Patent ID: 7188073

Claim:
A computer implemented method for providing on-line appointment services over a global computer network, said method comprising: registering service providers for on-line appointments over the global computer network, said registering providing appointment availability information for the registered service providers; requesting an on-line appointment between a user and one of the registered service providers over the global computer network based on the availability information; sending an electronic notification message to the associated one of the registered service providers informing the registered service provider that an on-line appointment has been requested with them; receiving a confirmation or a decline decision for the on-line appointment being requested from the registered service provider; and electronically notifying the user requesting the on-line appointment of the confirmation or decline via email, and wherein the on-line appointment services are available to at least one non-registered service provider on a limited basis, which motivates the non-registered service provider to become a registered service provider, the non-registered service provider participates in the on-line appointment services on the limited basis by way of permitting up to a predetermined number of appointment requests and appointment confirmations for the non-registered service provider.