text:
White House
Syria's secret stashComment
Gordon interview November 7, 2013
White House tours reopen for visitors
The White House tours were a casualty of the federal budget crisis – the last ones were held on March 9 of this year. Now re-open, they may only continue until January 15; that's when funding will again be in jeopardy.
National Christmas Tree lighting to take place Dec. 6
The annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the lawn outside the White House will take place on Dec. 6, but the lottery to obtain tickets to the event begins Thursday morning.
White House turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Pennsylvania Avenue side of the president's official residence will be lit up in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Jofi Joseph fired over Twitter account
A White House national security official has been fired for running a Twitter account that was harshly critical of the Obama administration.
White House tours return next month on limited basis
Public tours of the White House are back on the schedule, though on a limited basis, starting next month.
Fox at White House running wild
A fox appeared at the White House about two weeks ago. But because of the shutdown, groundskeepers have stopped trying to catch the elusive fox.
Government shutdown 2013: After fruitful meeting, Obama and Republicans still apart on debt ceiling, shutdown
President Obama met with Republicans for 90 minutes Thursday and while both sides called the meeting constructive, no agreement was reached on either the debt ceiling or the government shutdown.
Debt ceiling 2013: Damage done by federal default would be 'irrevocable'
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew warned that failure to renew the government's ability to borrow money "could be deeply damaging" to financial markets and threaten Americans' jobs and savings.
Obama, Biden eat lunch outside White House
The president and vice president were eating at Taylor Gourmet, a sandwich shop a block from the White House. It's not his first sampling of the chain lunch spot. He stopped by another nearby location in 2012 for a turkey hoagie sandwich.
Miriam Carey, Capitol shooting suspect, had post-partum depression, mother says
The mother of 34-year-old Miriam Carey told ABC News that her daughter was suffering from post-partum depression.
Goverment shutdown 2013: Obama, lawmakers meet on shutdown's 2nd day
Obama "refuses to negotiate," House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio., told reporters after private talks that lasted more than an hour. "All we're asking for here is a discussion and fairness for the American people under Obamacare."
Lee Thornton, University of Maryland Merrill College dean, dead at 71
Lee Thornton, who covered the White House for CBS and served as dean at the University of Maryland's Merrill College of Journalism, died last week at 71.
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez pleads guilty to shooting White House
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez faces upwards of 27 ½ years in prison when he's sentenced on Jan. 10, 2014.
Concepcion Picciotto's peace vigil removed from near White House
The 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week vigil for peace in front of the White House has been reestablished after being temporarily dismantled Thursday morning.
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez considering plea deal
A lawyer for an Idaho man charged with trying to assassinate President Barack Obama by shooting an assault rifle at the White House says a possible plea deal is in the works.
Syria: White House praises Senate for supporting military strike
The White House is praising a Senate panel for backing President Barack Obama's call for a military strike in Syria.
Syria: White House protest planned
Hours ahead of the protest, there was an increased police presence outside the White House as Americans started to formulate their opinions about a possible strike.
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Only On 7
Watch ABC7 News at 4!ABC7 gives you MORE news in your afternoons with an extra hour, an hour earlier! Watch to see what's trending in your community and world every weekday afternoon at 4pm right after back to back "Hot Bench" shows at 3pm on ABC7.


text:
University of Valencia participates in Erasmus Programme from the beginning with the exchange promotion, cooperation and mobility among the educational and training systems of the European member states. The new Erasmus+ Programme, promotes -as Lifelong Learning Programme did- a specific action for teaching staff from high education institutions.
General Information of the teaching mobility programme
This action offers to the teaching and researching staff the possibility to visit with teaching purposes a European high education institution, member of the Erasmus+ Programme. This teaching mobility action promotes networking and benchmaking on pedagogical methods and encourages universities to offer a wider range of courses.
Call for 2014-2015 academic year
- Call Resolution
- Annex I: regulatory rules
- Annex II: Agreement for teaching mobility (English version) (Catalan version)
- Annex III: universities with a specific agreement for teaching
- Annex IV: model of inter-institutional agreement
- Annex V: grant agreement
- Annex VI: certificate of assistance
- Annex VII: report of transport expenses
- Distance calculator
Application form and all documents required will be registered by ENTREU.
Application period will be open during the academic year, provided that there are vacancies.
Grants for especials needs
Student with an officially recongized handicapped percentage more than 33% can ask for special grant. Should the percentage exceed the 65% they can also ask for an additional grant igual. Applications must be submitted to Servei de Relacions Internacionals de la Universitat de València.
For further information about special needs grant
International Weeks for Teaching Staff
Freezing Week 2015 in Häme University of Applied Sciences (Hämeenllinna, Finlàndia). From 9th to 13th February 2015. Invitation
Groupe ESC Troyes International Week, from 27th to 30th April 2015. Deadline for applications: December 19th 2014. Application form
Call for 2013-2014 academic year
- Call Resolution
- Annex I: regulatory rules
- Annex II: list of universities with Erasmus Charter
- Annex III: teaching programme
- Annex IV: grant agreement
- Annex V: final report
- Annex VI: certificate of assistance
- Annex VII: mobility coordinator authorization
Application form:
the application form and all documents requested will be only registered by ENTREU
First Application period:
- from 19 July 2013 until 20 September 2013
List of applications to be amended
Period: until 14 octubre 2013
Correction of grant concession resolution
Important: second and third application period will not be opened.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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|Additional Physical Format:
|Online version:
Kleon, Austin.
Steal like an artist.
New York : Workman Pub., Co., 2012
|Document Type:
|All Authors / Contributors:
Austin Kleon
|0761169253 9780761169253
|OCLC Number:
|140 p. : ill. ; 16 cm.
|Steal like an artist --
Don't wait until you know who you are to get started --
Write the book you want to read --
Use your hands --
Side projects and hobbies are important --
The secret : do good work and share it with people --
Geography is no longer our master --
Be nice (the world is a small town) --
Be boring (it's the only way to get work done) --
Creativity is subtraction.
|Austin Kleon.
When asked to talk to students at Broome Community College in upstate New York in the spring of 2011, the author wrote a simple list often things he wished he'd heard when he was their age. After giving the speech, he posted the text and slides to his popular blog, where it quickly went viral. In this title, he has expanded his original manifesto. Read more...
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- News
- Premium
- Lifestyle
- Tech
- Communities
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- More
US military lifts ban on women in combat: Official
Published on Jan 24, 2013 5:56 AM
WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States (US) Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has decided to lift a ban on women serving in combat, a senior defence official said on Wednesday, after a decade of war that saw female troops thrust onto the battlefield.
