WO2000031674A1

WO2000031674A1 - Integrated system and method for providing financial and commercial services and products online

Info

Publication number: WO2000031674A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/027487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Margot Adam Langstaff; Diane G. Wunnicke; Cornelia Juleff; Kenton Kuhn
Original assignee: Oyster Communications, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-11-23
Filing date: 1999-11-19
Publication date: 2000-06-02
Also published as: AU2027100A

Abstract

An online integrated system and method implemented over a network among a user terminal (110), a credit bureau terminal (140), a provider terminal (150) and an online server (120) (e.g., an Internet website) to provide a user with services and products, including matching the user with a provider of an optimum financial product (1220). The user is privately qualified for at least one optimum financial product (1220) based on a private user profile. The user is educated so as to understand each step and is allowed to repeat the qualification steps until the user optimizes a qualification indicator (1120). The user is then privately matched with the optimum financial product (1220). Again, the user is educated as to the terms and use of the financial product (1220) and allowed to return to the qualification step to explore different types of financial products before consenting to apply for the selected optimum financial product (1220) either online or offline. Other products and services can be provided online through a plurality of integrated modules (240) such as tutorials, reference, marketplace, help, and debt modification modules.

Description

INTEGRATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

ONLINE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to online access and delivery of financing and related commercial services and products.

2. Statement of the Problem. As more business is conducted electronically through telecommunication and computer networks, especially over the Internet, there is a need to provide one-stop shopping where the individuals and businesses can find the products and/or services they need quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, a need exists to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners and individuals alike with one-stop shopping or single system access to comprehensive financial guidance, information and education, planning tools, financing, and supportive products and services for every stage of the user's financial cycles. Another need exists to provide financing entities with integrated technology offering online access or availability to the provider's community and potential customer relationships, for delivery of financing services. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Solution to the Problem. The present invention, accessible through a global electronic and/or a private communications network, is an interactive, integrated system of modules. The present invention enables users to identify and determine the breadth and depth of financing products and services available and best suited to his/her current financial situation. The present invention offers the opportunity to engage in related electronic commerce and services, including interactivity, simulations, and virtual commerce and communication interchanges. The modular architecture of the present invention enables design and electronic delivery of present and future products and virtual services. The system aggregates services, products and technologies so internal interfaces with its users are not compromised or limited. New technologies, preexisting manual and automated systems, employee training, various forms of e-commerce design and delivery integrate with the present invention. The present invention is designed through its modules to offer seamless aggregation and matching services for requirements of many individual and user groups. A primary objective of the present invention is to identify appropriate sources of capital, products and services while educating the user how best to use the products and/or services in a private and secure environment.

Another objective of the present invention is to privately match the user with an optimum financial product (i.e., based on rate, amount, etc.) based on the user's financial or personal profile and the parameters set by the provider of the product and/or service.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide personalized interactive simulation educating the user on which factors impact the rates, amount and type, and/or other terms of the product service. Thus, the user is educated as to how to correct determining factors that impact the terms of the product and/or service without submitting any information to the provider.

Furthermore, it is an objective of the present invention to allow the user to apply for the product and/or service online or offline by seamlessly introducing the user, once qualified, to the provider of the product and/or service.

It is another objective of the present invention to authorize, once approved, the financial product (i.e., the value) directly to the user, for example by electronically transferring funds, providing a credit access number, etc.

Another objective of the present invention is to track the product and/or service and educate the user on his/her current financial health and anticipated future needs based on industry standards. The present invention thus allows the user to restructure his/her credit needs based on information presented on the user's anticipated future needs (e.g., based on models and simulations and current financial position. That is, standard data (e.g., cash flow of comparable businesses) is gathered and displayed for the user so that the user can see potential future problems (e.g., cash flow shortfall) based upon the experience of comparable businesses. As such, the user will be able to apply for credit or take other precautionary measures to overcome future shortfalls. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system of integrated modules such as tutorials, qualification, reference, financing locator, marketplace, help, and debt modification modules. Preferably the modules are interconnected so that the user can access any one of said plurality of modules from any other of said plurality of modules to provide the user with services and products online

Furthermore, the present invention analyzes the user's financial (e.g., business) situation, and then provides direct access to the appropriate services and/or products while educating the user with respect to various aspects of provided products and/or services. The present invention then tracks the results over time so that the user can see where they have improved and where they need more improvement. 2. Summary. Users of the present invention can access the online modules to identify business skills, learn about establishing and financing a business, find existing business opportunities, engage in interactive tutorials for business accounting and budgeting - all in a private and secure environment. Users can also analyze finance and operating data of business sectors, and receive an explanation and analysis of the user's individual and business credit reports and credit scoring - all in a private and secure environment. When a user has optimized the credit score (or qualification indicator), and selected the optimum financial product, the user consents to apply for the selected optimum financial product, either online or offline. In addition, users can find, apply for, and originate debt and equity funding, with loan data assembled for support of securities or other underwriting, and modify existing financing with analysis of debt coverage and loan discounting and sale, with loan data assembled for support of securities or other underwriting. Users can access online commerce and virtual commerce interchanges for products and services with optional pre-qualification of credit. Users can also access, from within each module, a glossary of business terms and computations, search for and buy both new and used books, and use a research tutorial with optional contacts to independent research professionals.

The present invention can be used by individuals, entrepreneurs (either experienced or merely considering starting a business), small business owners, entities that either seek or are sources of debt and equity finance, entities that provide professional services and products, and public or government sectors. The present invention is not limited to use by businesses and can be used by anyone including individuals who seek the offered financial products.

The present invention enables delivery of functional and interactive products and services. These products and services can assist the user through every stage of his/her financial and/or business cycles. The present invention aggregates everything needed by user groups (e.g., associations or entrepreneurs and small businesses). Users can also use the modules of the present invention for personal finance education, planning, and access to consumer or small business finance and finance restructuring.

The integrated modules of the present invention interactively educate (e.g., with simulations) the user about business formation, and planning, and guides the user through the steps required to access capital and credit. The modules of the present invention educate the user about specific responsibilities for establishing and maintaining good credit and accessing capital. The integration of the present invention enables the user to become informed about financing and have his/her applications pre-qualified for delivery to lenders and investors. The present invention's interactivity and simulations enable users to 'package' themselves in a secure and private environment before consenting to contact sources of financing identified and delivered by the present invention. The integrated commerce module also enables user access to products and services needed to support establishing, operating, restructuring, or disposing of a business.

The present invention further enables a user to identify what financing products and services seem best suited to his/her needs and to establish contact with a financing entity. The present invention is a seamless matching service.

As a user begins a private journey into the present invention's online financing services and commerce, a dual qualification and education process occurs. The user can enter the modules of the present invention directly (e.g., on the Internet) or through an access point (e.g., a small business membership association's Internet or Intranet site). As the user travels deeper into the modules of the present invention, the user is given specific financing options that are available and the distinct elements required to access those products and/or services. At the same time, participating financing entities are able to identify and increasingly to have a comprehensive understanding of a potential customer, his/her needs and how best to meet those needs. At this juncture, no one has identified themselves to each other or met. The present invention solves the needs of financing entities to create remote access to customers by electronic delivery of customers and customer communities. A financing entity has the flexibility to determine when and if it wants to establish a contact relationship with a user packaged by the present invention's financing, education, credit, and business description modules. Likewise, the user can learn about various products and/or services in a private environment where information about the user is only released to the provider upon the user's consent. The present invention enables financing entities to market targeted communities or groups through links in the modules to user selected business and consumer communities or groups. For example, the present invention allows a financing entity to select geographic areas or group channels of distribution for providing credit products. The present invention offers contact, origination, service, and if needed, restructures debt for the user. These and other advantages, features, and objects of the present invention will be more readily understood in view of the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more readily understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a networked system such as the Internet over which the method of the present invention can be implemented.

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating the method by which a user accesses the website of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a flow chart of a tutorials method of module 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a flow chart of a qualification method of module 2 of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a reference method of module 3 of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a financing locator or matching method of module 4 of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a flow chart of a marketplace access method of module 5 of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flow chart of a help method of module 6 of the present invention. Figure 9 is a flow chart of a debt modification method of module 7 of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an example html page displayed at the user terminal illustrating user data that is used to create a private personal profile. Figure 11 is an example html page displayed at the user terminal illustrating a qualification indicator. Figure 12 is an example html page displayed at the user terminal illustrating a results table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Overview. Referring to Figure 1 , the method of the present invention is implemented using a system 100 of interconnected terminals or communication terminals. A remote user terminal 110 having network access 112 (e.g., direct access over a DSL) or 114, 117 (e.g., through an Internet Service Provider 115) is linked over a network 160 (e.g., the Internet) to a website 120 operated from an administrator terminal 130. It is to be expressly understood that the term "website", as used throughout the specification and claims, refers to an Internet website or any other online server for any type of network. The website 120 is also linked to credit bureau terminals 140 and service or product provider terminals 150 (e.g., lenders, investors, associations, office supply distributors, sales and marketing services, accounting services, legal services, etc.). The terminals 110, 130, 140, and 150 are conventionally available devices (preferably a personal computer, laptop computer, PALM PILOT, etc.) that communicate over the network 160 through the communication links (e.g., Ethernet, LAN, modem, etc.) of the network (e.g., Internet, Intranet, etc.). Any number of user terminals 110, credit bureau terminals 140 and provider terminals 150 could be implemented. It is to be expressly understood that the present invention can be delivered and used in any language form, including combinations of written or verbal forms (i.e., that can be interfaced with computer hardware and software).

