008]    The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in another aspect thereof, comprises a system for receiving and processing online applications. The system includes a relational database adapted to retain customer and creditor contact information and credit account information, a web server adapted to receive customer information and store the information in the relational database, and an Internet connection for communicating with a customer computer for receiving the customer information. The web server provides an enrollment webpage to a customer based upon a predetermined format, allowing the customer to provide customer data and credit account information to the web server. The web server is configured to accept an electronic signature from the customer for the establishment of a representative relationship between the customer and a debt settlement agency. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a relational diagram illustrating the relationship between a debtor, a creditor, and a debt settlement agency. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a system diagram illustrating one embodiment of an operating environment for a debt settlement agency according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a departmental division of a debt settlement agency according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of processing client contacts according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of an incoming communications process for a debt settlement agency according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for enrolling and servicing debt settlement client according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a system diagram illustrating one embodiment of a web server providing an enrollment page according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram corresponding to one method of presenting a webpage according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the various views, embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments of the present invention are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a relational diagram illustrating the relationship between a debtor, a creditor and, a debt settlement agency is shown. The debtor  102  may be an individual, a corporation, a partnership, or another entity capable of assuming a debt or entering into a loan transaction. The creditor  104  may be a bank, a credit union, a credit card company or another institution issuing loans or credit. Typically, the initial debtor/creditor relationship will be established between a single debtor  102  and a single creditor  104 . Correspondences and transactions between the debtor  102  and the creditor  104  are shown in  FIG. 1  by the arrows  106 . In some cases, the relationship between the debtor  102  and the creditor  104  may become strained or even hostile. This may be because the debtor  102  feels as if they are being treated unfairly by the creditor  104 , or possibly because the debtor  102  is insolvent, bankrupt, or otherwise unable to fulfill the obligations between the debtor  102  and the creditor  104 . In such cases, the debtor  102 , or possibly the creditor  104 , may engage the services of a debt settlement agency  110 . 
         [0020]    Typically, the debt settlement agency  110  will be skilled at negotiating a compromise between the debtor  102  and the creditor  104 . The compromise may involve an adjusted payment plan or a reduction in the amount repaid. Sometimes the bargain will be in exchange for having the reduced amount paid to the creditor  104  immediately. In some embodiments, the debt settlement agency  110  may have previously negotiated with a particular creditor  104  on behalf other debtors and may therefore be skilled in dealing with the creditor  104  again. In some embodiments, the debt settlement agency  110  may present an alternative for the debtor  102  to bankruptcy, credit counseling or continued insolvency or inability to pay. Moreover, this may be an alternative way for the debtor  102  to avoid foreclosures, seizures and other negative consequences of being unable to service existing debt. 
         [0021]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a single debtor  102 , a single creditor  104 , and a single debt settlement agency  110  are shown. However, the present description and disclosure is not meant to be so limited. For example, a single debtor  102  may have multiple creditors, such as creditor  104 . It is possible that the debtor  102  would be dealing with all of these creditors through the single debt settlement agency  110 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , when the debt settlement agency  110  is engaged, the debtor  102  typically begins conferring, communicating, and exchanging documents with the debt settlement agency  110 , as shown by the arrows  112 . Correspondingly, when the debt settlement agency  110  is acting on behalf of the debtor  102 , the debt settlement agency will correspond and communicate with the creditor  104 , as shown by the arrows  114 . Thus, the communications and correspondences shown by the arrows  112  and  114  may take the place of the communications shown by the arrows  106 , which represent the typical communications and correspondence between the debtor  102  and creditor  104 . 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a system diagram  200  illustrating one embodiment of an operating environment for a debt settlement agency  110  according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.  FIG. 2  is meant to represent a more detailed environment and operating structure for the debtor  102 , the creditor  104  and the debt settlement agency  110  as originally shown in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , the debtor  102  is shown occupying a residence  202 , although the debtor  102  does not necessarily have to communicate and interact with the system from a residence. For example, an office setting may be used to gain access to the necessary equipment, as will be described herein. This is particularly so when the debtor  102  may be a business. In one embodiment the residence  202  will be a home office and may contain a personal computer  204 , a fax machine  206 , and a telephone  208 . The personal computer  204  may be a work station, laptop, or another device capable of accessing the Internet. The fax machine  206  and telephone  208  may be a standard fax machine and telephone, respectively. Such devices may communicate via a public switched telephone network (PSTN)  210 . In other embodiments, the fax machine  206  and/or the telephone  208  may be packet-based devices that may communicate over the Internet  220 . In the embodiment shown, the debtor  102  may communicate with the debt settlement agency  110  via the telephone  208  through the PSTN  210  and/or using the personal computer  204  through the Internet  220 . 
