WO2000045315A1

WO2000045315A1 - Data processing system for facilitating merchandise transactions

Info

Publication number: WO2000045315A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/002120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyle Brizendine
Original assignee: Cuckleburr.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-01-27
Filing date: 2000-01-27
Publication date: 2000-08-03
Also published as: US6484147B1; AU4165800A; US20030023491A1

Abstract

A data processing system for facilitating merchant transactions includes a computer for processing data, and a storage device for storing data processed by the computer. Data regarding the purchase by a purchaser of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of money is entered into the computer. Monetary points are then calculated which are proportionate to a purchase made. The monetary points are then allocated between a first account which may be used by a first person for the purchase of additional merchandise from the merchant, and a second account which may be used by a second person for education at an educational institution. The monetary points allocated to the first account and the second are recorded in the storage device.

Description

DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING MERCHANDISE TRANSACTIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a data processing system and, more particularly, to a data processing system configured for facilitating purchases of merchandise. BACKGROUND

The present economy is being driven by many dynamics. Among them, consumer sales of retail products and services are increasingly being transacted electronically, e.g., through e- commerce, rather than through traditional "brick-and-mortar" retail stores. But because many billions of dollars have been invested in "brick-and-mortar" retail stores, there is great interest in sustaining sales at such retail stores. Attempts by retail stores to stem the tide of sales to e- commerce have been ineffective thus far.

Another dynamic driving the present economy is a trend toward a substantial percentage of consumers conducting retail transactions with credit cards. However, persons under the age of eighteen (minors) are not generally permitted to engage in credit card transactions. As a result, minors are disadvantaged in the marketplace for consumer goods and services.

In yet another dynamic driving the economy, the workforce is becoming more highly educated, and as the work environment is becoming more "hi-tech" and information-oriented, education is becoming increasingly valued and necessary for employees to compete for and obtain jobs. As education is becoming more valued, the price for higher education is also increasing, at a much faster rate than the inflation rate. This concerns many parents who struggle to make ends meet, and also desire to set funds aside to provide the best education possible for their children.

Therefore, what is needed is a system and method which restores and sustains consumer sales of retail goods and services at traditional "brick-and-mortar" retail stores, enables minors to overcome the disadvantages of not being permitted to use credit cards, and which would preferably also enable adults to set aside funds for the education of themselves, their children, and/or other family members or friends. SUMMARY

The present invention, accordingly, provides a system and method which utilizes a data processing system for facilitating merchant transactions. The system includes a computer for processing data, and a storage device for storing data processed by the computer. Data regarding the purchase by a purchaser of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of money is entered into the computer. Monetary points are then calculated which are proportionate to a purchase made. The monetary points are then allocated between a first account which may be used by a first person for the purchase of additional merchandise from the merchant, and a second account which may be used by a second person for education at an educational institution. The monetary points allocated to the first account and the second are recorded in the storage device.

By the use of the present invention, "brick-and-mortar" retail stores may take advantage of the benefits of the Internet to better compete with e-commerce conducted over the Internet. Furthermore, minors may obtain many of the advantages of credit cards with club cards. Parents of minors also attain some peace of mind knowing that the club will provide funds for the minors to attend an educational institution such as college or a university. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network embodying features of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram which exemplifies a club computer which may be used in the network of FIG. 1; FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram of a member record which may be processed and stored in a database of the computer of FIG. 2;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of a club card which may be used by a member participating in the system of FIG. 1 ;

FIGURE 5 is a high-level state diagram which depicts the operation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIGURES 6A and 6B are a flow chart which depicts control logic utilized by a software program in the computer of FIG. 2 to implement the state diagram of FIG. 5; FIGURE 7 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a person applies to become a member of a club defined by the system of FIG. 1;

FIGURE 8 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member purchases a product without points in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 9 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member purchases points to apply to a member account in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member purchases a product with points in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member performs activities by which he earns points in accordance the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member views a club web page;

FIGURE 13 is a flow chart which depicts control logic utilized when merchandise purchased in accordance with the present invention is returned to a merchant; FIGURE 14 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member redeems educational points;

FIGURE 15 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire when a member terminates membership in the club;

FIGURES 16A and 16B are a schematic diagram of registration and enrollment aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 17A and 17B are a schematic diagram of point accumulation aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 18 A and 18B are a schematic diagram of point redemption aspects of the present invention; FIGURE 19 is a schematic diagram of point redemption aspects of the present invention;

FIGURE 20 is a schematic diagram of reverse point accumulation aspects of the present invention;

FIGURE 21 is a schematic diagram of a specialty program which may be supported of the present invention; FIGURE 22 is a schematic diagram of a specialty program which may be supported of the present invention; FIGURES 23 and 24 are a schematic diagram depicting the transfer and management of points in accordance with features of the present invention;