The following products and/or services are illustrative, but not limiting, of those that can be provided by the method of the present invention. For example, the website 120 of the present invention can provide information and education related to financing, credit reports and credit analyses with storage of credit data in the terminal's memory 135 and analyses by the administrator terminal 130, sources of debt and equity finance, modification of debt, data on loans stored in memory 135 for issuing securities, marketplaces for products and services, and interchange for business entities purchase, sale, merger, and joint venture.

The present invention preferably integrates many modules (e.g., 240 in Figure 2) comprised of programs and subsystems, all of which can be executed on one or more linked administrator terminals

130 with varying configurations. These modules 240 can then be accessed through one or more user terminals 110 and one or more provider terminals 150. Program modules 240 and data output for access by various of the website program modules 240 can be stored on hard disk drives, tape drives, in random access memory, or in any other suitable conventional form at any of the terminals 110, 130, 140 and/or 150.

It is to be expressly understood that the website 120 is flexible and can be either fully integrated or it can operate with one or more related modules, submodules, or even other websites 120. Likewise, security can be provided by any type of security system compatible with the network 160 and associated peripheral devices and terminals 110, 130, 140, 150. Payment and value transfers can be provided by any suitable system compatible with network 160 and related communications and associated peripheral devices and terminals

110, 130, 140, 150.

Furthermore, advertising banners (1010 in Figure 10), including optional hypertext links to other websites and electronic mail destinations can be presented throughout the website 120. The terminals 110, 130, 140, 150 and related data storage devices conventionally interface through any suitable electronic communications systems with network 160 access and with proprietary systems such as are maintained by credit bureaus, lenders, and providers of goods and services, worldwide.

2. Navigation. The method of the present invention is suitable for financing and commerce of businesses that are not large industrial enterprises. However, the present invention is not to be limited by the size of the enterprise, and may also be used by both local and foreign subsidiaries, branches, affiliates or franchisees of larger industrial enterprises. The references to "small business" are used for example and are not intended to restrict the utility of the systems to any particular commercial and consumer environments. The present invention may also be used by affinity groups (e.g., chambers of commerce, small business associations, car dealership and store credit departments, professional organizations, etc.). It is to be expressly understood that the term "affinity group" as used herein is not to be limited to those examples given above and can refer to any group or organization. In the preferred embodiment, the term "user" is defined to include individuals, potential or existing small business owners, and a member of an affinity group. Furthermore, the term "provider" is defined to include professionals, lenders, equity investors, and the suppliers of goods, services, and advice to such enterprises. Access to and navigation within the website 120 is illustrated in

Figure 2. At step 200, the user accesses the web site 120 (e.g., by accessing the appropriate URL through a conventionally available Internet browser such as Microsoft's INTERNET EXPLORER) at the user terminal 110. At step 200, the user can also select a written language, although the default language in the preferred embodiment is English. At step 210, the website 120 (i.e., via administrator terminal 130) prompts the user at the user terminal 110 whether s/he is a member of an affiliated group or organization. In a preferred embodiment, a group or organization can make available through the website 120 from time to time prearranged affinity group discounts and special services. If the user is a member of such a group 212, the website 120 accepts and authenticates the user's affinity group membership identification (e.g., a code, password, etc.) in step 220.

At step 225, the website 120 introduces any special features for the identified affinity group with electronic linkage to the modules 240 where such features are located at the website 120. For example, special book or magazine offerings may be made available to certain affinity groups. Alternatively, some lenders may target members of selected affinity groups, as a subset, or only those users in selected geographic locations. Again, these are only offered as examples and any number of special features could be introduced within the scope of the present invention. At step 227, the website 120 accesses and updates a stored record (i.e., in memory 135) of affinity group member use of the website 120, thus enabling the website 120 to produce data that, in one embodiment, can be used to compensate the affinity group for member value transfers through the website 120, provide data for affinity group monitoring, planning and development of member services, or produce records for any other suitable purposes.

As an example of the above affinity group compensation, where an affinity group is to receive $1.00 each time a member uses the website 120, that record is here established by the website 120 (e.g., stored in memory 135). Alternately, if the affinity group is to receive .25% (25 basis points) of every dollar purchased through the website 120 by its members, the website 120 in step 220 establishes that the user is a member of the group and thus a record can be built (i.e., in memory 135) of any purchases for subsequently reporting these amounts to the group, usually on a periodic basis (such as monthly), but preferably the identity of the user is not revealed to the affinity group.

It is to be understood that in the preferred embodiment, private user data is not revealed to the affinity group, thus maintaining the user's privacy and security provided by the website 120. For example, the affinity group can be notified that one of its members has accessed the website 120, or that a named individual has accessed the website 120 without revealing the member's personal and/or financial data. Furthermore, the affinity group can be compensated using any number of suitable methods. For example, the affinity group can be compensated based on the value of the financial product authorized by the website 120 (e.g., a percentage or a fixed fee), by the number of times a user member visits the website 120, by the value of products or services purchased by the user through the website 120, etc.

At step 230, the user selects a module 240 from the web site 120. If the user is not a member of an affinity group 214, as determined at step 210, the user proceeds directly to step 230 and is prompted at the user terminal 110 with a selection of modules 240. At step 250, the user is then transferred to the module 240 selected in step 230. Preferably, the user can return to step 230 at any time while navigating through the modules 240 at the website 120 to select another module and/or exit the website 120. 3. Modules. The modules 240 of the system from which the user can select routing at step 230 are also illustrated in Figure 2. The modules preferably include: Tutorials and Tools (module 1 ); Qualification (module 2); Reference (module 3); Financing Locator or Matching (module 4); Marketplace (module 5); Online Help and

Glossary (module 6); and Debt Modification/Restructure (module 7). However, it is to be expressly understood that other modules 240 can be provided through the website 120 or features from modules 240 can be combined into one or more modules 240 or split into separate modules 240.

Each module 240 is, in the preferred embodiment, a series of html pages stored in memory 135 and linked to one another, to other modules 240, to other URL addresses, to databases (e.g., stored in memory 135), to functional routines or software (e.g., stored in memory 135 and implemented using administrator terminal 130), etc.

It is to be expressly understood that these modules 240 can be fully integrated or used individually in various embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, all of the functions can be fully integrated into a single module. However, in the preferred embodiment, the modularity provided by the various modules offers the present invention flexibility by allowing other modules 240 to be added and/or existing modules to be readily modified. It also provides efficiency by allowing the user to access only the module 240 required for the desired task.

Furthermore, the modular architecture of the website 120 enables user selections as well as private use simulations and interactivity. The integrated financing services and electronic commerce of the website 120 enables, for example, virtual online financial services and virtual online business education for individuals and communities or associations. The website 120 enables online access to online services and commerce, with interactivity, and online access to services and commerce that make online appearances but require offline interactivity to deliver the services and commerce. The website 120 enables online access to data and offline simulation of the user's profile with various software interfaces and file management for online reentry and offline document preparation.

Within each module 240 of the present invention, the user is offered choices to select routing to website 120 choices or to select routing within the module 240 itself. These choices are provided to the user by listing the choices on the web site 120 (e.g., with or without suitable icons; see Figure 10) and the user makes his/her selection by choosing the desired selection (e.g., clicks with a mouse on the desired selection within the provided list). In addition, the users or groups of users can mutually interact through virtual sub-modules (i.e., deeper or specialized modules within a module that are tailored to a particular user or to a particular function).

The following examples are merely illustrative of navigation within the website 120. However, it is to be expressly understood that there is no required sequence for accessing the modules 240. For example, a user can access module 2 to receive a credit report with an explanation and credit status as perceived by potential sources of equity and debt, and then use module 4 to be matched with or seek sources of debt and equity financing, which sources can be authorized to access the credit assessment as part of evaluating potential financing. The user can then leave module 4 and use module 1 to reference a small business finance and interest loan computation or simulation, or find other business terms in a comprehensive glossary of terms searchable by key word in module 6. The user can also access module 1 to access a comparative financial statement analysis and data and to compare the user's business financial to comparable businesses within the same industry in module 3, thus researching areas of business strengths and weaknesses. Module 3 provides information, including real start-up costs, via a database searchable by keyword, category, or industry code and can be used for professional research about specific businesses.

In another example, module 5 of the website 120 can be accessed by the user to view the top home-based businesses, the top overall businesses, and the top franchisees, which can be compared to businesses for sale or co-ventures (e.g., in module 5). Module 4 can then be accessed to explore, via searchable updated comprehensive databases in modules 1 or 7, both debt and equity financing options or alternatives with a full explanation of each option. Module 4 can also be used to apply for financing from either or both debt and equity sources.

In another example, module 5 can be accessed to purchase books targeted to the user, including reviews of books by other users. In addition, information can be compared with research available through module 5. Module 5 can also be used to establish e-mail account(s) and/or contract for Internet site design. Likewise, the user can interact with a scheduling service (e.g., to alert a business owner when payroll taxes are due, dates to ship catalog copy to the printer) and the user can add important dates for the scheduler to e-mail reminders over the network 160 to the user terminal 110. Module 5 can further be used to establish a business and personal travel reservation and ticketing relationship.