Mr Panetta and General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, "are expected to announce the lifting of the direct combat exclusion rule for women in the military," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.
"This policy change will initiate a process whereby the services will develop plans to implement this decision, which was made by the Secretary of Defence upon the recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," the official said in an email.
The official announcement of the move, which would open up hundreds of thousands of combat posts to women, was expected on Thursday, officials said.
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text:
Penn Quarter Coffee Shop
Starbucks is currently closed and will re-open mid June 2015.
1000 H Street NW
Washington, 20001
Starbucks is a one stop for your favorite coffee, tea and treats. Conveniently located on the lobby level, Starbucks offers a wide selection of coffee, cappuccino, lattes, Frappuccinos, flavored teas and seasonal creations, as well as light snacks and pastries.
Want dinner reservations?Savor the fresh flavors of local dining establishments and let us make all the arrangements.
Book Now or call 202 582 1234


text:
ENT Clinic of Iowa, P.C., is a premier provider of comprehensive ear, nose and throat care. Our highly trained, board-certified otolaryngologists, along with our licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologist, use the latest treatments and technologies to ensure the highest quality of care for patients of all ages. ENT Clinic of Iowa is dedicated to making sure our patients have the most positive, comprehensive and highest quality of care. Our board-certified physicians and associates welcome you to our family at the ENT Clinic of Iowa. We pride ourselves on on educating our patients. We believe a better educated patient makes for better overall care.
|6:30 am - 3:30 pm
|8:00 am - 5:00 pm
|8:00 am - 5:00 pm
|8:00 am - 5:00 pm
|6:30 am - 3:30 pm
»Call (515) 657-6472
(1.3 miles)
Our patients' health is our utmost concern. Our physicians and staff strive to provide you and your children with the best medical care ...
»Call (515) 657-6471
(5.0 miles)
At Iowa Head and Neck, PC we have a team of experts, including physicians and clinicians who are dedicated to providing you with the highest ...
»Call (515) 657-6632
(6.9 miles)
Central Iowa's only hospital-based audiology service is UnityPoint Health. We offer a comprehensive selection of testing and treatment ...


text:
Photo Galleries
< MyNorthwest
Former FBI agent says Boston manhunt unprecedented
Authorities have shut down the city of Boston, suspending mass transit and asking people to stay indoors, as they conduct a massive search for the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings. A former FBI agent familiar with manhunts says this level of search has never happened before in the U.S.
2 of 16
A neighbor is escorted to safety as police surround a home while searching for a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings in Watertown, Mass., Friday, April 19, 2013. The two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing killed an MIT police officer and hurled explosives at police in a car chase and gun battle overnight that left one of them dead and his brother on the loose, authorities said Friday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Photo by Charles Krupa
Photo by Charles Krupa
2 of 16
More Photo Galleries
How the bears and orangutans keep cool at the zoo
Heran and Keema keep cool at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle with frozen treats.
U.S. Open at Seattle's South Lake Union
Activities at the Open for All Fan Experience at South Lake Union Park were set up to connect golf fans with the Chambers Bay tournament.
John Kerry visits Seattle
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greets employees at the Seattle Passport Agency on May 18. The location is one of 29 domestic passport agencies that the State Department runs. Kerry returned to the United States following a three-day trip to China and South Korea.


text:
Linux Sysadmin and AWS Architect with huge web hosting experience
Brazil - Last active: 8 days ago - Tests: 5
I'm a creative and hardworking Linux System Administrator and Amazon Web Services Architect and developer. I've been supporting and delivering IT solutions especially for web hosting companies and its set of open source software (Apache, PHP, RoR, MySQL, HAproxy, iptables, OpenVPN and much more) since 2005. I've also worked at IBM managing a farm of more than 1000 Linux and AIX servers as well as its proprietary middleware (DB2, IHS, WebSphere and others).
- Linux System Administration
- Unix System Administration
- Unix shell
- Amazon Web Services
- Amazon EC2
- MySQL Administration
- Database Administration
- Apache administration
- Postfix SMTP Server
- OpenVPN
- Nginx
- Lighttpd
- Bash shell scripting
- Amazon Relational Database Service
- Amazon S3
- Internet Security
- Network Security
- Iptables
- CentOS
- Red Hat Administration
- Virtualization
Expert Rails and full stack web developer
Moldova - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 13
I have big experience in development of heavy loaded sites I have big experience in development of Facebook/Twitter/Linkedin applications I'm an expert Ruby On Rails developer I speak fluent on PHP/Perl/MySQL/Javascript I deliver correct good written code I never give up and try to solve problems in the best way. And btw, I have Master Degree in Computer Science. I'm interested in big hard projects where I can demonstrate all my skills.
Game/Software Developer
Russia - Last active: 1 month ago - Tests: 5 - Portfolio: 10
I'm an experienced game and software developer. I began from making 2d mobile games of different genres from kids books to classic platformers and side-scroll shooters. Then I worked at Unigine (unigine.com) on astonishing universal real-time 3D engine for games and simulations. I've worked on naval strategy game Oil Rush (oilrush-game.com) that came out for PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. I've also worked on Valley Benchmark which apple uses to benchmark it's devices (unigine.com/products/valley) and other products of Unigine. Now I'm working on an iOS client for an amazing marketplace. I'm found of writing perfect code, solving challenging tasks and creating high-quality products. :) Key skills: - c++; - objective-c; - c#; - java; - uikit - opengl; - unity - cocos2d; - cocos2d-x; - box2d; - unigine; - unigine script; - flash, actionscript; - svn, hg, git; - scons; - python; - vim, xcode, appcode, visual studio;
Digital Design Engineer
South Africa - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 3 - Portfolio: 6
Hi there! I'm a qualified Engineer with a BSc in Electrical Engineering who has been designing digital systems for the past five years. My speciality is in the field of signal processing, I have a solid DSP theoretical background, and have written Matlab/VHDL modules that channelise, process video data, calculate fluid flow and redirect ethernet packets. I am experienced in taking algorithms from papers and implementing them into VHDL or SystemVerilog, using Matlab to check my results. I'm also experienced in programming microcontrollers in C, FPGA board circuit design, and SOC device programming. I am a native English speaker and have formal education in Professional Communication in English. Languages: - VHDL & SystemVerilog - C++ & C - Matlab - Python - Perl & Bash - Java Chipsets: - Xilinx Spartan, Zynq and Virtex FPGAs - Motorola, uBlaze, Microchip and TI microcontrollers Tools: - Modelsim - Matlab and Octave - Xilinx ISE and Vivado - OrCAD and Eagle My Experience Includes: - Working with version control. - Collaborating with others on projects. - Developing documentation. - Working in a Linux environment. - Project management. What I am like as a contractor: - I work thoroughly and systematically. - I take pride in my work. - I communicate clearly. - I am passionate about what I do. I can supply my full resume and references of experience as necessary. I'm in the +2 timezone. Thanks for looking at my profile, and I hope to hear from you soon! Kind Regards! Stacey Rieck
Software Architect
Greece - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 1
Software architect and solutions architect experienced in Enterprise Architecture, SOA, Telecoms, Machine Learning, Information Retrieval, Data Mining with focus to solutions based on open standards and open source software. Software Development experience since 1994. Last 10+ years working mainly with Java based technologies. Quick learner, self motivated, passionate about learning new technologies, have worked in a couple of start-ups from the ground up and in various areas of an enterprise such as architecture, software development, R&D, business development and project management.