FIGURES 25 A and 25B are a schematic diagram which depict an overview of the present invention; FIGURES 26A and 26B are a schematic diagram of registration and enrollment aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 27A and 27B are a schematic diagram of point accumulation aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 28A and 28B are a schematic diagram of point redemption aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 29A and 29B is a schematic diagram of reverse point accumulation aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 30A and 3 OB are a schematic diagram of a specialty program which may be supported by the present invention; FIGURES 31 A and 3 IB are a schematic diagram of a specialty program which may be supported by the present invention;

FIGURES 32A and 32B are a schematic diagram of point redemption aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 33A and 33B are a schematic diagram depicting the transfer and management of points in accordance with features of the present invention;

FIGURES 34A - 34KK are a table which depicts requirements to implement the present invention;

FIGURE 36 is a block diagram which depicts aspects of a loyalty program management system embodying features of the present invention; FIGURE 37 is a block diagram which depicts account administration data sources of a loyalty program management system embodying features of the present invention;

FIGURE 38 is a block diagram which depicts sources of data for point accumulation and redemption of a loyalty program management system embodying features of the present invention; FIGURE 39 is a block diagram which depicts reporting requirements of a loyalty program management system embodying features of the present invention; FIGURE 40 is a block diagram which exemplifies interfaces of a loyalty program management system embodying features of the present invention;

FIGURES 41 A and 41B are a schematic diagram of an overview of a system embodying features of the present invention; FIGURES 42A and 42B are a schematic diagram of outsourced hosting embodying features of the system of FIG. 41;

FIGURE 43 is a schematic diagram of an in-house hosting option embodying features of the system of FIG. 41; and

FIGURE 44 is a schematic diagram depicting an operation infrastructure which may be used with the system of FIG. 41.

DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been summarily illustrated in block or schematic diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning computers and networks and the interconnection and operation thereof, including interrupt requests (IRQs), and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a system embodying features of the present invention. The system 100 includes a network 102, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a world-wide network of computers (the Internet), or the like, either singularly or in any combination thereof, well-known in the art, configured for facilitating conventional communications of data, voice, multimedia, and/or the like, between an organization referred to herein as a "club" 110, via at least one club computer 112, and a plurality of members 116, as well as a number of selected entities. The at least one club computer 112 preferably comprises a plurality of interconnected computers 112 having terminals (not shown) widely distributed throughout a number of locations such as, for example, participating retail stores, banks, and kiosks located in shopping malls. As described in further detail below, the plurality of members 116 preferably includes at least one first member 120 and at least one second member 130, and the selected entities preferably include at least one of each of a merchant 140, a merchant bank 150, a credit card issuing (CO) bank 160, a holding bank 170, and an educational institution 180, interconnected to and through the network 102 for data communication therebetween. A non-member 190 is shown in FIG. 1, which non-member is not recognized by the club 110 as being a member thereof. While only one or two of each of the aforementioned entities is shown in FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention would preferably comprise a plurality of each of such entities, each of which entities would preferably operate and interact substantially as described herein.

A member 116, such as the first member 120 and second member 130, of the club 112 may be a minor or an adult, and members 116 may furthermore be related to, and/or be friends of, one another. As generally used herein, the term "minor" is defined with reference to a person's age, wherein such age is less than the minimum age required under law for such person to use a credit card to purchase merchandise, such age in most jurisdictions being eighteen years of age. Thus, a minor is generally considered herein to be a person under eighteen years of age, it being understood that such age may vary. The term "adult" is generally defined herein in contrast to a minor, i.e., as a person of such age as to be able under the law to use a credit card to purchase merchandise. Thus, in accordance with the foregoing, an adult may generally be considered herein to be a person of at least eighteen years of age, it being understood that such age may vary. Each member 116 of the plurality of members of the club 112 preferably has access to at least one computer. As exemplified in FIG. 1, each member 120 and 130 has access to a computer 122 and 132, respectively, though two or more members may optionally access a common computer. Such computers are connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the respective members 116, and the selected entities, including the club 110 via the club computer 112, connected to the network 102.

Each member 116 of the plurality of members of the club 112 is preferably also provided with a club card and/or a credit card (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, and the like) identified with the club 110. As exemplified in FIG. 1, the member 120 is provided with a club card 124, and the member 130 is provided with a credit card 134. The club card 124 provides identification of the respective member 120 to the club 110, and to entities which have joined the club 110, and may be used to generate, as well as redeem, monetary points, described further below. The club card is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 4. The credit card 134 may be either a credit card issued by the credit card issuing (CCI) bank member 160, or a pre-existing credit card in which the account number on the card is identified, using conventional technology, as being that of the club member 130. The credit card

134 may preferably be used to generate monetary points, but not to redeem monetary points, described further below.