In another example, module 1 can be accessed to identify the appropriate corporate structure for the chosen business, accessing module 7 for explanations and research and modules 5 or 6 for expert assistance. Module 5 can also be used to establish computerized bookkeeping processes to link financial statements with relevant industry financial comparisons in module 2. Module 5 can also be used to access or establish interactive communication with industry experts for assistance ranging from accounting to marketing and legal resources. Alternatively, module 5 can be used to enroll in a variety of insurance coverage (e.g., health, life, dental, key man, car, property, etc.). Likewise, module 5 can be used to purchase office supplies, equipment, furniture, cellular phones, etc. using credit cards or a pre- approved revolving line of credit tied to financing obtained through module 4.

In another example, module 1 can be accessed to complete the necessary documents for organizing and creating a public record of the entity, accessing modules 5 or 6 at any time for expert assistance if needed. Module 1 can also be used to identify local business support services (e.g., Small Business Development Offices, Small Business Administration, Department of Revenue, Workman's Compensation, Secretary of State, etc.) via searchable databases organized by city, category, or key word. Likewise, users may access through module 1 a current listing of small businesses available for acquisition or investment.

In another example, module 2 can be accessed to simulate a variety of scenarios that would enhance the user's current credit situation and recognize the impact of actions to improve the user's current situation (i.e., paying down credit card debt could increase opportunity for a greater loan amount at a lower interest rate). Lenders can use the output from module 4 to securitize originated loans. Existing borrowers can use module 7 to restructure existing debt. Lenders can use output from module 7 to securitize originated, restructured debt.

It is to be expressly understood that in a preferred embodiment, each of the modules 240 can be accessed from the other modules 240 in any combination. For example, definitions from the glossary in module 6 are electronically linked to such terms throughout the modules 240 so that the user can at any time and in any module 240 retrieve an interim explanation of terms or applicable computation and then return to the module 240 being used. It is to be understood that the functions of the modules 240 described above can be accessed in any order to perform any one or more of the above noted functions. Likewise, each of the modules 240 do not have to be accessed during each use, and modules 240 may be accessed simultaneously by multiple users. The above examples show how the integrated website 120 of the present invention enables a comprehensive, functional and educational location for financing services and commerce, accessible through various forms of electronic equipment and communications. However, these examples are not intended to limit the functions that can be provided by the present invention.

It is to be expressly understood that the website 120 can be accessed repeatedly and, in a preferred embodiment the privacy and security of the user's personal and/or financial profile is maintained by the website 120 unless the user consents to its release. That is, the user can access the website 120, provide the requested information

(e.g., user data) and be confident that the provided information will not be released without the user's consent. By storing the user data (e.g., in memory 135), the website 120 can also track the user's financial circumstances (i.e., by comparing later input user data to simulations and earlier input user data), offering tips on areas that still need improvement or areas that have declined, in addition to highlighting areas where the user's financial circumstances have improved (e.g., with the help of a service or product provided through the website 120).

In addition, the website 120 supports various business stages and commercial events. Thus, the website 120 revolutionizes the method for users to access equity and debt. The integrated website 120 has modules 240 that support limitless permutations of online uses and access to offline uses, including virtual communities. That is, virtual communities wherein members, subscribers, and/or visitors access online (e.g., Internet sites) based upon a special interest such as provided by iVillage.com for woman issues, abanet.org for attorney members, corporate intranets for employees, etc. It is to be expressly understood that the above examples of virtual communities are given only as illustrations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other virtual communities are contemplated under the teachings of the present invention. Thus commercial application of the website 120 creates user loyalty and ensures repeat visits and purchases through the system.

The integrated website 120 of the present invention offers new ways for financing entities to contact, originate, service, and if needed, restructure debt for users of the website 120. By using the network 160, the website 120 supports access from and to other Internet sites (e.g., related to those small business communities and the associated affinity groups). The preferred embodiment of the integrated website 120 enables access through specifically established electronic channels of distribution, thus facilitating efficient traffic among targeted market segments. Indeed, modules 240 or subsystem(s) of the website 120 can be "branded" as an affiliated associations' products and services.

4. Detailed Description of Module 1. The purpose of module 1 is to provide tutorials to the user accessing the website 120. The tutorials can, for example help the user to identify skills, provide learning opportunities, and enable communication about topics of shared interests. Module 1 provides interactive testing for aptitudes and interests, tutorials and situation simulations, and interchanges and electronic bulletin boards. For example, the module can provide testing, background and training to entrepreneurs or small business persons and a means of accessing other businesses or business people of the same interests.

Figure 3 illustrates a method of using module 1. At step 300, the user of the website 120 enters module 1 (i.e., after selecting the module in step 230 of figure 2 or through another module). At step

310, the user at terminal 110 is prompted by the website 120 to select a tutorial and then the website 120 proceeds with the tutorial in step 320. For example, the user can learn about personal business aptitudes and costs to start a business based on categories of interest or categories reflected by aptitudes of the user. Optionally, the user can take a business aptitudes and skill test (step 325). The self- assessment test (step 325) is preferably completed online and provides immediate results to assist an individual in identifying his/her strengths and weaknesses, for example, in the area of entrepreneurship and small business operations of his/her choice.

The user can view categories and data about home-based businesses, office based businesses, and franchises which relate to the identified skill set(s) and use the website 120 to match his/her skills and interests identified in step 320, 325 with, for example, different business startup costs at step 330.

Other tutorials can include business structure and finance tutorials. For example, the user participates in a tutorial about alternatives for business operating and legal structures in statutory location(s) selected by the user and also to research and learn about how to finance businesses. In addition in step 340, the user can learn about and research interactively for available business, product and service identity names, logos, trade styles, registered trademarks and service marks, and even search online databases (e.g. for patents).

Furthermore, the user can form a new business by accessing both online or offline forms for establishing the business under applicable statutes and regulations (also in step 340). For example, the user could receive and file the forms, either online or offline, with a secretary of state office to establish a domestic or foreign business registration or a nonpersonal legal entity.

The website 120 can also provide an electronic bulletin board in step 350 among businesses about enterprises or ventures, including, but not limited to, offers to purchase, sell, joint venture, restructure, or merger. The bulletin board can be a source for finding businesses for sale or merger or acquisition by a new or growing business. The user can obtain expert advice in step 355 from the website 120 either through a "hyperlink" to other online resources, or resources within the website 120 itself at anytime, for example, where the user decides legal or tax advice is needed to evaluate a business.

After completing the selected tutorial, the user can select another tutorial 352, for example access an accounting and budget tutorial or proceed to another module 240 or exit the website 120 in step 360. For, example, the user can obtain more information as to the user's budget in comparisons to industry and regional data by proceeding to module 3.

It is to be expressly understood that the tutorials of module 1 presented above are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any suitable tutorial or skills assessment can be provided to the user under the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, the tutorials of module 1 are not to be limited to business planning modules and can include, for example individual mortgage, savings (e.g., college or retirement planning) or debt consolidation tutorials.

Module 1 allows the user to identify aptitudes and interests and evaluate the startup costs for an enterprise for which an aptitude or interest exists. Entrepreneurs can access a business and finance tutorial about how to structure a business and how to form and name a business (step 310). The system provides a commercial interchange or a "bulletin board" (step 350) for information about the sale, purchase, merger, joint venture, or other dispositions of businesses. For example, the user can access explanations of available corporate structures with analyses of each; conduct trade name, copyright and patent searches (e.g., with hyperlinks to suitable databases on the network 160 or stored on-site in memory 135); access state entity organizational documents; access business support services or databases searchable by name, state, and service category (e.g., small business development offices, Secretary of State offices, departments of revenue, and state and federal offices such as EEOC,

OSHA, workmen's compensation). Module 1 of the website 120 then provides hyperlinks or hotlinks to contact these available, related network or Internet sites or html pages within the website 120 itself. Module 1 allows a user to identify or select aptitudes and interests and determine the feasibility of and requirements for establishing or restructuring various types of enterprises using such aptitudes and interests. It also allows a user to make contact with other entities related to such aptitudes and interests from a single source. Additionally, module 1 integrates training in accounting and budgets for various types of enterprises. Because module 1 interfaces with the other modules 240 of the website 120, the website 120 supports module 1 with uniquely single source, interactive access for related products and services, such as professional advice, data comparisons, and access to a glossary of explanations (i.e., module 6) and support for research (i.e., modules 3 and 5).

It is to be expressly understood that many different tutorials and simulations (e.g., according to the business situation) can be implemented in Module 1. The examples given above are only intended to be illustrative, and the present invention is not to be limited to that shown and described with respect to Figure 3.

5. Detailed Description of Module 2. The method of module 2 provides the user of website 120 with education about credit reports and the effect of the user's credit report(s) on the user's qualification indicator (discussed below) for debt and equity financing. Module 2 enables the user to receive an explanation about credit reporting, to obtain the user's personal and/or business credit report(s), to receive an assessment of qualification for financing based on the user's credit report(s) (a "credit score"), and interactively to simulate online changes to the user's credit status and evaluation, privately, before submitting any information to a provider (e.g., a lender at provider terminal 150). Preferably the credit score or qualification indicator 1120 (Figure 11 ) is presented in the form of a gauge 1100 (e.g., a fuel gauge) with "STOP" 1115 indicating bad credit, "GO" 1117 representing excellent credit, and an intermediate "CAUTION" reading 1120 indicating credit between these two extremes. It is to be expressly understood that any graphic indication (e.g., thermometer, stoplight, etc.) and/or written explanation (e.g., poor, good, excellent, etc.) can be used under the teachings of the present invention. Indeed, any suitable multimedia presentation can be used.