Expert full stack web architect
India - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 2 - Portfolio: 1
15 years experienced software architect specializing in Javascript, HTML5, D3, Backbone, Angularjs, CouchDB / NoSQL backed Node.js, Express.js web applications. Have successfully designed, developed (and still maintaining remotely) 2 complex single page web apps (~30K lines of code) singlehandedly (one a school management system and another a hospital EMR). Proficient version control system user (git and hg) capable of leading teams and setting up development guidelines and processes. Can also setup and do remote maintenance of cloud hosted linux servers. Having been (still am :-) ) a startup founder, fully empathise with founder's compulsions and can be a positive influence in the team.
Groups: Application Developers Alliance
Expert programmer with a math background
Colombia - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 8 - Portfolio: 6
I'm a programmer (though really a mathematician) with over 10 years of experience developing web & desktop apps. I've been using Python frameworks (like TurboGears2, Flask or Django) for web development for a long time, but I'm also very capable of working on a more traditional stack using WordPress, Drupal or CodeIgniter. I can do frontend development also using HTML/CSS and I'm particularly fond of jQuery for AJAX behavior and in-browser animation. For non-web development I use a lot of Python for scripting and rapid programming and Cairo/GTK+ to build graphical interfaces that are portable between platforms. I'm particularly interested in scientific and math-related software but I can do other kinds of programming. In short: I want to build things I can be proud of.
Web Programmer. PHP/MySql, Ajax, HTML5/CSS3, Wordpress CMS
Ukraine - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 8 - Portfolio: 7
I am currently looking for the full time/part time PHP/MySQL programming job for a company or individual and would like to get committed for a long term collaboration with a reliable service buyer. Experienced in the following areas: - PHP - MySQL - Ajax - Java Script - XHTML/CSS Frameworks: - Symfony - YII - Kohana - CodeIgniter CMS: Wordpress, Prestashop Also: Linux, Apache, MVC, SVN, GIT, Mantis/Jira/Redmine
Ruby/Rails/JavaScript Developer
Cambodia - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 2 - Portfolio: 7
I am among the top 1% of freelancers (https://twitter.com/odesk/status/364622388165492736) and a verified web developer on oDesk. I have more than 7 years of experience in software engineering, particularly web development. Over the last 6 years I have developed a variety of business applications using Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, Amazon EC2 and Heroku. I am interested in building quality software. I do not write code that just work, but also well designed, easy to understand, maintain and extend in the future by using test-driven development (TDD).
Flash & Flex developer
Russia - Last active: 16 hours ago - Tests: 6 - Portfolio: 29
Last 7 years I work with flash and flex. I remember time then flash was on AS1 without any OOP )) I'm professional in AS1/2 and AS3, mxml. Also I love to work with video streaming, live video. I have great experience working with RED5, wowza, FMS. Aslo I can handle server-side of development. I know java, php, MsSQL, ASP.NET. Can well-format HTML (include HTML5) and javascript.
- Adobe Flash
- ActionScript
- ActionScript 3
- Adobe Flex
- Game Development
- User interface design
- Graphics Programming
- .NET Framework
Groups: Yahoo Web Hosting Designer


text:
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text:
HTC Droid Eris
So, I have been wanting to get a cheap Android device and a nice guy I came across offered me his Droid Eris. Sure, older tech and a silly trackball...
but hot dam...
Some of the ROM's for this thing are unreal. It has a modded 2.1, a full 2.2 and even a 2.3 that works fine. I have my cpu underclocked/overclocked at 19mhz/710mhz. It flies along great. So far my battery life has been amazing too. 7 hours of use, 90% left.
The other thing I enjoy is the managable size of the Eris. Everything is going to 3.7 and 4 inch screens... how the hell is that supposed to fit into my pocket? I'm a fan of smaller devices.
The reason for this post was just saying how fantastic the ROM community is to a little Eris.
Re: HT Droid Eris
Yes it's a very popular phone. You must have a decent battery though cause that thing eats battery like no other in my gf's phone. It will usually make it through the day but that's about it. If it's being used it might need a bump charge to make it the rest of the way.
What ROM do you have running? One thing that I had to do was limit the downclocking to around 214mhz in sleep otherwise it has slow response once you wake the phone back up.
I had it at 19 but I moved it to 160. No lag problems but notifications were slow sometimes. I tried a gingerbread rom today and plan on trying a froyo but sense always brings me back. I love senseui.
I'm running xtrsense 5.0.1. Try it out. I easily get 2 or 3 days out of my phone.
Re: HT Droid Eris
I see your post. :p I might try to flash the phone in the next couple of days. Her phone needs to just get replaced but we're trying to milk it until the contract is up.
The phone is currently running FroshedYo (froyo Cynogen) It seems to work well but it doesn't get the best battery life.
Re: HT Droid Eris
I just can't get into those Cy roms. I think part of it is with the Eris have a trackball and it being kind of a weird device, i always have the best luck with beefed up stock-ish roms. For example, I like the trackball glowing on and off with a text. other rom's don't do that.
Besides, with the battery life I am getting, I'm not really worrying about a newer ROM... the hardware in the Eris certainly isn't a spring chicken.
Re: HT Droid Eris
Froshedyo has a working trackball indicator. The phone definitely isn't the fastest but it gets the job done. Was going to ask you what mah battery is in your phone. Just wanted to make sure its a stock battery and not an extended one.