The merchant 140 may be a retailer, manufacturer, provider, or the like, of merchandise. The term "merchandise" is generally used herein to include consumer goods and services and the like, although it is not necessarily limited to consumer goods and services. The merchant 140 has at least one merchant computer 142 connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the merchant 140 and selected entities, including the club 110 via the computer 112, connected to the network 102. The merchant 140 has a conventional card reader 144, such as a magnetic code reader, bar code scanner, or the like, effective for reading data imprinted on the cards 124 and 134, presented to the merchant 140 during a merchandise transaction. The card reader 144 is connected to the computer 142 for transferring data read from the cards 124 and 134 to the computer 142, as described further below.

The merchant bank 150 is a bank employed by the merchant 140 for maintaining the merchant's accounts. The merchant bank 150 includes at least one merchant bank computer 152 connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the merchant bank 150 and selected entities, including the club 110 via the computer 112, connected to the network 102. The credit card issuing (CCI) bank 160 is a bank selected by a member 116 for providing the member with a conventional credit card and associated services, such as tracking transactions made with the credit card, and maintaining the respective member's credit card account. The CCI bank 160 includes at least one CCI bank computer 162 connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the CCI bank 160 and selected entities, including the club 110 via the computer 112, connected to the network 102. The CCI bank 160 is also operable as a processing agency, as described further below.

The holding bank 170 is a bank employed by the club 110 for maintaining education accounts (or, alternatively, trust accounts). The holding bank 170 includes at least one holding bank computer 172 connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the holding bank 170 and selected entities, including the club 110, via the computer 112, connected to the network 102. The educational institution 180 may be any of a number of educational fund recipients qualified by the club 110 for providing educational services, such as a college, university, trade school, seminary, or the like. The educational institution 180 includes at least one educational institution computer 182 connected to the network 102 for providing an interface between the educational institution 180 and selected entities, such as the club 110, via the club computer 112, connected to the network 102.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram depicting aspects of the club computer 112. As shown therein, the computer 112 includes at least one conventional processor 200 (also referred to as a central processing unit (CPU) or arithmetic logic unit), adapted for processing data received from the network 102, for storing such data in records of a database (discussed below with respect to FIG. 3), executing processes comprising application programs effective for managing database operations and computers on the network 102, and the like. A memory 202, such as random access memory (RAM) and/or a hard disk memory, is operably connected to the processor 200. As discussed in further detail below, the memory 202 is apportioned between at least an executable program 204, a database 206, a state register 208, and an event register 210. A conventional interface 212 is connected to the processor 200 for providing an interface between the processor 200 and the network 102. The computer 112 may constitute a network server computer, and may be used to maintain a web page (not shown) through the network 102, in a manner well-known in the art. The web page provides selected information, described below, which may be accessed by any entity connected to the network 102 in a manner well-known in the art.

FIGURE 3 exemplifies a main record 300, a plurality of merchandise point records 330 and 331, and a plurality of educational point records 350 and 351, related to the main record 300 as indicated by the dashed line 301, all of which records are created and maintained in the database 206 of the computer 112 for each member 116. Each of the records 300, 330, 331, 350, and 351 include a number of different fields 302, 332, and 352, respectively, for recording data regarding a respective member 116. Notably, each record 300, 330, 331, 350, and 351 includes an account number field 304, 334, 334, 354, and 354, respectively, by which the records 330, 331, 350, and 351 are related to the main record 300. The account number fields 304, 334, and 354 store the same account number of a member 116 who generates points through purchases of merchandise. The main record 300 preferably further includes a personal identification number (PIN) field 306 for storing a PIN for each member 116 whose account number is stored in the field 304. The fields 302 further include a member name field 308, a postal mail address field 310, an e-mail address field 312, a date of birth field 314, a gender field 316, a telephone number field 318, and a social security number field 320. A parent or guardian name field 322 is provided which stores the name of a parent or guardian of a minor 120, for reasons discussed below, if the respective record 300 is created for a minor 120. If the record 300 is being created for an adult 130, then the parent/guardian field 322 will be empty. A field 324 is provided for the optional entry of hobbies and other interests of the member 116 for whom the record 300 is respectively being established.