         [0023]    The debt settlement agency  110  may comprise one or more different physical locations or buildings. As shown in  FIG. 2 , various equipment and settings may be needed to fulfill all of the functions of the debt settlement agency  110 . The debt settlement agency  110  may have a call center  212  that functions to field incoming calls from the debtor  102  and/or one or more creditors  104 . The call center  212  may be partially automated and may also be staffed with a number of live personnel. The fax center  214  may comprise one or more fax machines for receiving facsimile communications from the debtor  102 . As with the debtor  102 , the debt settlement agency  110  may have a call center  212  and/or fax facility  214  that communicates through the PSTN  210  or, alternately, is packet-based and operates over the Internet. Both the call center  212  and the fax facility  214  may have multiple lines and/or operators available and will therefore be able to able to service multiple debtors simultaneously. Similarly, it may be possible for the debt settlement agency  110  to engage in communications with multiple creditors  104  simultaneously. 
         [0024]    The debt settlement agency  110  may also have one or more computer terminals  224  implementing part of the functionality and automation needed by the debt settlement agency  110 . Although, only a single computer  224  is shown, it is understood that the debt settlement agency  110  may use many such computer terminals  224 . In one embodiment, debt settlement specialists and other employees of the debt settlement agency  110  may each have access a computer terminal  224 . The computer terminal  224  may be connected to a local network (not shown) and/or the Internet  220 . The computer terminal  224  may be a personal computer or a purpose-built machine or terminal for use by the debt settlement agency employees. A web server  222  is also provided and connected to the Internet  220  and possibly to the computer terminal  224 . As will be described in greater detail below, the debt settlement agency  110  can make use of the web server  222  to automate part of the functionality provided to the debtors  102  and the creditors  104  by the debt settlement agency  110 . A relational database  230  may also be provided and connected to the web server  222  and/or the computer terminal  224 . The relational database  230  may be an Oracle® database from the Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California, an Access® database from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. or another commercially available database product. The database  230  could also be custom-made for the debt settlement agency  110 . The relational database  230  serves as a repository for customer or debtor  102  contact information, as well as creditor  104  contact information. The relational database  230  may be implemented on a single computer or a series of computers. 
         [0025]    It can be seen from  FIG. 2  that the debtor  102 , the creditors  104  and the debt settlement agency  110  may communicate via the Internet  220  or via the telephone network  210 . Although not explicitly shown in  FIG. 2 , the creditors  104  may also communicate with the debt settlement agency  110  via the Internet. Additionally, other means of communication, such as delivery or courier services, or the U.S. mail, may be used if necessary to exchange information between the parties shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , block diagram  300  of one embodiment of a departmental division of a debt settlement agency according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. A credit specialist  310  is shown as reporting to a contract department  310 . In  FIG. 3 , a single credit specialist  310  is shown, but it is understood that there may be many credit specialists. As will be described in greater detail below, the credit specialist  310  may serve as the first point of contact from the debt settlement agency to the client. The credit specialist  310  may use any number of means to communicate with the client including phone, email, web-based forms, and regular mail. The credit specialist  310  serves in once capacity to provide the detailed information corresponding to a particular client to the contracts department  312 . Such information may include, but is not limited to, the contact information for the client, debt amounts, and creditor contact information. 
         [0027]    The contract department  312  may develop the contract between the debt settlement agency and the client. A fee may be established or negotiated between the client and the debt settlement agency. The fee could be a flat fee or could be a fee based on percentage of debt or percentage of reduced debt. The present disclosure is not meant to be limited to any particular fee structure between the client and the debt settlement agency. 
