Methods and systems are provided for establishing an availability check framework. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises defining a plurality of inclusive rules, each inclusive rule specifying at least one of a location and a product to be checked for availability, and defining a plurality of exclusive rules, each exclusive rule specifying at least one of a location or product which is excluded from being checked for availability, wherein the plurality of rules are provided for selection within an availability check procedure. The at least one exclusive rule of the plurality of exclusive rules may include at least one indication which is representative of at least one time period in which the exclusion of the at least one location or product specified in the respective exclusive rule is valid.

A collaboration method and apparatus, is provided for the management of transactions and data, in a networked computing environment, between carriers and shippers in the transport of goods. In one aspect, an improved technique is provided, which reduces, or eliminates, the data redundancy in the management of transactions and data between carriers and shippers. In some embodiments, trading is done only between selected trading partners.

A system and method enable rapid knowledge transfer, for example between a plurality of experts and a plurality of apprentices located remotely from the experts. The system makes use of unique tools to facilitate transfer of knowledge and collaboration between individuals, even among remotely located individuals. An input to the system is a Knowledge Transfer Plan which has been designed to orchestrate the knowledge transfer. The knowledge transfer system integrates a shared repository and collaboration tools for use by the expert and apprentice. The collaboration tools may be accessed through role-specific portals which are automatically created from the Knowledge Transfer Plan. In one embodiment, the system is configured with a World Wide Web-based interface and an integrated suite of tools to support knowledge transfer activities on a global basis to facilitate knowledge transfer among workers engaged in an outsourcing business process.

A web-based customer lead generator system. The system is based on an application service model, with the programming for the system being accessible to users of the system via web browsers and the Internet. The users are typically business enterprises that maintain e-commerce web sites. The pre-emptive profiling process searches the Internet to obtain email addresses of potential web site buyers. It performs a reverse look-up process to obtain demographic data about each potential buyer. This data is used to provide a purchasing profile of the buyer, which is then forwarded to the e-commerce business enterprise.

A system and method for providing profile data representing profiles of potential customers of a business enterprise. The system is based on an application service provider architecture, where the business enterprise accesses the profile data via the Internet using a web browser. The system is capable of using internal data of the business enterprise generated by a variety of accounting, sales, and enterprise planning tools.