The merchandise point records 330-331 are configured for tracking merchandise points generated by the member identified in the record 300. The records 330-331 are shown in FIG. 3 separated by an ellipsis to indicate that there may be any number "m" of such merchandise point records associated with each member. Because the records 330-331 are structurally identical, they will be described representatively herein with reference to the record 330. The merchandise points record 330 comprises a number of fields 332, including an account number field 334 for storing the account number of the member identified in the field 304 of the record 300 as < the point generating member; the contents of the field 334 are thus identical to contents of the field 304. The merchandise points record 330 further includes an account number field 336 for storing the account number of a member 1-m who is selected by the member identified in the respective field 334 for being entitled to redeem the merchandise points recorded in the corresponding record 330. The field 338 stores a number representing the percentage of total points generated by the member identified in the respective field 334 which the member identified in the respective field 336 is entitled to, and is used only in the calculation of points, discussed below. The field 340 is used for storing the name of a merchant 1-m by whom the merchandise points recorded in the record may be redeemed. The field 342 is used to record merchandise points as they accumulate by the member identified in the respective field 334 for the member identified in the respective field 336.

The educational point records 350-351 are configured for tracking merchandise points generated by the member identified in the record 300. The records 350-351 are shown in FIG. 3 separated by an ellipsis to indicate that there may be any number "n" of such educational point records associated with each member. Because the records 350-351 are structurally identical, they will be described representatively herein with reference to the record 350. The educational points record 350 comprises a number of fields 352, including an account number field 354 for storing the account number of the member identified in the respective field 304 of the respective record 300 as the point generating member; the contents of the field 354 are identical to contents of the corresponding field 304. The educational points record 350 further includes an account number field 356 for storing the account number of a member 1-n who is selected by the member identified in the respective field 354 for being entitled to redeem the merchandise points recorded in the respective record 350. A field 358 stores a number representing the percentage of total points generated by the member identified in the respective field 354 which the member identified in the respective field 356 is entitled to, and is used only in the calculation of points, discussed below. A field 360 is used to record educational points as they are generated and accumulated by the member identified in the respective field 354 for the member identified in the respective field 356.

The records 300, 330-331, and 350-351 and the corresponding fields 302, 332, and 352 stored in the database 206 in the computer 112 may be organized differently, and may include more or fewer records and/or fields for each member. The structure and development of databases is considered to be well-known in the art and, therefore, will not be discussed in further detail herein.

Referring to FIGURE 4, the club card 124 is exemplified as preferably containing a machine-readable code 402 representing the account number 304 of the card holder, imprinted on the card in a conventional format, such as bar code, magnetic code, or the like, which is readable by the card reader 144. The card 124 preferably also includes, imprinted in human- readable format at two fields 404 and 406 on the card, the name and account number respectively, as contained in the fields 304 and 308 of the member's record 300. Optionally, the card 124 may also include an expiration date (not shown), beyond which date the club card 124 is invalid.

FIGURE 5 shows a representative high-level state diagram 500 which depicts states through which an individual person may pass during and subsequent to becoming a member of the club 110, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. While described herein with respect to an individual member 116, the states depicted in FIG. 5 may be experienced by each of any number of members 116, such as the members 120 and 130. As shown in FIG. 5 and described in further detail below, a non-member 190 may pass through a MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502, wherein the non-member acquires membership in the club 110, an ACTIVITY state 504 in which a member 116 may engage in a number of different transactional activities, and a MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state 506 in which the member terminates membership in the club 110. As will be described in greater detail below, during the ACTIVITIES state 504, each of at least seven activities may be performed any number of times, in any sequence, and are tabulated as follows, in no particular sequence:

FIGURES 6A and 6B illustrate a representative high-level flowchart 600 of control logic utilized by the executable program 204 (FIG. 2) for implementing the state diagram 500 shown in FIG. 5, with respect to one member 116, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control logic is initiated by interrupt requests (IRQs) and conventional Internet web page technology, well-known in the art and, therefore, will not be discussed in further detail herein.

In FIGURE 6 A, execution of the program 204 is initiated in step 601 and proceeds to step 602 wherein a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state or event, then execution enters an event of the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 7. Upon completion of events constituting the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502, execution proceeds to step 608. If, in step 602, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state or event, then execution proceeds directly to step 608.

In step 608, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state or to an event therein, then execution enters the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state 508, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 8. Upon completion of events constituting the PURCHASE- MERCHANDISE state 510, execution proceeds to step 610. If, in step 608, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 610.

In step 610, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the LOAD-POINTS state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 is set to the LOAD-POINTS state or an event therein, then execution enters the LOAD-POINTS state 510, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 9. Upon completion of events constituting the LOAD-POINTS state 510, execution proceeds to step 612. If, in step 610, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the LOAD-POINTS state, then execution proceeds directly to step 612.

In step 612, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state or to an event therein, then execution enters the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state 512, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 10. Upon completion of events constituting the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state 512, execution proceeds to step 614. If, in step 612, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 614.