         [0028]    An accounting department  314  may also be provided that reviews the contract, fee, and any payment schedule. The accounting department may also report to a client services department  316  and a creditor relations department  318 . The client services department  316  may be responsible for keeping in contact with the client as well as informing the client of developments with the client&#39;s account, such as reaching a settlement agreement with one or more creditors. The creditor relations department  318  may provide a similar service for creditors. The creditor relations department  318  also serves as a contact point for creditors seeking additional information concerning the relationship between the debt settlement agency and client or for creditors providing settlement offers, counter offers, or acceptance. 
         [0029]    The creditor relations department  318  may have overlapping responsibilities with the settlement department  320 . The settlement department  320  may have sole or partial responsibility for negotiating with creditors. Typically, employees of the debt settlement agency working in the settlement department  320  and/or creditor relations department  318  will have experience or training in negotiating with creditors on behalf of clients. Furthermore, the debt settlement agency may be a large organization with an established business reputation. In many instances, the debt settlement agency will be able to negotiate a much better settlement with a creditor than a client could typically achieve on his or her own. 
         [0030]    The client services department  316 , the creditor relations department  318 , and the settlement department  320  may also each work with a support services department  322 . The support services department  322  may provide whatever services are not routinely handled by the client services department  316 , the creditor relations department  318 , and/or the settlement department  320 . For example, litigation or retention services may be provided by the support services department  322 . Specialized agents may work within the support services department such as agents trained for client retention and satisfaction. Cases may be referred to the support services department  322  by the client services department  316 , the creditor relations department  318 , or the settlement department  320 . The support services department  322  may also employ outside agents such as attorneys in the event that litigation becomes necessary. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flow diagram  400  illustrating one embodiment of a method of processing client contacts according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flow diagram  400  corresponds to one method of handling a new client contact by the debt settlement agency. The enrollment of the new client begins at the enrollment step  410 . A client or potential client may initially make contact with the debt settlement agency via a number of methods. The client may submit an on-line application through a web site or may contact the debt settlement agency by phone, for example. A credit specialist may contact the potential client to obtain any additional information that may be needed, such as up-to-date credit account information and balances. 
         [0032]    Following the initial enrollment at step  410  and the gathering of the required information, there may be multiple ways to formally engage the potential client as an actual client. Two such ways are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . At step  412  a decision may be made regarding whether the new client will execute hard copies or paper copies of the agreements between the debt settlement agency and the client or whether electronic versions will be completed. If electronic documents are chosen at step  412 , at step  414  the client may receive the documents electronically, such as downloading them from a web-based form or receiving them through electronic mail. The actual electronic documents may be in whatever form is suitable to the client and the debt settlement agency. Examples of such electronic forms include, but are not limited to, hypertext forms, text forms, or portable document format. 
         [0033]    Returning now back to step  412 , as described, the client may have the option of receiving documents in paper or hard copy at step  418 . If this method is chosen, at step  419 , the client may also decide to receive the documents via fax at step  420  or U.S. mail at step  422 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, regardless of whether a client chooses hard copy documentation or electronic documentation at step  412 , a power of attorney document may be required to be submitted in hard copy at step  430 . This may be done by U.S. mail or a private delivery service, for example. At step  432 , the newly received contracts and powers of attorney received either in hard copy or electronically may be reviewed by the debt settlement agency. At step  434  a payment plan may be established for the client for use of the services of the debt settlement agency. It can be seen from  FIG. 4  that the process of enrolling a new client into the services of the debt settlement agency may be accomplished by a combination of electronic or Internet based means and traditional paper based forms. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram  500  illustrating one embodiment of an incoming communications process for a debt settlement agency according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The diagram  500  of  FIG. 5  corresponds to one embodiment of a communications flow occurring within the debt settlement agency when a communication is received from either a client, a creditor, or a third party collection agency. Step  510  corresponds to an incoming communication or correspondence from a client. The client contact may be a telephone call, e-mail, fax or a traditional mailing. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the client contact will be handled by a client services department, such as the client services department  316  as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . The client services department at step  512  may be charged with emailing or otherwise contacting the customer to confirm receipt of the client contact or correspondence. The client services department may then forward the client communication to the appropriate department within the debt settlement agency. As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the client services department may forward the client communication to the accounting department at step  514 , the support services department at step  516  or the settlement department at step  520 . The accounting department at step  514  may receive such items as checks or drafts, updated account information or other financial data or instruments from the client. The support services department at step  516  may receive communications from the client relating to client retention, such as request for cancellation, refunds and the like. The support services department at step  516  may also be forwarded litigation and threats of legal action being brought against the client. The settlement department  520  may receive any correspondence or communications from the client concerning the settlement process with the creditors. 