Furthermore as explained in more detail below, an explanation 1125 (Figure 11 ) of any remarks provided on the credit report and detailed credit information (e.g., late payment, current balance, etc. for each creditor) is also displayed at the user terminal 110. The user is then given the option to re-enter or change 1140 (Figure 11 ) any of the information previously provided so as to optimize the qualification indicator. For example, if the user is able to pay off an existing debt, the user can revise the existing debt figure. When the credit report 420 itself contains damaging remarks, the user is given credit repair options or directed to professional credit repair services 1130 (Figure 11 ). It is to be expressly understood that up to this point, the user has provided user data (640 in Figure 10) and authorized the website 120 to access the user's credit history, however, none of this information has been passed on to potential providers. Hence, the user is able to privately assess the user's qualification indicator and determine whether it is worthwhile to proceed 1150 (Figure 11 ), or alternatively, to restructure the user's existing financial position so as to be better qualified to receive financial products. The user can also return to the qualification module 2 to optimize his/her qualification indicator (i.e., improving the underlying credit risk or score), for example by changing the amount requested, adding a co-signer, paying off an existing credit card or debt, making more frequent payments, etc.). The website 120 shows the user what sections of the credit report 420 have the greatest effect on the credit score or qualification indicator and how the user can improve his/her qualification indicator by offering suggestions (i.e., displayed at user terminal 110 by the website 120) that are targeted based on those sections of the credit report that will have an effect on the qualification indicator.

Referring to Figure 4, at step 400, the user has selected to enter module 2 at the website 120 (i.e., from step 250 in Figure 2) where the user can learn about and obtain credit reports, analyses of credit reports, and to simulate user qualifications for financing (e.g., by debt or equity).

At step 405, the website 120 displays (e.g., an html page) a series of questions (1000 in Figure 10) at the user terminal 110 which prompt the user for user data (1020 and 1030 in Figure 10). For example, the user data can include the amount of funding the user requests, the purpose of the funds (preferably categorized into pulldown menus such as telephone equipment, computer equipment, office space, etc.). Where the user has indicated that it is a business, the website 120 also displays a series of questions regarding the business's financing statements (e.g., net income, depreciation, revenue, interest paid, current assets, current liabilities, etc.). The website 120 can also request the user in step 405 to provide personal financial information (e.g., adjusted gross income, dividend income, personal assets, current debt, term and installation debt, bankruptcy, defaults, etc.) where this information is pertinent to locating financing and may not be provided in the credit report. All of the information received at the website 120 is compiled to create a personal user profile, which is stored in memory 135 for future use, as seen below. Optionally, at step 410 the user provides information such as a social security number, credit card number for fees, etc. to the website 120 so that the website 120 can access the user's credit report 420 from the credit bureau terminal 140 over network 160. Alternately, all or some of this information can be asked in step 405. Once the credit report 420 is received at the website 120, the website 120 evaluates the user's credit, in view of the user data and received credit report 420 and provides the user with a credit score or qualification indicator 1120 (Figure 11 ) along with an explanation of the credit report and qualification indicator in step 430. The user can also access a credit report tutorial 415 (e.g. from module 1 ) for further explanation. At step 410, the user can also obtain and analyze one or more of the credit reports 420 of the user (and/or the user's business), if pre-existing in step 410. The user is provided with the credit report for the user as an individual and for any user-owned business. Again, in step 430, the credit report 420 is evaluated to generate a credit score or qualification index 1120 (Figure 11 ) (i.e., a conventional determination of the user's financial qualifications). The user is also provided with an evaluation of composite credit in step 430. The website 120 preferably stores the credit report 420 and qualification indicator 1120 (Figure

11 ) for future access in memory 135 so that the website 120 can produce appropriate output as required by statute, regulation, application requirements, user preference (e.g., preparing and mailing a printed copy of the credit report(s) to the user), etc. At step 440, the user determines whether the qualification indicator 1120 (Figure 11 ) is suitable for the user to attempt application for a loan (or other financial product) through the website 120. If the credit score is suitable 457, the user proceeds to module 4 in step 460 to be matched with available financial products. Otherwise 452, at step 470 the website 120 returns a denial explanation (e.g., displayed at the user terminal 110) when the user fails to qualify for at least one financial product. The website 120 can also display a credit repair option 1130 (Figure 11 ) (e.g., in response to a negative or poor qualification indicator) or the user can choose to access 472 another module 240 (e.g., module 1 to learn about the user's credit evaluation; a detailed analysis of the user's credit and collateral status for business; explore alternatives as to credit evaluation and composite credit data; simulate changes in the credit evaluation; explore alternatives for credit repair; etc.) or exit the website 120 at step 480.

The user can also attempt another credit evaluation, (i.e., 477). Optionally, the website 120 can determine, based on a retry counter, whether the user may attempt another credit report and credit evaluation. In such an embodiment, where the website 120 determines the user may attempt another credit report and evaluation

(e.g. 477), the user is returned to step 430, otherwise the user must proceed 472 to step 480.

In sum, the website 120 requests user data (e.g., business type, amount of funds requested, use of funds requested, personal financial information, and administrative application information such as name, address, etc.) from the user terminal (step 405), receives the user's credit report 420 (step 410), and creates a private user profile based on the received information (step 430). The website 120 then generates a qualification indicator 1120 (Figure 11 ) (step 430) based on the private user profile and allows the user to change or repair the user data to optimize the qualification indicator 1120 (step 450). After proceeding through the above steps of module 2, the user, if qualified, is then informed of at least one optimum financial product selected from a plurality of financial products stored in the provider database at the website 120.

The qualification steps discussed above have occurred only between the website 120 and the user terminal 110, with the website 120 receiving the user's credit report 420 from the credit bureau terminal 140, so that the user has privately arrived at the optimum financial product (e.g., no information has been disseminated to the providers). Furthermore, preferably the website 120 provides education information to the user at each step in module 2 so that the user is informed as to the meaning of the user data, the credit report

420, the private user profile, and/or the qualification indicator 1120 (i.e., by accessing module 6 from within module 2) (e.g., 415) and provides interactive simulations (i.e., by accessing module 1 ) that, for example, educate a business on the effect of various financial products on the business's cash flow.

Module 2 also stores all credit reports 420, analyses, and disposition of any loan applications (i.e., using the qualification indicator) at step 430. Hence, the stored user data and qualification indicator 1120 (and associated analyses) can be accessed by other modules 240 (e.g., in module 4).

As in each module 240, module 2 also integrates training and education about credit for the user through interactive simulation of how to change (typically to improve) a credit analysis (i.e., the qualification indicator 1120). Because module 2 interfaces with the other modules 240 of the website 120, the website 120 supports module 2 with a uniquely single source, interactive access for related products and services, such as professional advice, data comparisons, and access to a glossary of explanations and support for research. 6. Detailed Description of Module 3. The method of module 3 provides online access (i.e., over the network 160) to categorized data from third parties for various types of activities. Module 3 enables the user to compare its individualized data in the same data categories. For example, the user can compare, either online or offline (i.e., by downloading information over the network 160 to the user terminal 110), the user's individual financial and operating data with national and regional financial and operating data, delivered online to the user terminal 110 over the network 160 by the website 120 for various business sectors.

Module 3 of the present invention can also be used to track the product and/or service and to educate the user on his/her current financial health and anticipated future needs based on industry standards and comparable businesses in the industry. For example, a user inputs at the user terminal 110 a description or common parameters of his/her start-up business (e.g., the type of business, products or services sold, the location, the number of employees, assets, etc.) and that they will need $100,000 in initial financing. The website 120 in module 3, then uses the common parameters to model or simulate the user's business relative to other existing comparable businesses at various stages in the operation and development of the business (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc.). For example, based on operating data from comparable businesses in the industry and the common parameters provided with respect to the user's business, the website 120 warns the user that in one year, the business will require an infusion of an additional $50,000 cash flow to sustain current operations and expected growth. Module 3 of the present invention thus provides interactive individualized instructional guidance to the user. That is, for each user, the agent (e.g., cash flow, capital, etc.) behaviors can be adapted to the user's demands and performance using comparable business performance in the industry. The website 120 then generates projections of the agent (e.g., cash flow, capital, etc.) for viewing by the user at the user terminal 110. The user thus receives an advance understanding of what to expect with respect to his/her business needs and allows the user to restructure his/her credit needs based on information presented on the user's anticipated future needs. As such, the user will be able to apply for credit or take other precautionary measures to overcome future shortfalls.

Referring to Figure 5, at step 500 the user enters module 3 (e.g., from step 250 in Figure 2 or from one of the other modules 240), where the user is able to review national business sector data.