With reference to FIGURE 6B, in step 614, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the BONUS-EARNING-ACTTVITY state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 is set to the BONUS-EARNING-ACTTVITY state or an event therein, then execution enters the BONUS-EARNING-ACTIVTTY state 514, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 11. Upon completion of events constituting the BONUS-EARNING-ACTIVITY state 514, execution proceeds to step 616 (FIG. 6B). If, in step 614, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the BONUS-EARNING-ACTIVITY state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 616.

In step 616, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the VIEW-WEB-PAGE state. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the VIEW-WEB-PAGE state, then execution enters the VIEW-WEB-PAGE state 516, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 12. Upon completion of events constituting the VIEW- WEB-PAGE state 516, execution proceeds to step 618. If, in step 616, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the VIEW-WEB-PAGE state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 618. In step 618, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the RETURN-MERCHANDISE state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the RETURN-MERCHANDISE state, then execution enters the RETURN- MERCHANDISE state 518, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 13. Upon completion of events constituting the RETURN-MERCHANDISE state 518, execution proceeds to step 620. If, in step 618, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the RETURN- MERCHANDISE state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 620.

In step 620, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the REDEEM-EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the REDEEM-EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state, then execution enters the REDEEM- EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state 520, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 14. Upon completion of events constituting the REDEEM-EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state 520, execution proceeds to step 622. If, in step 620, it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the REDEEM-EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state, then execution proceeds directly to step 622.

In step 622, a determination is made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state, then execution enters the MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state 506, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 15. Upon completion of events constituting the MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state 506, execution of the flow chart 600 for a respective member 116 terminates. If, in step 622, it is determined that the register 208 is not set to the MEMBERSHIP -TERMINATION state, then execution returns to step 602.

FIGURES 7-12 and 14 depict preferred messaging and event sequences between entities according to principles of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that in alternative embodiments, the sequencing of events may differ. It should also be noted that in FIGURES 7- 12 and 14, events occur chronologically from the top of the diagram to the bottom of the diagram. It should still further be noted that references in FIGURES 7-12 and 14 to the entities 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 include the respective computers 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, and 182, and that events which transpire between such computers occur through the network 102.

FIGURE 7 is an event sequence diagram depicting preferred events that transpire during the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502 (FIG. 5), in which a non-member 190 joins and becomes a member 116 of the club 110. For the sake of illustration, the non-member 190 will be represented by the person 120 as a non-member prior to becoming the member 120. In the event 702, the person 120 as a non-member may join the club 110 preferably by locating, via the non- member's computer 122, the network 102, and the club computer 112, the web page of the club 110 and requesting an electronic application form, including self-explanatory instructions and prompts. Web pages and their operation on the Internet are considered to be well-known and will, therefore, not be described in detail herein. During the event 704, the state register 208 (FIG. 2) of the computer 112 is set to the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502, and the application form is sent to the person 120, as a non-member, via the web page through the network 102 and the computer 122. The application form preferably requires, as a minimum, that the person 120, as a non-member, provide data to be stored in each of the fields 304-322, as described above with respect to FIG. 3. In the event 706, the person 120, as a non-member, completes the application form by following the self-explanatory instructions and prompts on the web page, and returns the application form, via the computer 122 and the network 102, to the computer 112 of the club 110. As indicated by event 708 in dash line format, if the person 120 is a minor, the club 110 sends notification to the parent(s)/guardian listed in the field 322 of the record 300 of the person 120, notifying the parent/guardian that their son/daughter has requested membership in the club 110. As indicated by event 710, the club 110 then establishes an education account (or, alternatively, a trust account) at the holding bank 170 in the name of the member. In step 712, a club card 124 is sent to the person 120, as a member, and the state register 208 (FIG. 2) of the computer 112 exits from the MEMBER-REGISTRATION state 502. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the person 120 may obtain, complete, and return an application to join the club 110 and obtain a club card 124 via a kiosk located, for example, at a shopping mall, by physically appearing at the club 110, by conventional postal mail, by telephone, or the like, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

During the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state 508 (FIG. 5), the member 116 purchases merchandise (not shown) from the merchant 140, without using points (discussed below), in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, during an event 802, a member 116 appears either in person at a merchant 140 place of business or on- line at the merchant 140 web page, selects merchandise, and pays for the merchandise with cash, check, or credit card, and the amount of the purchase is entered into the merchant computer 142. During an event 804, the member 116 gives his/her club member account number stored in the fields 304, 402, and 406 to the merchant 140. If the member is present at the merchant's place of business, then the event 804 may be performed, for example, by either the member 116 or the merchant 140 swiping the member's club card 124 through the card reader 144 in a conventional manner so that the card reader 144 reads the account number 402 (FIG. 4) embedded onto the card 124. Alternatively, the account number on the card 124 may be manually entered by the member 116 or merchant 140 into the computer 142. In still a further alternative, if the member 130 is on-line at the merchant's web page, then the event 804 may be performed, for example, by the member entering his/her account number 406, printed on the card 124, via the web page to the merchant 140. Upon receipt of the member's account number, the card reader 144 enters the account number into the computer 142.