Re: HT Droid Eris
I'll check that rom out. I was going to try KaosFroyo but I like the trackball working. Hard to get away from how awesome my xtr rom is though. A 2.2 Sense based rom would be nice, but apparently people are having trouble with the camera working... which is a deal breaker for me.
My battery is completely stock my friend. I can't recommend xtrSense enough.
EDIT - Have a link to that Froyoshed? I didn't see it over at xda.
Re: HT Droid Eris
Only bad thing is that I'm wondering about the long term of the rom. He removed all of the older versions and there used to be a bunch of themes you could get the rom in. The current state seems pretty feature complete and stable, so it wouldn't be a huge deal if it wasn't getting updating much more. Sounds like he won't be releasing new versions of this anymore, but will still be in the community so I could see another release if something major came up.
Re: HTC Droid Eris
Good call. Thats the rub with all these Roms and why i like the xtr line. He updates it here and there, but it mainly a stock rom, just optimized, so no updates are really needed.
current battery... unplugged at 7am - 90% battery left - been using it like normal (emails, texts, calls)
Re: HTC Droid Eris
The battery life sucks, first of all. It can't last a day with out being charged, even with a minuscule number of phone calls. That's compared to my EnV, which has lasted a month without charging. Clicking the exact thing on the phone you want is extremely hard, and it freezes and lags quite often. It gives me a terrible time unlocking it for calls, so I miss them all the time. Also, it crashed today. I lost all my pictures, ring-tones, and contacts...
i dont like this phone at all..
Re: HTC Droid Eris
Have you tried out some of the other ROM's?
Becuase the stock software sucks something awful
Re: HT Droid Eris
GB was okay but too slow.
I really liked the Froyo... wow! It was very very fast and I left feeling very impressed. However, I will admit that I love the Sense interface so I'm hoping a Froyo Sense based rom will be available. There are some now, but they are not very stable or they are missing features.
I'm going to try the vanilla Froyo for a day or 2, but I bet I'll be back to the xtrSense before too long.
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A system includes a data storage device having franchisor approved product information. The system includes a franchisor network interface by which a franchisor can communicate with the data storage device and approve the product information, and a franchisee network interface providing network access by a franchisee to the franchisor approved product information. Product selecting and ordering by the franchisee is based upon the approved product information. The system also includes a third party network interface providing a third party access to the product orders and by which the third party manages access of the franchisor approved product information by the franchisee. The third party network interface permits the third party to communicate a product order to a manufacturer. The system further includes a manufacturer network interface by which the manufacturer can communicate with the data storage device to process the received product order in accordance with the approved product information.
1. A system comprising:
a data storage device accessible via a network and having franchisor approved product information stored in a first memory;
a franchisor network interface by which a franchisor can communicate with the data storage device via the network and approve the product information;
a franchisee network interface providing network access by a franchisee to the franchisor approved product information for selecting a product and ordering the selected product and by which product orders can be stored in a second memory, wherein the product selecting and ordering by the franchisee is based upon the approved product information of the franchisor;
a third party network interface providing a third party access to the product orders stored within the second memory and by which the third party manages access of the franchisor approved product information by the franchisee, wherein the third party network interface also permits the third party to communicate a product order to a manufacturer via the network; and
a manufacturer network interface by which the manufacturer can communicate with the data storage device via the network to process the received product order in accordance with the approved product information.
2. The system of
wherein the franchisor network interface allows the franchisor to create a program for use by the franchisees, and
wherein the program specifies the products approved by the franchisor and lists specifications associated with the approved products.
3. The system of
4. The system of
5. The system of
6. The system of
7. The system of
8. The system of
9. The system of
10. The system of
11. The system of
12. The system of
wherein the franchisee interface provides the franchisee with access to the electronic catalog of product information for making a product order, and
wherein the system communicates the product order to the third party from the franchisee interface.
13. The system of
14. The system of
15. The system of
The present invention is directed to a network based system and method to manage programs for the benefit of an end-user, such as a franchisor, parent company or company central office, with its sub-end-users, such as a franchisee, dealer or regional office. In particular, the present invention facilitates product orders by a sub-end-user based upon approved product(s) or specifications for products set out by an end-user.
The ability for a centralized decision maker (end-user) to set up programs including the provision of approved products or specifications usable by its related sub-users (sub-end-users) requires an end-user to make such approval and then to transmit the approved product information to its sub-end-users. Programs of this type are often set up in situations between a franchisor, a parent company, or company central office and its franchisee(s), dealer(s), or regional offices(s).
A common situation where a program is defined by an end-user for use by its sub-end-users is one that requires approved product information for marketing purposes. In this case, product or product information specifications may be set out or approved by an end-user from which any of its sub-end-users may select. For example, approved graphics or graphic information may be displayed by an end-user or transmitted to its sub-end-users so that the sub-end-user can select the graphic products that it would like to use in its business. Many types of companies have these types of marketing programs with its sub-end-users, such as fast food franchisees, car dealers and company regional offices. These programs may provide approved text, pictures, colors, logos, etc. and any combination thereof, as the product or product information that a sub-end-user may use for the benefit of the approving end-user. Moreover, such programs may also set out how such product is to be displayed or how it is to be constructed, including product specifications and materials, by or for the sub-end-user. Often, a third party manufacturer (that may also be selected by or approved by the end-user) will actually make such a product for the sub-end-user based upon the specifications of the end-user.
Typically, a marketing department of an end-user company will display or otherwise transmit the approved materials to its sub-end-users. Intra-company networks or any public or private internet are know to be usable for such information transmission. This action may also be facilitated by a third party, such as a product manufacturer or a material supplier that shows approved graphics, for example, to a sub-end-user. Such a third party would be motivated to do so on the potential benefit of selling its services or materials in making the product. However, without access of a third party to internal communication means of a company, it is difficult to be an effective part of their program. Furthermore, even with the approval of the end-user as a service provider or material supplier, the sub-end-users are likely to be less influenced by the third parties marketing efforts. To effectively do so, such a third party would need to not only market its services or materials to the end-user, they would also need to make specific marketing efforts to each sub-end-user. Conventionally, this means having a sales/marketing representative visit each potential end-user and sub-end-user.
The "world wide web" of the "internet" has become more recently utilized as a means to permit approved materials to be transmitted from an end-user to its sub-end-users. One known technique is for a company to display its approved product information on a web page accessed through the internet so that its sub-end-users can see their choices of approved products. A web page may be provided by the company itself, such as on its publicly viewable web page. Alternatively, a web page may be provided by a third party web provider or software group that sells such a consulting service to end-users and may also show the end-user how it can display its product information to be viewed by others including its sub-end-users. A company a consulting service as part of corporate identity programs is Monigle Associates, Inc. of Denver, Colo.
