Patent ID: 7539621

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of distributing a plurality of incoming leads to a plurality of automotive dealers, each dealer utilizing one of several different types of lead management software, the method comprising: receiving the incoming leads; for a first of the received leads: a computer identifying a first dealer, from the plurality of dealers, to whom delivery of the lead would be appropriate based on the lead and information about the plurality of automotive dealers; a computer identifying a first type of lead management software which is being used by the first dealer by consulting a database of lead management software information; a computer identifying a first intermediary that is supporting the first type of lead management software and that is situated to interface with the lead management software being used by the first dealer; and delivering the first lead, together with information identifying the first dealer, to the first intermediary; and for a second of the received leads: a computer identifying a second dealer from the plurality of dealers that is different from the first, to whom delivery of the lead would be appropriate based on the lead and information about the plurality of automotive dealers; a computer identifying a second type of lead management software different from the first which is being used by the second dealer by consulting a database of lead management software information; a computer identifying a second intermediary different from the first that is supporting the second type of lead management software and that is situated to interface with the lead management software being used by the second dealer; and delivering the second lead, together with information identifying the second dealer, to the second intermediary.