During or subsequent to an event 806, the merchant computer 142 sends the read account number, as well as the amount of the purchase made in the event 802, through the computer 142 and the network 102 to the club computer 112 of the club 110. Upon receipt of the account number and the amount of the purchase made in the event 802, the state register 208 (FIG. 2) of the computer 112 is set to the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state 508. The club computer 112 is configured to then calculate, during an event 808, a number of educational and merchant ("E/M") "points" to be credited to the member 116, preferably as a percentage, such as 4% and 3%, respectively, of the amount paid to purchase the merchandise from the merchant 140. The club computer 112 stores in the respective fields 342 and 360 of appropriate records 330, 331, 350, and/or 351 in the database 206 the calculated merchandise and educational points credited to the respective member 116.

In an alternate embodiment, the CCI bank 160 may operate as a processing agency to calculate and track the merchandise points, and the club 110 may calculate and track only educational points. Still further, the step 806 may be performed in either real time or in batch mode wherein purchase data is accumulated and transfeπed by the merchant to the club 110 and/or CCI bank 160 only at predetermined times, such as once a day, or once a week.

During an event 810, the club computer 112 determines the amount of money that corresponds to the number of educational points calculated during the event 808. The value of each point is determined by agreement between the club 110 and the respective merchant 140; each point may, for example, represent one dollar. The club computer 112 then generates an invoice for the determined amount of money, and sends the invoice via the network 102 to the merchant computer 142. In response to receipt of the invoice, the merchant computer 142 directs the merchant bank computer 152, during an event 812, to transfer the invoiced amount of money to the holding bank 170. During an event 814, the merchant bank 150 transfers the invoiced amount of money to the holding bank 170, which then retains the money in a trust account set up for the member 120 that made the purchase during the event 802. The transfer of money may be implemented in a manner well-known in the art, such as, for example, via wire, courier, registered mail, or the like. The state register 208 (FIG. 2) of the club computer 112 then exits from the PURCHASE-MERCHANDISE state 508.

FIGURE 9 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire during the LOAD-POINTS state 510 when a member purchases points to apply to a member account in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In event 902, the second member 130 enters a request to the club 110 to permit him to load points to a selected account 336, namely the first member 120 for the sake of illustration herein. In event 904, the second member 130 gives the account number of his credit card 134 to the club 110, along with authorization to charge to the credit card 134 the amount of money required to load the desired number of points to an account for the first member 120. In event 906, the club 110 passes the charge for the points to the CCI bank 160. In event 908, the bank 160 preferably transfers the money to the club 110 and, in event 910, the club transfers the points to the account of the first member 120. In event 912, the club 110 transfers the money received in event 908 to the merchant bank 150 and to the holding bank 170 as specified by the second member 130. Alternatively, events 908, 912, and 914 may be performed by the CCI bank transferring money directly to the merchant 140, the merchant bank 150, and/or the holding bank 170, thereby bypassing the club 110.

FIGURE 10 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire during the REDEEM-MERCHANDISE-POINTS state 512 when a member redeems merchandise points, i.e., purchases a product with points, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In event 1002, a member 116, such as the first member 120, provides his/her club membership account number to a merchant 140. Event 1002 may be performed either on-line or in person. In event 1004, a record of the points redeemed are forwarded to the club 110, and in event 1006, the club 110 debits the first member's account with the number of points redeemed.

FIGURE 11 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire during the BONUS-EARNING-ACTIVITY state 514 when a member performs activities by which he earns merchandise points in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In event 1102, in exchange for a predetermined amount of points, a member 116 performs activities such as, for example, acquiring a predetermined number of points within a predetermined period of time, or by telling another person about the club 110, which person as a result then joins the club. A non-member 190 may also earn points by registering to be a member, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 7. In event 1104, the member 116 identifies a merchant 140 to whom the member would desire the points be applied. In event 1106, the club credits the account of the member 116 with the predetermined amount of points. Optionally, the club 110 may also credit the member 116 with educational points. In event 1108, the club transfers money corresponding to the credited merchandise points preferably to the merchant 140, or alternatively to the merchant bank 150. In event 1110, the club optionally transfers money corresponding to the credited educational points to the holding bank 170. FIGURE 12 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which may transpire during the VIEW- WEB-PAGE state 516 when a member 116 views a club web page. In event 1202, the member 116 goes to the club web page, which includes non-proprietary information such as information about the club and membership registration, club rules and regulations, and a list of participating merchants in a particular area based on, for example, zip codes, area codes, or the like. In event 1202, the member 116 goes to the club web page, and in event 1204, the member 116 enters his/her club member account number and PIN to access confidential information relating to his/her own account, and to transfer points between accounts. In event 1206, the member 116 requests information, such as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, including points accumulated and redeemed at participating merchants 140, that is made available on the web page, in any of a number of different well-known manners. In event 1208, the information requested in event 1206 is provided. In event 1210, the member may load points to accounts, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 9. In event 1212, the member may transfer points between accounts, as depicted in FIG. 3.