Another web-based solution that is known is that where a contract service is provided to an end user. For example, a company may contract with a service provider or web host in order to facilitate the access by sub-end-users to end-user approved product information.
The present invention provides a system and method by which an end-user can effectively communicate its approved product information or product specifications to its sub-end-users. Thus, such an end-user can more effectively manage any program that it wishes to communicate and support with its sub-end-users.
The present invention also provides a system and method by which an end-user to sub-end-user program can be effectively managed by a third party. That is, instead of merely servicing the communication need between the end-user and the sub-end-user as a service provider, an interested third party can also market its services, materials or other products to the sub-end-users effectively while facilitating the end-users need to communicate its program or approved information to its sub-end-users.
Information may also be managed to/from other interested third parties, such as material suppliers or product manufacturers or material convertors. Such a system and method may also advantageously accommodate input or additional information from other parties like designers, consultants, and the like for the benefit of the end user and/or its sub-end-users.
Preferably, the system and method permits a third party, such as a material supplier to manage product orders by sub-end-users of product approved by an end-user. More preferably, the system and method can facilitate order placement by a sub-end-user, which order is communicated with a manufacturer, and which manufacturer may accept or provide a counter-proposal in response. The order may include product specifications as approved by the end-user with or without other options and may specify selected product materials based upon a particular application and in accordance with approved materials of the end-user with or without other options. Another advantage is that an interested third party, such as a material supplier or manufacturer, can connect warranty compliance certification information along with the completion of the order based upon the manufacturer warranty or material warranty. The manufacturers may be chosen by a sub-end-user from an approved list and/or regional list provided by the end-user and communicated as well by the system and method of the present invention. Any number of other options, selections, with similar parties or additional parties may be further accommodated by the system and method of the present invention.
These and other advantages in accordance with the present invention can be achieved by a system for third party management of end-user approved product information to at least one sub-end-user and product ordering by a sub-end-user based upon the approved product information of the end-user, the system comprising a data storage device accessible via a network and having end-user approved product information stored in a first memory, a sub-end-user network interface providing network access by the sub-end-user to the end-user approved product information for ordering a selected product and by which a product order can be stored in a second memory, and a third party network interface having access to product orders stored within the second memory.
Preferably, the third party network interface also permits a third party to communicate a product order to a manufacturer via the network. A manufacturer network interface can also be provided by which the manufacturer can communicate with the data storage device via the network so that the manufacturer can review and process product orders, update job status, and communicate with the third party via the network.
More preferably, the system further comprising an end-user network interface by which the end-user can communicate with the data storage device via the network so that the end-user can create and modify new programs with specified product information by manipulating the end-user approved product information stored in the first memory. Each of the sub-end-user network interface, the third party network interface, the manufacturer network interface and the end-user network interface are also preferably browser based web page interfaces that are stored on the data storage device and that are accessible via the network.
These and other advantages in accordance with the present invention can also be achieved by a method of ordering a product by a sub-end-user based upon end-user approved product information provided to the sub-end-user including the steps of providing access via a network to a sub-end-user for permitted reviewing of an electronic catalog having product information of at least one product that is approved by the end-user, the sub-end-user selecting a product from the electronic catalog and making a product order based upon product information that is approved by the end-user, communicating the product order from the sub-end-user to a third party via the network, and the third party submitting the product order to a product manufacturer.
Preferably, the sub-end-user selects and makes its product order via a network interface that includes access to the electronic product information, and wherein the product order is communicated to the third party from the network interface. Moreover, the third party can access the product order via a second network interface and submits the product order to a manufacturer via the network. Preferably, the third party also reviews the product order for any product material and services that are supplied by the third party so that it can specify, if appropriate, any commercial material sold by the third party to be utilized by the manufacturer in making the ordered product. Thus, the manufacturer can issue a notice to the third party certifying compliance of manufacture with the specifications communicated to it by the third party so that the third party can start its warranty coverage of the manufactured product based upon the inclusion of commercial material of the third party. The network may include any private or public network, intranet or internet.
With reference to the attached figures, wherein like components are labeled with like numerals throughout the several figures, a network based system and method are illustrated whereby end-user approved product information can be effectively communicated to its sub-end-users. Moreover, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention permit a third party to manage not only the communication between an end-user and its sub-end-users, but also to facilitate product ordering by the sub-end-users and routing of the orders to the appropriate manufacturer, fabricator or convertor.
The present invention is directed to a network based system and method, which network may comprise any private or public network, intranet or internet, or combination thereof. Preferably, the present invention utilizes the public "Internet," and in particular the World Wide Web portion thereof to facilitate communication between an end-user, its sub-end-users, one or more third parties that may include material suppliers, consultants, designers or developers, and manufacturers, fabricators or convertors. Depending on a specific application, an internal network may suffice in accordance with the present invention, although a network having some public aspect is preferred where outside material or service vendors are to have access to the system.
The present invention will be described below in accordance with one representative situation in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, that situation involves the provision of graphics products. More particularly, the system and method described below facilitates and permits management of graphic product ordering by sub-end-users based upon approved graphical images and application methods approved and distributed by an end-user. The end-user can manage this communication and the further transmittal of order placement information from a sub-end-user to any one of selected manufacturers, or, as illustrated, a third party may assist or control such management based upon approval of the end-user.
In the case of graphics products, an end-user, such as a corporate headquarters or franchisor, will select and approve graphical images that it will make available to its sub-end-users, such as dealers, regional offices, or franchisees, in the promotion of product or services of the sub-end-user. Moreover, the end-user will often wish to specify application methods, for example window graphics, wall graphics and the like, for graphics, banners, brochures, and other marketing materials, that the sub-end-user is to follow. That is, any number of images or other graphical representations (including specified text, formats, fonts, etc.) may be approved and distributed by or on behalf of the end-user so that its sub-end-users can select such graphical materials in accordance with their approved application methods for use in their business. An end-user may further wish to approve and manage the relationship between its sub-end-users and the manufacturers, fabricators, or convertors that may be utilized by the sub-end-users. Again, the management of this relationship may be conducted by a third party for the benefit of the end-user.