         [0037]    It may be seen from  FIG. 5  that communications from creditors may be taken at step  518 . Such communications may once again be telephone calls, emails, faxes or traditional communications sent through the mail. The creditor relations department at step  519  receives the communications from the creditors. These may include settlement offers, rejections, counter offers, inquiries, etc. The creditor relationship department  519  may also be charged with forwarding copies of cease and desist letters or powers of attorney received from the client as described regarding  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment shown, the creditor relations department at step  519  may also be charged with contacting a creditor who may be harassing a client. Mechanisms may be provided within the work flow for the client services department at step  512  to report creditor harassment claims to the creditor relations department at step  519  as shown at step  525 . 
         [0038]    The creditor relations department at step  519  may also forward correspondence to the settlement department at step  520 . Such items forwarded to the settlement department at step  520  may include settlement offers, counteroffers and rejections. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a flow diagram  600  illustrating one embodiment of a method for enrolling and servicing a debt settlement client according to aspects to the present disclosure is shown. The flow diagram  600  corresponds to one embodiment of servicing a debt settlement client from the initial client contact through the beginning of the settlement process. At step  610  a potential client submits an on-line application. In reference back to  FIG. 2 , this step corresponds to the client or customer  102  using a personal computer  204  to receive a web-based form from the web server  222  over the Internet  220 . At step  610  the client visits the web site provided by the web server  222  and submits an on-line application. The application may include basic information such as client contact information, debt amounts, and account information. This information may be captured and stored in the relational database  230  as shown in  FIG. 2 . At step  612  the client contact information will be distributed to a credit specialist. The credit specialist may make follow-up phone calls or emails to the client at step  612  to ensure that all of the necessary information has been obtained. At step  614  the credit specialist creates an enrollment packet for the new client. The enrollment packet may be generated electronically. The credit specialist may use the employee work station terminal  224  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The credit specialist may also provide the new client with a user name and/or password for updating via a webpage or website any additional information that may be needed for storage in the relational database  230 . 
         [0040]    The work flow illustrated in  FIG. 6  also allows for a new client to be obtained without necessarily resorting to the use of a personal computer or the Internet. At step  616  a potential client calls an 800 number associated with the debt settlement agency. Referring back to  FIG. 2 , this may correspond to the client  102  using a telephone  208  through the public switched telephone network  210  and contacting a call center  212  in order to reach a credit specialist. At step  618  the credit specialist obtains all of the needed information from the new client and inputs the information into the relational database  230  via the work station  224 . It is understood that all of the information obtained by the credit specialist at step  618  will not necessarily take place over a single call, but rather may require multiple phone calls, or possibly interacting through the mail or by other means. In some embodiments it may also be possible that a client will contact the debt settlement agency via telephone at step  618 , but may choose to provide some of the information electronically, such as through the Internet or by email. As before, the credit specialist will then proceed to create an enrollment packet at step  614 . 
         [0041]    Regardless of whether the new client contact comes through the Internet  220  or via the telephone  208 , the credit specialist will have the option of providing the enrollment packet to the new client as a hard copy or paper copy at step  620 , or electronically at step  630 . In some embodiments the client will be allowed to choose whether to receive a paper copy or electronic copy of the original enrollment documents. This decision may be made at step  621 . In the event the client chooses to receive a hard copy or paper copy at step  620 , the documentation may be faxed or mailed or delivered via a courier to the client. The present disclosure provides a flexible system, and in some embodiments, although the client has chosen to continue the process via traditional paper method, the copies could be delivered electronically and then printed by the client at step  620 . In the event that the client chooses to proceed electronically at step  630 , the client may log in to the computer system of the debt settlement agency via the Internet  220  and web server  222  in order to retrieve the completed documents. At this step the client may provide any additional information directly onto the form generated by the credit specialist and may print copies of any forms or documents for the personal records of the client. 