At step 510, the website 120 accesses operating and financial data (i.e., over the network 160 or from memory 135) about various national business sectors in various geographic regions. At step 520, the user can compare specific business performance with national and regional operating and financial data for the same category of business enterprise. The comparison data is preferably stored in memory 135 or downloaded over the network 160 to the user terminal

110 for future use. The user can also obtain expert advise by selecting another module (e.g., module 5) in Step 525 or select any other module 240 and/or exit the website 120 in Step 530.

For users or entrepreneurs considering starting a business, module 3 enables the user to analyze the expenses and revenues that a specific business can anticipate. For small business owners interested in how they "stack-up" to their peers within the same industry, module 3 enables a time efficient positive and negative comparative analysis. For veteran small business owners considering an expansion or a sale, module 3 enables financial statement comparisons to businesses in the same industry. The method of module 3, however, is not to be limited to business users and can include individuals who wish to compare their credit situation to other users in the same region or nationwide. For example, users of a specific age group, profession, or region can compare their credit with those of others with similar backgrounds and/or demographics (i.e., statistical comparisons such as the average income to debt ratio, etc.). Other examples of options that can be provided by the method of module 3 include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Enter a business by category or identifying number (SIC) code and receive a prior years' financial statement analysis provided by one or more recognized companies in a comparative financial statement analysis. 2. Receive a detailed comparative analysis complete with variance alert messages and user-friendly explanations of various financial analysis ratios. 3. Store prior analyses in memory 135 for future updates and comparisons. By using the annual statement studies and comparative analysis tools in module 3, each user has a complete picture of the individual business and how it compares to other businesses in the same industry. This information has long been available to financing sources and is referred to as establishing the "financial standards" for a company with respect to its competitors.

Module 3 allows a user to retrieve for comparison, individualized data with data in the same categories from independent, third-party sources. Module 3 stores the results (i.e., in memory 135) for future interactive instructional guidance. Module 3 also recognizes the changing behavior of the user's information requirements and iterations each time the user accesses the website 120 (i.e., the website can be tailored to the user's individual tastes, information requirements, target markets, etc.).

7. Detailed Description of Module 4. Module 4 enables the user to determine the feasibility of obtaining either or both debt and equity financing while enabling financing sources to control when the user determines the provider's identity. Module 4 enables the user seeking financing to learn about different types of financing and to select different sources for different types of financing. Module 4 enables online access to establish contacts for online service and delivery of financing for online or offline processing. Module 4 enables funding loan data to be assembled for support of securities or other underwriter requirements. The website 120 creates and maintains a database that is stored in memory 135 for access by the website 120 when selecting or matching financial products with the user. A provider (e.g., a lending institution at provider terminal 150) submits information or parameters (e.g., product or service identification, provider information, user qualifications, product terms, etc.) about the product or service to the website 120, which is stored in a provider database (e.g., in memory 135). The provider can submit the information to the website 120 by delivering a printed application, by telephone, by facsimile, etc. that is then input to the database (e.g., at the administrator terminal 130). Alternatively, the provider can submit an online application over the network 160. Preferably, the provider or lender is given a lender number, an Internet ID, and an Internet password to access the provider's account over the network 160 (e.g., to update parameters, retrieve product interest records, etc.).

Referring to Figure 6, at step 600 the user enters module 4 at the website 120, for example, from step 250 in Figure 2 or from any of the other modules 240, and can then search one or more databases

(e.g., in memory 135) for alternative sources of financing, to learn about the process of applying for and being funded through module 6, and to apply for financing, and to effect or authorize funding.

At step 610, the website 120 searches the database of providers of financing products (i.e., venture capital, revolving credit, term loans, leases, government financing, credit cards, debit cards, etc.) (e.g., administrator terminal 130 searches the database stored in memory 135) and selects providers with matching selection criteria or parameters (i.e., previously submitted by the provider) based on the qualification indicator 1120 determined in module 2. The providers and the corresponding financial products are displayed (e.g., in the form of a Results Table 1200 in Figure 12) at the user terminal 110 in step 612.

In one embodiment, the user data prompts (e.g., 1030 in Figure 10) can be tailored by the website 120 in response to specific provider parameters. That is, although many user data prompts will be universal among the providers (e.g., name, date of birth, address, etc.), one or more providers may have specific questions that are used to qualify a borrower (i.e., the user) for a specific financial product. Hence, the website 120 can search the provider database for these specific questions and incorporate them in the requested user data prompts 1030. For example, where there are two providers in the database and one provider merely requests universal user data (e.g., name, address, etc.) but the second provider requests the racial or gender background (i.e., for a loan tailored to racial minorities or women entrepreneurs), the website 120 incorporates this question into the requested user data prompts so as to determine whether the user will qualify for the loan offered by the second provider. The specific user data is prompted whether or not the user ultimately qualifies for the tailored financial product.

Alternatively, the user can search a database of sources or providers of financing products or to learn how to apply for financing. In one embodiment, the user can also access the database of one or more financing sources accessible through the website 120. The database is updated to show the user the extent to which the financing source can provide online, interactive application, document processing 1215 (Figure 12), and funding 1210 (Figure 12). In step 614, the website 120 provides education and simulations, showing the user the effect or impact of the various financial products on the qualification indictor 1120, on the cash flow (where the user is a small business), etc. The user then selects a financial product and a provider that best suits the user's needs (e.g., lowest monthly payment, lowest interest rate, etc.). Hence, the user selects (e.g., by checking box 1250 in Figure

12) the optimum financial product from the plurality of financial products stored in the provider database at the website 120 (e.g., in memory 135) after having optimized the user's qualification indicator 1120 in module 2. The website 120 first identifies and displays at the user terminal 110 at least one optimum financial product 1220 that the user is eligible to receive based on the private user profile (i.e., created in step 430). Preferably, the website 120 displays a prioritized list 1200 of financial products (i.e., based on terms 1230 such as interest rate, monthly payment, loan amount, etc.). The selection occurs between the website 120 and the user terminal 110, thus the user is privately matched with the optimum financial product 1220 (Figure 12). Again, the website 120 educates the user as to the terms (i.e., lender identification, financial product identification, interest rate, monthly payment, down payment, etc.) and use of the optimum financial product 1220 (Figure 12) identified by the user and allows the user to simulate the effect of the product on the private user profile. In addition, the user can return to module 2 to further optimize the qualification indicator 1120 before making a selection. It is to be expressly understood that the user may not qualify for any financial product, in which case the website 120 notifies the user as such. Likewise, the user may only qualify for a single financial product, or may qualify for more than one financial product, and the user chooses to select a financial product other than what has been determined by the website 120 to be the optimum financial product

(i.e., the user may choose a lower monthly payment over a lower interest rate, even though the website 120 prioritized the financial products based on interest rate).

In step 616, the user must consent to the user data 640 (i.e., the qualification indicator 1120, the private personal profile, etc.) being released to the provider. Up to and including step 616, the user data 640 (e.g., identity) and qualification indictor 1120 are not released to the providers, thus maintaining the privacy of the user. If the user does not consent 617 to the user data 640 being released, the user is returned to module 2 to further optimize the user's qualification indicator.

Although each step up to this point was private, once the user consents in 618 to apply to the provider, an application corresponding to the optimum financial product selected by the user is generated at the website 120 and transmitted or delivered along with the required user data 640 to the provider.

When the user consents 618 to the user data 640 being released, the website proceeds to step 620. At step 620, the website 120 selects an application form corresponding to the selected financial product. The user receives the provider's list of documentation required for the application (e.g., from memory 135 or directly from the provider terminal 150). At step 630, the user inputs the required information online into the application documents (e.g., into memory 135) and the website 120 generates an application for the selected financial product. Alternately, the website 120 prints or stores in memory 135 one or more of the financing application forms for reference in assembling offline the required information.

It is to be understood that at any stage, the user can receive an explanation about operation of the system's financing process such as the system process for financing application, or agreement and funding, (e.g., modules 1 or 6), or go to other modules 240 at the website 120.

At step 650, the website 120 determines whether the applicant's credit report 420 is stored in the website 120 memory 135

(e.g., in step 430 of figure 4). If the website 120 determines that a credit report 420 and credit score 1120 are stored in memory 135, the website 120 performs a date check on the stored credit report 420 and credit score. If the website 120 determines that the credit report 420 and credit score 1120 are not stored in memory 135 or that the stored credit information 420, 1120 are not current, the website 120 returns the user to module 4 to obtain a credit report 420 and credit score 1120. Once the website 120 has access to a current credit report and credit score, the website 120 evaluates whether the credit score qualifies the applicant for access to a financing source at step 650.

At step 670, the website 120 requires the user and selected financing provider to authenticate, online, their identities to one another. At step 670, the website 120 also sends 672 the financing application documents to the selected potential financing provider. The website 120 completes the financing application documents electronically online, or delivers a hard copy offline either to a provider or financing source(s) directly or to the user terminal 110 for the user to complete and deliver to the provider (i.e., through administrator terminal 130 over the network 160). The user can print the completed application documents, or store a print file to memory (e.g., at the user terminal 110), and the website 120 can also store the application documents in memory 135. At step 680, the financing application is processed by the financing source and funds are authorized by the website 120. The website 120 determines whether the provider (i.e., at terminal 150) can process the financing application data and provide funded financing. In one embodiment, the website 120 provides authorization online to the user terminal 110 (e.g., by providing a credit access number and credit limit, electronic transfer of funds between accounts, etc.). Funded loan data is stored in memory 135 and the user returns to module choices or exits the website 120 in step 690. If the processed financing cannot be funded for any reason including operating problems, in step 680 the website 120 determines the reason(s) the financing process cannot fund and delivers exception or error messages. The website 120 determines whether the exception can be resolved and, if it can, returns to step 670 to process the financing. Otherwise the website 120 determines whether to try the financing application and funding process again or to return to home page choices or exit in step 690.