A third party may be specifically interested in managing such a system and method based upon its ability to market its product or services as well. For example, one of the manufacturers, fabricators or convertors may wish to manage this system in order to market its services as the manufacturer, fabricator or convertor. Likewise, a third party consultant, designer or developer may wish to manage such a system to market its services. In accordance with the preferred version of the system and method of the present invention, a third party material supplier may manage such a system in order to market its materials to be incorporated within the product manufactured as specified by the sub-end-users and/or the end-user. In accordance with a preferred version of the present invention, a powerful tool is created by which a third party can market its services or materials and by which effective communication of approved information and product ordering can be managed all the way through manufacturing and compliance with product specifications.
As set out above, a system and method of the present invention is preferably set up to utilize the public Internet with or without additional internal, private or public networks, internets or intranets. In any case, is preferred that the system utilize web based information technology so that information can be communicated and transmitted via the Internet between all interested parties. For example, parties may utilize browser technology (or any other known or developed systems) to view specific web pages designed and linked appropriately to facilitate the steps of the present invention. As described in greater detail below, a web page can effectively provide viewing of approved graphics and related graphical information as network interfaces for viewing and information input by an end-user, any of its sub-end-users, one or more third parties, and any number of manufacturers. As known, product may be ordered directly from such a web page, which product order may be based upon product specifications including any number of options chosen by a sub-end-user on a web page network interface. Moreover, any number of informational graphic network interfaces can be provided in web page format for web browser viewing of information relating to product ordering, tracking, acceptance and for any other related information transmittal in any direction.
Referring to
As a graphics management system, an end-user 12 would develop and/or approve graphic information that may be in the form of images, text, formatting, colors, etc. related to the marketing and sales of a product that may be available from its sub-end-users 14-20. The end-user 12 may develop and build a catalog of its graphic information from which its sub-end-users 14-20 can select graphic products that it would like to use at its business or otherwise in connection with its business. Preferably, where a web page provides the interface for viewing access by the sub-end-users, or where product information is distributed electronically, the catalog includes electronically viewable images, as are known and used commonly with Internet based e-commerce. Such a catalog can be known as an e-catalog that may be accessed and viewed or downloaded by any sub-end-user 14-20 by way of its network interface. The distribution and/or ability to view such an e-catalog is designated in
An interested third party that facilitates or at least assists in managing such a system and its network 10 is illustrated as block 24. Between the third party 24 and the end-user 12, a network interface 26 is schematically represented by a system portion, which network interface 26 comprises the action of a third party 24 developing or building the e-catalog with the end-user 12. The development or building of such an e-catalog is an initial step conducted with or without the assistant of a third party 24 prior to distribution by an end-user 12 to its sub-end-users 14-20.
Importantly, the interface 26 provides an opportunity for the third party 24 to market its services or materials to the end-user 12, which service or material the end-user 12 may recommend or specify for use by its sub-end-users 14-20 as appropriate depending on each particular application. In the case of graphics materials, the third party 24 may preferably comprise a supplier of graphic materials, which graphic materials are marketed in order to have graphics products fabricated that have certain features, characteristics, and qualities associated with that parties products.
After any sub-end-user 14-20 has the opportunity to view approved graphics products and application methods, that sub-end-user 14-20 may then place an order for a graphics products. The ordering step is schematically illustrated at system portion 28, which ordering step 28 may be based on a decision-making process of the sub-end-user 14-20 that ranges from the simple to the complex. That is, the sub-end-user 14-20 may order a graphics product, for example, that is complete without options and which the sub-end-user 14-20 merely selects. On the other side of the spectrum, the graphics product may be highly customizable and require many input selections or specifications of the sub-end-user 14-20. Input selections are provided through the sub-end-user network interface. As examples, required input may include sizing information, choice of application techniques, materials to be utilized based upon product characteristics or the like, colors, customized text, quantities, and in the number of other related features. Some or all of these options may include recommendations by the end-user 12. Any number of these features may be set by the end-user 12, instead, while others remain optional. Choices for one optional feature may or may not be more limited than any other feature.
Moreover, the sub-end-user 14-20 may specify the manufacturer, fabricator or converter for a particular application as well as an installer of the graphics product. The manufacturer, fabricator or converter and any installer may be selected by a sub-end-user 14-20 in accordance with the web browser based techniques discussed above from choices given to it by the end-user 12, or specified base upon its own knowledge and information.
Any number of manufacturers, fabricators or converters, hereinafter manufacturers 30-34, may be associated with the network of the present invention. Preferably, such manufacturer 30-34 will have access to the network based system 10 of the present invention by a manufacturer network interface so that it can receive orders electronically and respond in the same manner. Moreover, where digitized graphical information is provided as part of the product specification, it is easier for the manufacturer 30-34 to use the digital information in a its manufacturing process, i.e. to incorporate the specified graphic onto the specified materials. Any such manufacturer 30-34 may be preselected by end-user 12 as based on any preference of the end-user 12, such as regional access or other arrangements with end-user 12. Alternatively, the manufacturers 30-34 may be recommended by the end-user 12 or by the third party 24 based upon any number of circumstances. As a further alternative, the sub-end-users 14-20 may select a desired manufacturer 30-34 for other reasons, in which case it may be necessary to specify additional information for directing the order to the specified manufacturer 30-34, and to do so electronically, if possible. Again, so long as any graphic manufacturer 30-34 has access to the network 10, such as via the Internet, electronic ordering can be facilitated.
In accordance with the preferred system version shown schematically in
Also, importantly, the third party 24 can review the order to see whether or not its services or materials have been specified. If the third party's 24 services or materials are specified, the third party 24 may be motivated into its services activity or to set up material supply to the appropriate manufacturer 30-34. Moreover, the use of a particular service or material of the third party 24 within the graphics product might initiate a warranty or representation situation based upon such use. If such a warranty might arise, other information may be investigated for compliance, for example information of other materials, services, approved manufacturers, and the like.
Preferably, network 10 further includes the ability for a compliance notice step 38 to be conducted. Although it is contemplated above that the manufacturers 30-34 may provide acceptance, counter-proposal, status information and the like to the sub-end-users 14-20 (directly or via third party 24) in accordance with the network 10 of the present invention, compliance step 38 is primarily directed to information for third party 24. Specifically, in the case where material or services of the third party 24 are incorporated within the graphics product produced by the graphic manufacturer 30-34, the manufacturer 30-34 might provide a certificate of compliance to the third party 24. The certificate of compliance is also preferably an electronic document that can be transmitted from any manufacturer 30-34 to the third party 24 via the network 10.