         [0042]    If the client chose at step  620  to use traditional paper-based forms, the enrollment packet containing the contracts and other agreements between the client and the debt settlement agency must either be executed and faxed back to the debt settlement agency at step  624  or mailed back at step  628 . This may again be the customer&#39;s option to be chosen at step  622 . If the client chose the electronic version of the process at step  630 , at step  632  the required forms will be executed and submitted by the client electronically. In the event that the client chooses to execute the documents electronically, an electronic signature may be captured and used in place of a traditional handwritten signature. 
         [0043]    Following completion of the forms and enrollment packet by fax at step  624 , by mail at step  628 , or electronically at step  632 , the documents are gathered into the contracts phase at step  626 . Here the contracts department receives and reviews all of the created and executed forms as well as reviews the forms for accuracy. The contracts department may also make sure that the information received on the executed forms from the client matches the information contained in the relational database  230  as shown in  FIG. 2 . At step  640  the accounting department may perform a similar review of the contracts. In some embodiments the accounting department will schedule a return contact through client services to the newly engaged client. Following step  640 , the new client is fully engaged and prepared to utilize the services of the debt settlement agency. 
         [0044]    At step  642  the debt settlement agency proceeds to engage the creditors on behalf of the client. At this step the creditors may each be contacted, possibly by the creditor relations department  318  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The creditors may be provided copies of relevant documents that have been executed by the client. Such documents may include, but are not limited to, the power of attorney and other authorization documents provided by the client to the debt settlement agency. The debt settlement agency will proceed to act on behalf of the client to negotiate a settlement or reduced payment amount corresponding to the particular debts provided to the debt settlement agency from the client. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a system diagram  700  illustrating one embodiment of a web server providing an enrollment page according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The system  700  corresponds to one method in which the relational database  230  and the web server  222 , discussed in reference to  FIG. 2 , may be used to serve a webpage that may be used for enrollment of clients or for other purposes by the debt settlement agency or other entities. The browser page  710  served by the web server  222  may be displayed on any compatible (e.g., modern) web browser. Typical control functions for the browser window or page  710  may be provided by buttons  712  that may be selected or clicked via a mouse as is known in the art. The particular webpage  710  is exemplary only. The webpage  710  may be used to provide an enrollment or other form and may have fields  720  for typical contact or demographic information such as address, phone number, email address, etc. The webpage  710  may also provide one or more fields  722 ,  724  with drop-down menus. Typically, a drop-down menu will be used in a webpage or form where there is a predetermined set of possible answer or values for the field  722 ,  724  or where it is important that a value be entered in a precise way. In the present context, one such example of this would be where a creditor name is being entered by a customer or credit specialist. There may be many creditors with similar or otherwise confusing names. Thus, it may be important that only an exact match to the creditor name be entered. 
         [0046]    A large number of creditor names may be stored in the database  230 . Populating a drop-down menu with such a large data set may take more time than a user is accustomed to in dealing with a webpage. In  FIG. 7  it can be seen that the page is served (arrow  230 ) separately from the data for the drop-down menus (step  242 ). With the system of  FIG. 7 , the requested webpage can be served to the client or credit specialist immediately. The data can then be provided for the drop-down menus for the fields  722 ,  724  while the remainder of the form (e.g., fields  720 ) is being populated. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 8  a flow diagram  800  corresponding to one method of presenting a webpage according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flow diagram  800  corresponds to one method of operation of the system  700  of  FIG. 7 . At step  810  a request for a webpage, possibly providing an enrollment form, application form, or other form where information will be provided back to the debt settlement agency, is requested. At step  812  the page is served back to the requesting computer. At step  814 , the web server retrieves the data to populate the drop-down menus from the relational database. At step  816  the data is provided into the served webpage. Although a large amount of data may be passed in steps  814  and  816 , the time taken by the client or credit specialize in populating the fields not requiring drop-down menus offsets the delay in loading the data. At step  818  the customer data or other data entered on the served webpage is retrieved for use by the debt settlement agency. In some embodiments, at least part of this data will then be stored back in the relational database. 
         [0048]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention provides a computerized credit services information system. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, the invention includes any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.