It is to be expressly understood that in one embodiment, the website 120 can process the generated application and authorize the funds without having to send the application to the provider for processing. That is, based on standard qualifying financial information (e.g., debt to income ratio), the website 120 processes the application and authorizes the funds without the provider even seeing an application from the user. Preferably, the provider has already provided parameters on which the website 120 can base the processing decision (i.e., using the standard qualifying information). For example, the provider will provide $10,000 to any user with a "good" qualification indicator or credit score (as determined by the provider or generally in the industry) and an income to debt ratio of less than 30%. Hence, when the user meets these requirements (i.e., has a "good" credit score and an income to debt ratio less than 30%), the website 120 authorizes these funds directly to the user at the user terminal 110 (or the user's bank account, creditor, etc.). It is to be expressly understood that the authorization function can be performed by module 4 or a distinct module 640 at the website 120, or by a third party processor (not shown) at a separate terminal on the network 160.

It is to be understood that the processing and approval by the provider can take hours, even days. Furthermore, the provider may require additional information from the user to process the application.

Once the website 120 receives approval from the provider, the website 120 notifies the user (e.g., via email, facsimile, telephone, writing, etc.). Alternately, the provider can contact the user for additional information to process the application or notify the user of the results directly without involving the website 120. Once approved, the website 120 preferably authorizes the value of the optimum financial product or funds to the user (e.g., directly over the network 160) when the approval status is returned as positive. At step 680, the website 120 also determines whether the data about an originated loan(s) is to be saved to memory 135 to support the issuing of securities or other loan underwriter data pooling purposes.

The method of module 4 saves both the user and the provider time. That is, the user can receive information about the optimum financial product and knows whether there is a likelihood of being approved before submitting an application. The user is also able to "shop around" by reviewing the terms of multiple financial products (provided the user qualifies) at one time. As a result, the provider only processes applications for users that have been qualified and will likely be approved.

In addition, the method of module 4 prevents or reduces the incidents of a financing source having to say "no" directly to a user (i.e., a potential borrower). Each question from the user is provided with an answer from the website 120, thereby providing the user with the essential value in exchange for more information. In the present invention, the more the website 120 knows about that user, the greater educational assistance the website 120 can provide. The website 120 of the present invention is designed so that the financing source will most likely say "yes" and then proceed to "acquire" the user by originating the financing. As such, module 4 offers a seamless matching service (i.e., the user is unaware of the processes at the website 120 that are used to match the user to a service and/or product). An estimated 100,000 traditional and non-traditional sources of capital are currently available to small business owners. For module 4, the preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention offers a collection of validated sources, which preferably fall into twelve general categories of financing: bank, non-bank lenders, federal programs, state programs, local programs, micro-loans, investment banks, business and finance brokers, factors, leasing companies, venture capitalists, and angel networks. However, it is to be expressly understood that one or more of these categories can be combined or further subdivided in other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The website 120 also offers a functional explanation of these various sources.

The user can access the website 120, proceed through a series of questions under module 2 and module 4 and receive a list of financing sources for which that person or that person's business may be eligible. The user (e.g., an individual) can simulate financing alternatives such as different types of lease versus purchase of equipment or arranging financing or factoring accounts receivable.

The operation determining this eligibility is designed as a "tier" approach. As the potential borrower's financing information is submitted and analyzed by module 4, the data passes through layers of financing options. The easiest layer/screen is traditional bank financing. If the user does not fit the bank's credit scoring and/or lending profile, the user moves to asset-based lenders, then to factors (where applicable), and on and on. An entrepreneur will quickly and transparently pass through the continuum of debt financing and then move to equity. The deeper the user gets into the website 120, the less automated the financing process becomes. Yet, within a short period of time, the user learns the credit situation applicable to his/her business situation and which options may or may not be available.

Based upon financing institutions' criteria, the website 120 will identify viable applicants and generate leads for financing institutions, thus significantly reducing their costs to generate leads for customers.

Non-bank financing sources, including retailers, can also participate in module 4 to access viable credit leads for their commercial purposes. In addition, individuals who have qualified through the module 2 credit evaluation can expedite their purchase of products and services available through module 5, having been "pre-approved" for revolving lines of credit.

Module 4 of the present invention integrates, interactively the processes of determining eligibility for financing, matching qualifications with financing sources, explaining the financing and funding process, processing the loan application and documentation with both online and offline interfaces, and delivering funds as determined by the financing documentation and as, from time to time, requested and authorized by the respective parties to the financing. As such, module 4 saves both the user and the provider time, and when the user applies for a financial product, the user is confident that they will most likely be approved. Also uniquely, module 4 enables funded financing data to be electronically assembled for support of securities or other underwriter requirements.

8. Detailed Description of Module 5. The method of module 5 provides the user of website 120 with online access for locating both online and offline delivery of products and services. Module 5 enables topically controlled virtual interactive dialogues. Module 5 enables interactive, individualized guidance and deliveries to a user and the guidance and deliveries can be adapted to the user demands and prior performances.

Module 5 delivers a "small business mart" or marketplaces for products and services for all users or identifiable members of a defined group (e.g., an "affinity group mart"). Most simply, through module 5, the user can find the one page Internet site for a provider of business goods or services and then arrange offline contact (e.g., by telephone, facsimile, mail, etc.). Alternatively, module 5 can provide the Internet user with interactive, individualized guidance as to legal or business matters. Likewise, the user can establish accounts for the recurring delivery of business supplies, such as paper, and the website 120 the supports subsequent deliver volumes and frequencies based on the user's changing past pattern of purchases. The above are intended only as examples illustrating the method of module 5, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 7, at step 700, the user accesses module 5 either from step 250 in Figure 2 or from one of the other modules 240. At step 710, the user can access the user's affinity group market. At step 710, the user's affinity group membership is validated and the user can participate in the affinity group's interchange and marketplace. At step 720, the user can access network links (e.g., Internet and email links) to providers of expert services (e.g., accountants, tax experts, financial advisors, lawyers, venture capitalists, graphics and design services, marketing experts, employment agencies, and specialized consultants, etc.). The user can access Internet and email links to business support services (e.g., federal and state agencies and other guidance, organized by name and service categories). The user can access Internet and email links to insurance agencies and information about business insurance programs. The user can also access Internet and email links to vendors of products and services (e.g., office furniture, supplies, business software, travel services, and business calendar and scheduling services), or even email and Internet site design and site maintenance services. The user then accesses another module 240 or exits the website 120 at step 730.

Module 5 offers appropriate products "at your fingertips", for example to aid in operating a small business. Users have access to one-stop shopping that is preferably updated daily, where the user can readily scroll through multiple options and purchase items online

(e.g., items the user needs day-in and day-out). The website 120 also preferably offers users payment options, such as credit card or a revolving line of credit.

Some examples of planned products and services that can be offered to the user through module 5 include, but are not limited to the following. For example, users can have online access to prepaid wireless products including cellular telephones and pagers. A search engine can be provided for online access to public records. A service can be provided to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners to locate local, regional and national experts (e.g., via e-mail, interactively, or by offline contact in response to Internet presence). Such industry experts can range from accounting to marketing and legal services. Such access can be unlimited with an annual subscription fee, limited to generic questions for no fee, or customized by situations for a one-time fee. Experts can pay an annual fee to be an online industry expert. Users can have access to permanent e-mail addresses and small business web site design with monthly hosting/maintenance available. Users can set up a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly calendar with critical dates automatically scheduled to produce reminders. The user can even copy his/her accountants, attorney's, publication printers, etc. and e-mail reminders to them. Users can have access to online airline reservation and ticketing services and hotel reservation information. Another example of an embodiment of a service provided by module 5 can be a computerized bookkeeping process that ties directly to balance/income statements and profit/loss statements for eventual use with industry financial comparisons. Such a service can also be used as a link for financing qualification. This educational tool also alerts a user to future problems based on his/her (or the business's) current financial situation, using industry financial comparisons. The process can be iterative and interactive, thus allowing the user to manipulate financial forecasts to industry standards so that the user can alter allocation of resources. The website 120 can also be a reseller of popular software. Access can be provided to various merchants of office products and equipment and arrangements can be made for the most economical delivery. Recurring supplies can be automatically reordered and shipped. Books targeted to the users, including reviews of books by small business owners can also be provided.

Module 5 is a single source where the user can seek and find products and services that can be separately accessed or interfaced with the user's needs resulting from use of other modules 240 of the website 120. In one embodiment, the user can complete an online profile of interests and needs and receive, for example, reminders of replacement purchases (such as ink cartridge refills) and notices of sales or volume discounts. The website 120 can also proactively identify the recurring needs and preferences of individual users and personalize product offerings with interactive guidance. The efficiency of obtaining delivery of recurring products and supplies, and recognize individual users purchasing patterns, are supported by the website 120. The continuing customization for individual users is a unique feature of module 5. Also, because module 5 interfaces with the rest of the website 120 of the present invention, access to seek suitable financing (i.e., modules 2 and 4) is enabled when and as products and services are needed.