Proof of compliance with standards of third party 24 may advantageously initiate the start of warranty coverage on behalf of the sub-end-users 14-20 as provided by third party 24. An example of such a certificate of compliance is illustrated in
As also known to be used with electronic commerce, particularly involving the Internet, electronic signatures may be utilized in each of the communications between parties and in accordance with a present invention. In particular, the placement of specific orders, acceptance, and compliance certificates should preferably include electronic signature capable of legally binding the relevant parties. Any known or developed technology may be utilized for this function.
A system in accordance with the present invention preferably permits third party management of end-user approved product information to at least one sub-end-user and product ordering by a sub-end-user based upon the approved product information of the end-user. Such a system comprises any known or developed data storage device accessible via a network. Preferably, such a data storage device would also have processing ability as well known, such as conventional servers and computer workstations. The data storage device would thus have the end-user approved product information stored in a first memory thereof. The sub-end-user network interface provides the network access by the sub-end-user to the stored end-user approved product information for ordering a selected product so that one or more product orders can be stored in a second memory. By the terms first and second memory, it is meant merely that both sets of information are stored within the data storage device memory in any way. The third party network interface preferably also has access to product orders stored within the second memory.
Preferably, the third party network interface also permits a third party to communicate a product order to a manufacturer via the network. A manufacturer network interface can also be provided by which the manufacturer can communicate with the data storage device via the network so that the manufacturer can review and process product orders, update job status, and communicate with the third party via the network.
More preferably, the end-user network interface permits the end-user to communicate with the data storage device via the network so that the end-user can create and modify new programs with specified product information by manipulating the end-user approved product information stored in the first memory. Each of the sub-end-user network interface, the third party network interface, the manufacturer network interface and the end-user network interface are also preferably browser based web page interfaces that are stored on the data storage device and that are accessible via the network.
With reference to
Step 50 represents the point at which an end-user initially logs on to the system. Preferably, the end-user would have to enter a user ID and login password to get into the system. Moreover, as above, it is preferred that the system interface be browser web based. Diagram blocks 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 in
Block 52 is the start of a process track directed to the creation of a new marketing program. Block 54 represents the start of a decision to modify an existing marketing program. At block 56, an end-user may choose to enter a program for modifying news and announcements, while block 58 gives the end-user the option to run any of various records and reports. Block 60 is designated as the entry into a program for maintaining a franchisee and graphic manufacturer database. In the case where these initial steps take place in a browser web based system, the end-user could simply choose to enter any one of the above programs as well known by way of web page linking technology.
After entering the program for creating a new marketing program as indicated by block 52, the end-user may be provided the choice between creating a new program specification, represented by block 62, or for managing its custom image gallery, block 64. If creating a new program specification, the end-user sets up the program as indicated at block 66 by at least selecting its sub-end-users that are to participate in the particular program. Preferably also, the end-user will specify the manufacturers from which the sub-end-users may choose. Also, the end-user will specify from its custom image gallery the particulars of such a program and then associate the appropriate graphic images with the program. Then, as indicated at block 68, the end-user will save the new marketing program as an existing marketing program then to be accessible through the program started at block 54, noted above. As indicated at block 64, instead of opting to create a new program, the end-user can choose to create or modify its custom image gallery. This step represents the creation and loading of any graphic image into a database or electronic gallery of its custom images. Block 70 represents the step of associating specific graphics data into a digital asset management system that may be provided by the third party 24, for example, so as to provide a data base of high resolution graphic files on behalf of the end-user 12, its end users 14-20 and the graphic manufacturers 30-34, which manufacturers can use these files in making the ordered graphic product. A centralized management system is advantageous in that an end user can control all subsequent viewing and product making based upon those images that they can approve or change by controlling a single file.
If the end-user chooses to modify an existing marketing program starting at block 54, such end-user can first look up any of its existing marketing programs and select one to modify as indicated at block 72. Any known or developed technology for searching a database or list of stored information may be utilized for this purpose, or all existing programs may be listed on a screen so that the end-user may simply select one to modify. Block 74 represents the actual step of making modifications and saving such modifications so that the existing program is now changed.
Once either a new marketing program has been created, block 68, or an existing program has been successfully modified, block 74, the end-user is given the decision to release the program, new or modified, to its sub-end-users as indicated at decisional step 76. Once a program is released to its sub-end-users by the end-user, it is preferred that such marketing program be designated as an "active program," at block 78, and that it be available to sub-end-users as a "read only" program. That is, sub-end-users will now have access to the specifics of the marketing program for reviewing but not modifying the program. Block 80 represents a preferred additional step of sending a notification to the sub-end-users so that they are aware of the new or modified marketing program.
Under block 56, where end-user chooses to create or modify any news message or announcement, block 82 represents the notification function to the sub-end-users. Within block 58, the end-user may run reports from any number of custom or canned reports relating to any number of activities, such as what orders have been placed by its sub licensees with which manufacture. Block 60, as above, represents any activities that end-user may need to perform for maintaining its database of sub-end-users and manufacturers. It is contemplated that within this step, other similar databases related to any other third party related to this process may be created and/or maintained.
The process starts at block 90 where a sub-end-user logs into the system. As above, it is preferable that the sub-end-user be required to submit a user ID and password to gain access to the system. The sub-end-user will then be faced with any number of system choices as are represented by blocks 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 and 102. Block 92 represents a decision of the sub-end-user to check for news and announcements from the end-user. Block 94 begins a process for creating a new order. Block 96 starts a process for looking up a work-in-progress order (not yet placed), while block 98 starts a related process of checking placed order status. Block 100 starts a process for responding to a manufacturer based upon job information or a bid response. Block 102 represents a sub-end-users ability to run reports relating to its orders and the like.
In the process of creating a new order, block 94, the sub-end-user faces a series of additional steps. Specifically, the sub-end-user may initially browse the customized image gallery set up by the end-user, block 104, followed by the actual step of selecting specific graphics and application methods, block 106. At block 108, the sub-end-user is giving the opportunity to review an order summary sheet, and at block 110, the sub-end-user saves the new order within its work-in-progress area prior to actually placing the order.
As indicated at block 96, the sub-end-user may look up any work in progress order for the possibility of modifying it or placing it. Block 112 represents the sub-end-users modification of a work in progress order and saving it again as a work in progress order. At block 114, the sub-end-user is provided the opportunity to review a summary sheet, again prior to actually placing the order. Decisional step 116 is indicated as available to the sub-end-user after the creation of a new order and saving thereof in the work in progress area, block 110, or after a work in progress order has been modified and reviewed, block 114. If the answer is NO, the new and modified orders are maintained as they have been saved and the sub-end-user is returned to the initial choice screen.