Optionally, the merchants 140 may also advertise at the web site, and may tailor ads to a specific market or sub-market segments, and to specific customer bases. The club 110 may also include on the web page "events of life" relevant to a member, such as a member's birthday, or graduation from high school, and the like.

FIGURE 13 is a flow chart which depicts control logic utilized during the RETURN- MERCHANDISE state 518 when a merchandise (not shown) purchased in accordance with the present invention is returned by a member to a merchant. In step 1302, the merchandise to be returned is presented by a member 116 to the merchant 140. In step 1304, the merchant 140 determines whether a receipt has been provided with the merchandise. If no receipt is provided, then execution proceeds to step 1306 wherein the merchant gives the member 116 store credit. Execution then terminates at step 1320.

If, in step 1304, the merchant 140 determines that there is a valid receipt provided with the returned merchandise, then execution proceeds to step 1308 wherein the merchant 140 determines whether educational and/or merchandise points were credited to the member 116 for making the purchase. If the merchant 140 determines that educational and/or merchandise points were credited to the member 116 for making the purchase, then in step 1310, the merchandise points and educational points given for the purchase are reduced by the amount they had previously been increased by the purchase. In step 1312, the refund money used to make the purchase is refunded. Execution then terminates at step 1320.

If in step 1308, the merchant 140 determines that educational and/or merchandise points were not credited to the member 116 for making the purchase, then execution proceeds to step 1314 wherein the merchant 140 determines whether the purchase was made by redeeming merchandise points, discussed above with respect to FIG. 10. If the merchant determines that purchase was made by redeeming merchandise points, then the merchandise points used to make the purchase are returned such that the member's account of points is increased. Execution then terminates at step 1320. If in step 1314 the merchant 140 determines that the purchase was not made by redeeming merchandise points, then the merchant 140 proceeds according to normal store policy to provide the member 116 with a refund or store credit. Execution then terminates at step 1320. FIGURE 14 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire during the REDEEM-EDUCATIONAL-POINTS state 520 when a member redeems educational points. In event 1402, a member 116, preferably a minor member (e.g., under the age of eighteen), requests, preferably on-line via the club web page, that the club 110 initiate the transfer of money equivalent to either all or a portion of the educational points credited to the member's account. Included in the request is the name of the educational institution to which the member 116 desires that the money be transferred. The club 110 may optionally make a determination whether the desired educational institution qualifies for the educational points. Assuming that the educational institution qualifies for the educational points, in event 1404, the club 110 delivers a request to the holding bank 170 requesting that the holding bank transfer appropriate monetary funds from the member's trust account to the indicated educational institution. In event 1406, the holding bank transfers the requested funds from the member's trust account to the educational institution. The transfer in event 1406 may be performed by any conventional methods, such as by wire via the network 102, postal mail service, or the like. In event 1408 the educational points of the member are debited by the amount transferred to the educational institution. If the member 116 is a minor, then in event 1410, the club 110 sends notification to the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of the member 116.

FIGURE 15 is an event sequence diagram which depicts events which transpire during the MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state 506 when a member 116 terminates his/her membership in the club 110. In event 1502, a member 116 enters the club web page and, in event 1504, the member enters his/her account number and PIN. In event 1506, the member 116 requests termination of his/her membership in the club. In response, the club, in event 1508, issues to the member 116 a notification of outstanding points which have not been redeemed and informs the member of options available to him/her to redeem the points after membership termination, including the option of transferring unredeemed points to other members. In event 1510, the club sends confirmation to the member that his/her membership has been terminated. The club may optionally also send via postal mail service notice that membership has been terminated. In addition to the foregoing discussion and description, additional aspects of a preferred embodiment of the present invention are further described and disclosed below.

