WO2001053990A1

WO2001053990A1 - Business-to-business internet system for enabling business-to-consumer trade

Info

Publication number: WO2001053990A1
Application number: PCT/SG2000/000011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hai Huat Tay
Original assignee: Ebbis.Com Private Limited
Priority date: 2000-01-24
Filing date: 2000-01-24
Publication date: 2001-07-26
Also published as: AU4162600A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system to link generic Business-to-Business web sites for business entities in the same trade with one another. The method and system enables the sharing of a database of common trade information, capable of being updated by any of the users from their web sites and with built-in mechanisms for each user to limit access to sensitive trade information in the database. The method and system enables each user to use the database of the entire network to expand their market share and facilitate trade with their end consumer base and web surfers over the Internet. As the common trade information posted by any user is accessible through the web sites of all the other users in the network, the figure shows how information posted by User 1 into the common database can be promoted to Consumers (4, 5, 6) and (7) via web site of Users (2, 3) and (4).

Description

Business-to-Business Internet System for Enabling Business-to-Consumer Trade

Title of invention

1. The title of the invention is: Business-to-Business Internet System for Enabling Business-to-Consumer Trade.

Technical Field

2. The invention relates to a method and system to network generic Business-to- Business web sites for business entities in the same trade. The method and system enables the sharing of a database of common trade information, capable of being updated from any user's web site in the network and with built-in mechanisms for each user to limit access to sensitive trade information in the database. The method and system enables each user to use the database of the entire network to expand their market share and facilitate trade with their end consumer base and web surfers over the Internet.

Background Art

3. The introduction of the Internet for commercial usage has provided a platform by which information can be shared by and commercial transactions can be conducted simultaneously with a multitude of users from different terminals anywhere, anytime.

4. Currently, commercial usage of the Internet is via two distinctive business systems. The typical Business-to-Business Internet System operates by integrating all the parties involved in the same Business cycle, creating a seamless internal operating process. The effect of such integration allows the automation of multiple supplier chain process and the users to receive real-time updates of all the information they need to manage the supply chain. The system becomes an automated internal communication channel for a finite group of companies involved in the same business process. Such systems serve to cut operating cost by automating the multiple layers of communications from one business unit to another.

5. Such systems are at times extended to a Business-to-Consumer interface to allow end consumers to purchase information, products or services directly through a common web site linked to the back-end Business-to-Business system. The Business-to-Consumer interface automatically triggers the process in the Business-to-Business Internet system to process the consumer's purchase and track the progress of the entire process from assembling the components to delivering the finished produce to the consumer.

6. For conventional Business-to-Consumer Internet Systems, a central web site is used to distribute information or information on products and services to consumers in respect of one or more fields of interest. These systems enable advertisers to promote their wares and e-merchants to conduct electronic commerce via a common site to consumers. Such systems rely heavily on the active marketing of the common site to consumers through other channels and by networking with as many other similar web sites or those upstream or downstream of that trade or in related fields.

7. These systems can be extended to a network of multiple customizable Consumer-to-Consumer web sites sharing a database of common information, products and services contributed by content and service providers. However, such systems do not enable the individual units in the network to update the information in the shared database or use the Consumer-to-Consumer web sites to conduct their respective trade. The users of the shared database are often not grouped on an industry basis nor grouped for the purpose of the conduct of a trade but typically for better target marketing and to attract more consumers interested in that field. Disclosure of Invention

8. The present invention was created to provide a method and system:

(a) to enable the sharing of common trade information amongst business entities of the same trade,

(b) to enable the end consumer base of each user and web surfers to the user's web site to post information into the network which can be shared by every user in the network,

(c) for multiple web address entry points into a network of business entities of the same trade,

(d) for the trade information posted by one user to be promoted by every other user in the network,

(e) to link content and service providers to every user's web sites in the network and enable the conduct of electronic commerce via the web sites of all the users in the network, and

(f) to enable the control of access to sensitive trade information from the user's web site.

9. The architecture of the method and system rests on the on-line communication system of the Internet, characterised by inter-connectivity, ease of distributing information simultaneously to multiple users, accessible 24 hours every day and the removal of the need for a large organisation in the physical world.

10. To enable the sharing of common trade information, the system provides a central unit for the storage of common trade information which is linked to and accessible by every user in the system. The information is a compilation of trade data posted by all the users in the network. The corporate user can allow its designated employee user to control a web site each for the same purpose. The network of users are equipped with generic web sites with built-in mechanisms to access and update those information posted by them in the first instance. The system allows every other user in the network to search, retrieve and manage this information from their web sites. The system may provide features for customizing the look of the web sites without affecting the basic architecture.

11. The web sites are also enabled for the users' end consumers and web surfers to the users' web sites to contribute directly into the central database of trade information via the users' web sites. This information is also stored on the central unit and is accessible by other users in the system.