If the sub-end-user is ready to place the order, a YES decision at decisional step 116 leads to the sub-end-user selecting a manufacturer, block 118, and sending notification to the manufacturer, block 120. Block 118 may represent actually placing a specific order as a new job, or requesting a bid from a specific manufacturer (one or more) as to a potential new job.
Block 98 represents an initial selection available to sub-end-users for checking its "placed orders." Preferably, orders that are placed and accepted are archived (as noted below) within a list or database, from which a sub-end-user may select or search to find any particular order that has been placed, block 122. Once a placed order has been found, it's status may be checked as represented by block 124.
Block 100, as one of the initial selections, permits the sub-end-user to look at responses from manufacturers related to orders that it has placed and bid responses. As indicated at block 126, one or all responses from manufacturers can be reviewed by the sub-end-user. As related to any specific job, decision step 128 asks whether or not a job has been declined by the designated manufacturer. If the answer is YES, the sub-end-user is taken back to the step for selecting a manufacture in placing a new order. Such a new order would proceed as described above. If, instead, the answer is NO, the indication is that the manufacturer is willing to accept the job. Thus, block 130 indicates a decision to award the job to the chosen manufacturer and block 132 represents the change in status of the job as "in production" where it is archived in preferably "read only" format. Block 134 indicates a notification sent to the manufacturer of the award.
After logging in, a manufacturer can be provided with any number of options including those indicated at blocks 142, 144, 146 and 148. As illustrated, block 142 represents an option to process a new order or to accept an award job. Block 144 represents an option to update project status. Block 146 represents the manufacturer's ability to run reports based upon order information and the like. Block 148 represents the manufacturer's option for reviewing job or bid requests as submitted by sub-end-users.
The processing of new orders and accepting awarded jobs includes a number of steps beyond block 142. First, at block 150 the manufacturer retrieves the necessary order information. Then, at 152 the manufacturer retrieves program specifications that may have been provided by the end-user or submitted along with an order by a sub-end-user. Then, the manufacturer would retrieve the graphics data provided within the digital asset management system, block 154, which digital asset management system comprises the database of digital information related to graphics information stored within the system by the end-user, noted in block 70 and discussed above. At the end of this processing, the manufacturer would update the project status as indicated at block 156.
Block 144 represents a manufacturer's project updating ability that may be conducted at any time or upon periodic updates or scheduled events. Specifically, the manufacturer would retrieve an "in production" project, block 158, and, if appropriate, modify the project status, block 160. Decisions step 162 would be encountered after a project is modified and ask whether or not the project is finished. If NO, a manufacturer would return to the initial option screen. If YES, the project is moved into a "finished program" archive as represented by block 164. If, the situation is such that a certificate of compliance is to be completed (as discussed above with reference to
Block 148 represents the manufacturer's option to review new job requests and bids. Block 168 represents the manufacturer's ability to review and respond. Block 170 indicates the sending of notice to the sub-end-users based upon a manufacturer's decision to accept a new job or including bid information.
What is evident from the above discussion is that a network based system and method that includes at least an end-user and its sub-end-users facilitates communication of a program with improved product information of an end-user to its sub-end-users. Moreover, it is clear that when one or more manufacturers are also part of the system and method, the entire ordering process can also be accommodated. And even more so, where an interested third party is also part of the system and method, not only can they facilitate the system, orders can be monitored relative to products or services needed by the third party and the third party can automatically institute a warranty program based on the exchange of information within the system and in accordance with a method of the present invention.
The third parties ability to manage such a system also advantageously gives it the opportunity to market its products or services to the end-user, its sub-end-users, and the manufacturers in the making of any particular product according to a specific program of an end-user. Even if the end-user is not an active participant, the knowledge of approved products of the end-user can be sufficient to permit a third party to manage and operate such a system between sub-end-users and the manufacturers, preferably also including the third party itself.
With reference to
Starting with
In addition to having a link 214 for ordering graphics, an important tool for marketing third party products and giving the sub-end-user a good idea of that which is approved by the end-user is a link 216 to an "Idea Gallery." As shown in
If a sub-end-user chooses to order graphics by any of the contemplated ways, the sub-end-user is preferably taken to a selection screen, an example of which is illustrated in
On the product selection portion 226, it is preferable to provide a catalog area 230 having any number of images or other graphic information from which a user can select. It is also preferable to include an image area 232 that shows the graphics chosen and as applied, which is similar to that described above with reference to
Also, in accordance with known Internet based e-commerce, a user may select and add to its shopping cart any number of selected products. It is preferable that for each selection and addition process, the selected graphics show up within the image area 232 where the image can be viewed in a selected application. Moreover, sufficient product information is preferably provided within section 234 so as to effectively inform the user of the product specification information and price. It is preferable also that the selection screen also provide the opportunity for the user to input its selection, the quantity and its height and width requirements for a graphics product. Based on this information, a product can be specified and priced automatically by the system of the subject invention by known means.
With reference to
An example of one such checkout screen is illustrated in
The specific example detailed above is related to the selection and ordering of graphics products by sub-end-user's based upon approved graphic information of an end-user. Moreover, a third party material supplier is provided the specific opportunity to market its products to be converted into the graphic products by a selected manufacturer. The system, however, may further give the sub-end-user the opportunity to select services and materials of any number of additional other third parties. For example, materials may be chosen as provided by the third party within the system, or without or in combination with materials of others. Additional designer, developer, consultant and installing services can also be accommodated within the subject system in accordance with the present invention.
It is also clear that a system and method of the present invention can be utilized in any number of different types of products where an end-user controls or approves in any way the products or product specifications that are available for a sub-end-user to choose from in its business.
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Discover the exciting lifestyle that has been treasured on this island in Detroit for over 140 years. This Telly Award winning video was lensed, edited and produced by J. Lauri Filmworks. Written by Mike Kelly. Narrated by Dan Dunlap. For more information call Sarah Pearcy at 313-824-1200.
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He may have been at the end of his career, but Michael Jordan still made some lasting memories in D.C. On his birthday, Brian Mitchell and Chick Hernandez shared their favorites.
If you've been looking for a way to connect Marcin Gortat and Michael Jordan, today, February 17, is literally the day.
Full video of Katie Ledecky's appearance on SportsTalk Live will begin in the video player above momentarily.
Much has been said over the years about the unbreakable bond between legendary University of North Carolina men's basketball coach Dean Smith and his former players.
By AARON BEARD
Dean Smith, the North Carolina basketball coaching great who won two national championships, has died. He was 83.