9. Detailed Description of Module 6. The method of module 6 provides help and references to users of the website 120 of the present invention. Module 6 provides a glossary of terms and computations that are accessible by hyperlinks from other modules 240 of the website 120. Module 6 enables the user to search by one or more topics for both new and used printed and electronic books and publications that are available over the network 160. Module 6 also provides the user with a tutorial about online and offline research techniques, Internet sites, and databases. If the user needs personal assistance, module 6 can establish criteria, make contact with, and transmit data, both online and offline, to the appropriate persons. The website 120 also permits the user to create profiles for one-time, periodic, or continuing demands or deliveries of help and references.

Referring to Figure 8, at step 800, the user accesses module 6 for access to a glossary, books, and research services and tutorials (e.g., from step 250 in Figure 2 or from within another module 240).

At step 810, the website 120 provides a glossary (e.g., stored in memory 135 or through links on the network 160) of, for example business terms and computations. The glossary is preferably linked across the other modules 240 of the website 120 for access from any module 240. The glossary can be supported by one or more vendors of information and services suitable to the probable users of the website 120. At step 820, the user can search the network 160 (e.g., for new and used books, book dealers, titles, and topic reading reference in magazines and periodicals, both printed and electronically accessible). At step 830, the user is provided with access to a research tutorial (e.g., in module 1 ), links to research sites and services (e.g., on the network 160), and contacts for independent information and research professionals (e.g., over the network 160 or stored in memory 135). The user can exit the website 120 or select another module 240 at step 840.

Whether working in a financial lending institution or running a small business, access to definitions and explanations of business and financial terms is a helpful reference. Indeed, even individuals benefit from easily accessible definitions while working online. Module 6 of the present invention provides a comprehensive glossary of terms, which can be searched by key word or phrase. The terms are cross-linked throughout the other modules 240 of the website 120. For example, the glossary of module 6 can be accessed by a user in module 4 (e.g., through 690). Module 6 enables the user's interactive search to be extended for relevant books and periodicals, both new and used. Module 6 provides a tutorial for learning about research, both online and offline. The module also enables interactive, iterative contact with independent information professionals whom the user can contract for research services. The user's questions and any research already fulfilled is then forwarded to the independent information professional for further action.

Module 6 of the present invention interactively supports the reference needs of individual user throughout his/her uses of other modules 240 of the website 120. Module 6 also provides the user with help while referencing other online and offline resources for information and guidance. As module 6 of the website 120 "learns" (e.g., by creating and storing a user profile in memory 135) the user's needs for future uses can be expedited by eliminating unwanted repetition, offering repetition as the website 120 detects (e.g., by comparison with the stored user profile) needs or as requested by the user, and module 6 guides the user with suggested alternatives of action for further help.

10. Detailed Description of Module 7. The method of module 7 enables the user to review the status of present and forecasted cash coverage for existing debt financing. The user can use the information obtained through module 7 to determine the feasibility of modifying existing financing and module 7 can provide access to the contact(s) for online or offline modification of debt. Module 7 enables modified loan data to be assembled for support of securities or other underwriter requirements.

Referring to Figure 9, at step 900, the user accesses module 7 either from step 250 in Figure 2 or from another module 240. Once accessed, the user can compute cash flow or review choices as to modifying existing debt in step 910. At step 910, the website 120 guides the user through a review of financial status and cash flow for service of principal and interest on existing debt. In step 910, the website 120 also provides links to any required assistance for accounting, budget, and expert help. At step 920, the user is given forecasted net income and cash flow to debt service for comparison based on information provided by module 7. The data about debt deficiency is also stored in memory 135. Thus at step 930, the user can decide, based on the information provided by module 9, whether the loan can be repaid. If the debt can be repaid 932, the website 120 returns the user to the module choices 230 (see Figure 2). Otherwise, the module proceeds 937 to step 950.

In step 950, the website 120 provides the user with a credit report 420 and analysis and provides a guide for debt modification for a specific loan with credit review and with input from sources for debt modification. The data about the loan deficiency data, the credit analysis and credit score, and the debt modification analysis are stored in memory 135. The identities of all parties participating in the online portion of the debt modification process are preferably authenticated and the process of modifying the debt is determined at the website 120. At step 960, the debt modification is either negotiated offline (e.g., 962 to 990), or can be negotiated online 964 (i.e., the website 120 modifies the debt and any transfer of the debt holder). At step 970, the website

120 evaluates transfer of the modified debt and if the transaction process succeeds, the website 120 authorizes fund to the holder. It is to be understood that the holder of the modified debt can be the same entity as the original holder so debt modification does not require a transfer by the lender entity. At step 970, the modified debt is preferably confirmed in writing to the debtor, and the modified debt data is stored in memory 135. Failures in processing are evaluated and exception messages are provided by website 120 to the user. If at step 980, the participants to the debt modification determine that the exception cannot be resolved, the website 120 returns 982 to step

960 to determine if any other online modifications are possible. Otherwise the user is returned 984 to the module selection/exit choices at step 990. Module 7 enables funded refinancing data to be electronically assembled for support of securities or other underwriter requirements.

A user, concerned about whether existing debt can be repaid, can use module 7 of the present invention to link to other modules 240 at the website 120 so that the historic, present, and forecasted cash flow can be compared to the cash required to pay principal and interest on existing debt or for lease payments. If the computations determine that a debt service deficiency exists or is forecasted, the user can use module 7 to store that data and analysis. The user can proceed to an online guide (e.g., modules 1 or 6) about refinancing alternatives with interactive guidance to the user's particular situation. Module 7 also links to module 2 so that the user can obtain a current evaluation of both its personal and business credit. If the debt is accessible through the website 120, the debtor can establish online or offline access for debt modification. In a fully online, interactive operation, module 7 enables the debt to be restructured (e.g., refinanced, modified terms such as reduced interest rate or partial cancellation, or a new underwriting by the same or other lenders, etc.). Module 7 of the present invention provides single source access to learn about and try to effect online or offline modification of existing debt. The user can use module 7 to produce one or more evaluations of present and forecasted ability to repay the principal and interest of existing debt. Module 7 supports both online and offline arrangements for debt modification. Module 7 interfaces with other modules 240 of the present invention to support the user's education and interactive guidance (e.g., modules 1 and 6). Module 7 also enables the data about any new debt resulting from debt modification to be assembled and stored for support of securities or other underwriter requirements.

It is to be expressly understood that the modules 240 can be combined into a single module 240 or multiple modules 240. Preferably, multiple modules 240 are used and integrated to provide the user with seamless access to each module 240. Likewise, the user can exit the website 120 or any module 240 thereof at any step, and return to any module 240 at the website 120 at a later time. Preferably, any information received at the website 120 can be stored in memory 135 so that the user can resume where the user left off without having to start over. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the steps of each method (i.e., module) can be in any order and indeed in some embodiments one or more steps can be omitted altogether. In summary, one embodiment of the method of the present invention first privately qualifies the user for at least one optimum financial product by requesting user data, receiving the user's credit report, and creating a private user profile based on the user data and the user's credit report. The private user profile includes a qualification indicator (e.g., in the form of a gauge) that shows the user his/her credit-worthiness. Before proceeding, the user is allowed to change some or all of the user data until the user has optimized the qualification indicator. In addition, the website 120 provides the user with education information at each stage so that the user is informed as to the meaning of the user data, the credit report, the private user profile, the qualification indicator, portions thereof, etc. The website 120 can also provide the user with credit repair options.

The website 120 then privately matches the user to the optimum financial product based on parameters provided by the providers and the optimized user data. Again, the user is educated by the website 120 at each stage. In addition, the website preferably provides the user with simulations, showing the effect of the optimum financial product on the private user profile. Once again, the user is also allowed to return to the qualification stage to further optimize the qualification indicator and/or explore different types of financial products (e.g., government sponsored programs, private lending programs targeted to minority groups, etc.)

Only once the user has consented to release of the user data contained in the private user profile does the website 120 apply for the selected optimum financial product. After receiving consent, the website generates an application corresponding to the optimum financial product selected by the user, and delivers (either online or offline) the application to the provider. After receiving an approval status from the provider, the website then notifies the user and preferably authorizes the value of the optimum financial product to the user.

In another embodiment, an integrated system of modules at the website 120 allows a user to evaluate services and products online and then provides at least one of the evaluated services and products to the user. The integrated system has a plurality of modules (e.g., modules 1-7 discussed above) interconnected so that the user can privately evaluate the services and products and seamlessly access any one of said plurality of modules from any other of said plurality of modules (i.e., the user chooses how to navigate through the modules). The system stores the user data in memory and provides a link (i.e., a hyperlink) from at least one of the modules to the provider terminal so that the user can be provided the services and products chosen based on the user data. In one embodiment, the user data is accessed and updated each time the user accesses the website so that the website 120 can be tailored to the user. For example, the website 120 can provide instructional guidance to the user or target marketing through links to other Internet sites or other modules within the integrated system itself based on the stored user data.

In yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the website identifies, validates, and records user access of the website where the user is a member of an affinity group. A record of member use is updated (e.g., in memory 135) each time the member accesses the website to provide the user with special offers

(e.g., hyperlinks to provider Internet sites that have discounted products and services for members, etc.), and compensation to the affinity group. The record of member use can even be provided to the affinity group so that the affinity group can monitor and develop member services.

Yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention provides comparison data to the user so that the user can compare his/her own user data to industry data. Preferably, both the user data and the industry data are categorized and displayed side-by-side (i.e., at the user terminal).

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described herein and above is further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An online method to match a user with providers of a plurality of financial products, the method implemented over a network among a user terminal, a credit bureau terminal, a provider terminal and a website, the method comprising the steps of: qualifying the user for at least one optimum financial product selected from the plurality of financial products, the qualification step occurring between the website and the user terminal so that the user privately arrives at the at least one optimum financial product; selecting the at least one optimum financial product from the plurality of financial products, the selection step occurring between the website and the user terminal so that the user is privately matched with the at least one optimum financial product; educating the user about both qualifying and selecting the at least one optimum financial product; allowing the user to return to the qualifying step so as to further optimize the selection of the at least one optimum financial product; and applying for the selected optimum financial product after receiving at the website consent from the user.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of qualifying further includes returning from the website to the user terminal a denial explanation when the user fails to qualify for the at least one financial product.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying for the selected optimum financial product is online between the user terminal and the provider terminal over the network.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying for the selected optimum financial product is offline.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of qualifying the user further includes the substeps of: requesting at the website user data from the user terminal; receiving at the website a credit report from the credit bureau terminal; creating a private user profile at the website based on the requested user data and the received credit report; and displaying at the user terminal a qualification indicator based on the private user profile, the qualification indicator showing the credit-worthiness of the user.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the user data includes business type, amount of funds requested, use of funds requested, personal financial information, and administrative application information.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the qualification indicator is displayed in the form of a gauge.

8. The method of claim 5 further including the step of allowing the user to change the user data at the user terminal and repeating at least one of the qualification substeps until the user optimizes the qualification indicator.

9. The method of claim 5 further including the step of providing education information from the website to the user at each of the qualification substeps so as to inform the user as to the meaning of the user data, the credit report, the private user profile, and the qualification indicator, or portions thereof.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting the at least one optimum financial product further includes the substeps of: identifying at the website the optimum financial product that the user is eligible to receive based on a private user profile; displaying at the user terminal the optimum financial product and terms of the optimum financial product; educating the user on the terms and use of the identified optimum financial product; and simulating at the user terminal an effect of the optimum financial product based on the private user profile.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the terms of the optimum financial product include lender identification, financial product identification, and interest rate.

12. The method of claim 1 further including the step of allowing the user to return to the qualification step so as to explore different types of financial products.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying for the selected optimum financial product further includes the substeps of: obtaining consent at the website from the user to submit an application for the selected optimum financial product; generating at the website the application corresponding to the optimum financial product based on the private user profile; and delivering the generated application from the website to the provider terminal.

14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of informing the user at the user terminal an approval status of the generated application after evaluation by the provider.

15. The method of claim 13 further including the step of authorizing at the website the value of the optimum financial product to the user when the provider approves the generated application.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the selection step occurs only after the qualification step.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the application step occurs only after the selection step.

18. The method of claim 1 further including the step of displaying at the user terminal a credit repair option.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimum financial product is selected from the group consisting of venture capital, revolving credit, term loan, lease, government financing, and credit card.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the user is a small business.

21. The method of claim 20 further including the step of educating the small business on the effect of the optimum financial product on the cash flow of the small business.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the user is an individual.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: prompting the user at the user terminal for membership in an affinity group; updating at the website a record of member use of the website; providing from the website the affinity group with the record of member use of the website.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of compensating the affinity group for member use of the website based on the updated record.

25. A method implemented over a network among a user terminal, a credit bureau terminal, a provider terminal and a website to match a user with providers of a plurality of financial products, the method comprising the steps of: a) qualifying the user for at least one optimum financial product of the plurality of financial products, the qualification step occurring between the website and the user terminal so as to privately arrive at the optimum financial product, the qualification step including the substeps of: requesting at the website user data from the user terminal; receiving at the website a credit report from the credit bureau terminal; creating a private user profile at the website based on the requested user data and the received credit report; displaying at the user terminal a qualification indicator based on the private user profile, the qualification indicator showing the credit-worthiness of the user; allowing the user to change the user data at the user terminal and repeating at least one of the aforesaid qualification substeps until the user optimizes the qualification indicator; providing education information from the website to the user at each of the qualification substeps so as to inform the user as to the meaning of the user data, the credit report, the private user profile, and the qualification indicator, or portions thereof; b) selecting the optimum financial product from the plurality of financial products in response to the optimization of the qualification indicator, the selection step occurring between the website and the user terminal so as to privately match the user with the optimum financial product, the selection step including the substeps of: identifying at the website the optimum financial product that the user is eligible to receive based on the private user profile; displaying at the user terminal the optimum financial product and terms of the optimum financial product; educating the user on the terms and use of the identified optimum financial product; simulating at the user terminal an effect of the optimum financial product based on the private user profile; allowing the user to return to at least one of the substeps of the qualification step (a) so as to explore different types of financial products; c) applying for the selected optimum financial product with consent of the user, the application step occurring between the website and the provider terminal, the application step including the substeps of: obtaining consent at the website from the user to submit an application for the selected optimum financial product; generating at the website the application corresponding to the optimum financial product based on the private user profile; delivering the generated application from the website to the provider terminal; and informing the user at the user terminal an approval status of the generated application after evaluation by the provider; authorizing at the website the value of the optimum financial product to the user when the approval status is positive.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the qualification indicator is displayed in the form of a gauge.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the selection step (b) occurs only after the qualification step (a).

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the application step (c) occurs only after the selection step (b).

29. The method of claim 25 wherein step (a) further includes the substep of displaying at the user terminal a credit repair option in response to a negative qualification indicator.

30. The method of claim 25 wherein the user data of step (a) includes business type, amount of funds requested, use of funds requested, personal financial information, and administrative application information.

31. The method of claim 25 wherein the terms of the optimum financial product in step (b) include lender identification, financial product identification, and interest rate.

32. The method of claim 25 wherein the optimum financial product is selected in step (b) from the group consisting of venture capital, revolving credit, term loan, lease, government financing, and credit card.

33. The method of claim 25 wherein the user is a small business.

34. The method of claim 25 wherein the substep of simulating the effect on the private user profile in step (b) further includes the substep of educating the small business on the effect on the cash flow of the small business.

35. The method of claim 25 wherein the user is an individual.

36. An integrated system of modules at a website that allow a user to evaluate services and products online and then provides at least one of the evaluated services and products to the user, said website interconnected over a network to a user terminal and at least one provider terminal, said integrated system comprising: a memory at said website to store said user data input by the user at said user terminal and received by said website over said network; a plurality of modules at said website, said plurality of modules selected from the group at least consisting of tutorials, qualification, reference, financing locator, marketplace, help, and debt modification modules, said plurality of modules interconnected so that the user can privately evaluate the services and products and seamlessly access any one of said plurality of modules from any other of said plurality of modules; a link in at least one of said plurality of modules, said link providing a direct connection from said user terminal to said provider terminal over said network to provide the user with services and products based on the user data from said at least one provider.

37. The integrated system of claim 36 wherein said user data stored in said memory is accessed and updated each time the user accesses said website to tailor the website to the user.

38. The integrated system of claim 37 wherein the tailored website includes instructional guidance to the user.

39. The integrated system of claim 37 wherein the tailored website includes target marketing through links in the plurality of modules.

40. The integrated system of claim 36 further comprising a database of affinity groups accessed by said website to determine when said user is a member of at least one of said affinity groups in said database.

41. The integrated system of claim 40 further comprising basis points awarded to the at least one affinity group of which the user is a member.

42. The integrated system of claim 36 wherein said products are financial products.

43. The integrated system of claim 36 wherein said network is the Internet.

44. The integrated system of claim 36 wherein at least one module of said plurality of modules is an interactive business formation resource and tutorial.

45. The integrated system of claim 36 further comprising a credit bureau terminal, said website accessing said credit bureau terminal to receive a credit report at said website over said network.

46. The integrated system of claim 36 wherein the user determines an order to access each of the plurality of modules.

47. A method implemented over a network among a user terminal, a provider terminal and a website to identify members of an affinity group that access the website, the method comprising the steps of: prompting a user at the user terminal for membership in the affinity group; updating at the website a record of member use of the website each time a member of the affinity group accesses the website; providing the user with special offers at the website based on the membership of the user in the affinity group; compensating the affinity group for member use of the website based on the updated record. providing from the website the affinity group with the record of member use of the website so that the affinity group can monitor and develop member services.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein the special offers are hyperlinks to provider Internet sites having discounted products and services.

49. The method of claim 47 further comprising the steps of providing from the website to the user direct access through a hyperlink to a providers associated with the affinity group when the user is a member of the affinity group.

50. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of validating membership of the user in the affinity group.

51. A method implemented over a network among a user terminal, a provider terminal and a website to provide comparison data to a user, the method comprising the steps of: receiving user data at the website from the user terminal; receiving industry data at the website from the provider terminal; categorizing the received user data and the received industry data; displaying the categorized user data and the received industry data side-by-side at the user terminal so that the user can compare the user data to the industry data.