12. The multiple generic web sites provide multiple web addresses entry points into the network wherein the database of common trade information can be accessed. The system taps on the network of contacts of the users in the physical world. As the user builds his trade, his network of contacts and hence the end consumers visiting his web site and indirectly the network, will increase. This enhances the number of consumers coming into the network which will grow at an exponential rate to the growth of the number of users to the network.

13. The system is such that each user can rely on every other user in the network to help him in his marketing campaign. Trade data posted onto the central unit by one user can be similarly accessed from the web sites of other users in the network. This means that each time any user in the network promotes his web site, he is also promoting access to information posted by the other users in the network.

14. A series of content and service providers also rests on the central unit and are in turn linked to every user in the system. These are the before- and after- sales services the user provides as a comprehensive package of service to his end consumers and web surfers to his web site. Electronic commerce can then be conducted via all the web sites in the network along with the conduct of the user's trade.

15. Each web site in the network is equipped with a mechanism to allow the registered user of the site to shield from other users or consumers sensitive trade information necessary for concluding a transaction. End consumers and web surfers will be linked to the user who posted the information in the first instance. Other users in the network will also have to contact the user who posted the information in the first instance to get the information.

Brief Description of Drawing

16. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by means of non- limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams wherein:

(a) Figure 1 is a block diagram of the first two embodiments of the invention, which shows the Business-to-Business network for the sharing of common trade information and the updating of information by each user or via the users' web sites by the end consumers or web surfers.

(b) Figure 2 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the invention, which shows how the multiple generic web sites provide multiple web address entry points into a network of business entities in the same trade, thereby enabling each user to have an enlarged end consumer base.

(c) Figure 3 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invention, which shows how the information posted by each user is being promoted by every other user in the system.

(d) Figure 4 shows is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the invention, which shows how electronic commerce for the same service and content providers are conducted via all the web sites in the network along with the conduct of the user's trade.

(e) Figure 5 is a diagram of a sixth embodiment of the invention, which shows the process for limiting access to sensitive trade information. Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

17. This method and system can best be implemented in an industry wherein buyers and sellers are brought together by intermediaries. The users of the Business-to- Business web system subscribe or register themselves with the network administrator for a fee. The network administrator then sets up the architecture of the web site and customizes the look of the web site according to the needs of the user. The web site is then linked to the central unit whereupon the user can access the information from a conventional Internet browser. The user can search, retrieve and manage information in the system using customized software. Whenever the user refreshes the information he previously posted, the system will authenticate his identity and upload the information automatically to the central unit.

18. In each web site is a built-in mechanism to allow information to be posted into the central database. This information is stored separately from the user's inputs and a textual indication is used to identify the information as being contributed by end consumers or web surfers when the information is being accessed from other users' web sites.

19. The system relies on the users to promote their own web sites. The users are incentivised to publish their own web site address in marketing materials such as corporate brochures, advertisements in the other media.

20. The user's web sites comprise information, or information on services and products posted by content and service providers. This information is updated automatically in the central unit and is transmitted to each and every user web site in the network.

21. The limitation of access to sensitive trade information is ensured by the separate storage of information which users indicates to the system as sensitive. Access to these information is limited to users who can key in the right passwor . 22. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein and that other embodiments, variations or modifications should therefor be understood to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereafter.

Industrial Applicability

23. This invention is capable of being exploited in the electronic commerce industry, particularly an industry wherein intermediaries bring buyers and sellers together. The real estate industry and the relationship between the real estate agent, the home-buyer and the home-seller is one illustration.

Claims

THE CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for business entities of the same trade to share via a web network, common trade information posted by every users of the system. The information can be searched, retrieved and managed as well as updated by the users of the system from their individual web sites.

2. A system to enable web surfers to the user's web site to post information through the user's web site which will be transmitted automatically to the central unit and accessible by every other user in the network. This information is stored in a separate compartment from the information posted by the users of the system.

3. A system for multiple entry points into a network of business entities of the same trade. Instead of creating a single customer base of the network as a whole, 'the system's customer base is the combined customer base of all the web sites in the network.

4. A system wherein whenever a user promotes the trade information on his web site, he is also promoting the trade information posted by the other users into the central database.

5. A system wherein every entity in the business process cycle is linked to the web sites of every user of the network, enabling electronic commerce for the content and service providers to be conducted via all the web sites in the network.

6. A system wherein sensitive trade information is kept separate from common trade information and not made accessible to other users and web surfers, where access is controlled by password security. Other users and web surfers who wish to get the sensitive trade information are channeled to the user who controls that information, thereby preserving the role of the human agent. Other users in the network who wish to access that information will have to seek the cooperation of the user who posted the information, thereby encouraging the process of co- brokering.