A TECHNICAL OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS PROCESSES (FIGS. 25A AND 25B)

Introduction The purpose of this portion of the description of the patent application is to supplement the business process diagrams attached herein and to provide a more detailed description of the business as defined by the business requirements. The business process flows highlight the major business processes based on the fundamental assumption that a Credit Card Issuer (CCI) will preferably participate in the processing of points. The processes, detailed below, preferably include:

1. Registration Enrollment (FIGS. 16A, 16B, 26A, and 26B)

2. Point Accumulation (FIGS. 17A, 17B, 27A, and 27B)

3. Point Redemption (FIGS. 18A-19, 28A, 28B, 32A, and 32B)

4. Reverse Point Accumulation (FIGS. 20, 29A, and 29B) 5. Specialty Program - KidsWallet (FIGS. 21 , 30A, and 30B)

6. Specialty Program - ReportCard (FIGS. 22, 31 A, and 31 B)

7. Point Transfers and Management (FIGS. 23, 24, 33A, and 33B)

Registration / Enrollment

With reference to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 26A, and 26B, the initial launch of the Club program targets several audiences as outlined in the Section 6 "Market Analysis". The "Marketing

Strategy" section of the business plan (Section 4) describes two main vehicles for attracting new members. The first vehicle is the direct mail campaign, which markets the program through the use of statement sniffers to the existing CCI cardholder base. For the estimated cardholder base of 29 million households, the program is easy and convenient to join. Cardholders will preferably simply sign up via the Club web site or call the CCI customer service number.

Potential members will preferably be asked to supply the information outlined in the Source

Analysis document (such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and the like).

Upon providing their CCI credit card number and all other required information, membership dues of $20 will preferably be charged to their card. For members that sign-up via the Club web site, a file of new members will preferably be batched nightly to the CCI so that the CCI card can be activated to participate in the Club program the next day. From that point forward, purchases made on the CCI card will preferably automatically receive merchandise and education credits from participating retailers, with no additional steps required from the member or retailer.

A nightly file will preferably also be sent to Club from the CCI, listing all new members regardless of the method of enrollment (web site or customer service number) along with their unique Club membership ID number. This file will preferably be uploaded on a nightly basis in order to activate the member's requested PIN number and enable members to log on to the web site the next day.

Upon enrollment, a primary cardholder will preferably be specified (the individual who holds the account for the CCI credit card). Additional members in the household can be registered as "secondary" Club members. The Company intends that the children within each household will preferably be listed as secondary members. Secondary members will preferably be linked to the parent's primary account for the purposes of control and safeguarding the secondary cardholders' accounts. The primary member will preferably retain complete control over all accounts, including the transfer of point into and out of both the primary and the secondary cardholders' accounts, restricting web site access, and retain the ability to view all account information. Secondary members will preferably not be able to transfer points without the authorization of the primary member (PIN).

The annual membership dues of $20 will preferably cover one primary cardholder and up to 4 secondary cardholders. For each secondary cardholder over the first four, an additional $5 per secondary cardholder will preferably be charged. The system will preferably be set up to accommodate up to 14 secondary cardholders. Each cardholder will preferably receive a redemption card with a unique Club membership ID and PIN.

A stealth envelop (with no reference to Club on the exterior) will preferably be sent to the primary cardholder via mail, confirming that the parent is aware that they have joined the Club program and that membership dues have been charged to their CCI credit card. The primary cardholder will preferably have up to six months to cancel the membership and receive a full refund. At that time, all points earned to date would preferably be forfeited - the retailers would preferably be notified of the amount of merchandise points forfeited and the education points would preferably be transferred to the general pool to be distributed in the form of annual scholarships. Approximately three days after the stealth envelop is received, members will preferably receive a welcome kit containing the Club redemption cards for each primary and secondary cardholder within the household along with a comprehensive listing of program information.

The secondary vehicle to attract Club members will preferably include both a national radio campaign and online advertising campaign, marketing the benefits of membership to CCI and non-CCI cardholders alike. For a non-CCI cardholder to join the Club program, they will preferably be required to apply for a CCI credit or debit card as required for point accumulation. The individual that receives the CCI credit/debit card will preferably become the primary cardholder. Secondary cardholders are not required to own a credit/debit card. The radio campaign will preferably point prospective members to the web site for enrollment information. Once the member applies and is approved for a CCI credit/debit card, the process as defined for an existing CCI member will preferably remain in place.

Membership will preferably be renewed annually and will preferably be charged to the credit card on file. Should a member elect not to renew, they will preferably be given a 30-day grace period while the card remains active with both point accumulation and redemption capabilities. An e-mail reminder will preferably be sent to the participant, notifying them of the pending expiration. After the 30-day grace period, the account will be placed in an "inactive" status. Preferably, no point accumulation or redemption activities will be permitted, as the account will preferably be frozen. Should the member elect to renew during the three month period, the program features will preferably become immediately available to the member and points will preferably be reinstated. Once the three month window has past, members can re-join the Club program but they will preferably have to join at the current membership dues and prior points will preferably have been forfeited.

Phase II will preferably offer Club members the opportunity to accumulate points for all purchases, regardless of the form of payment tendered. Members will preferably no longer be required to use a credit/debit card issued by the participating CCI. One card will preferably be issued to all members, primary and secondary, which will preferably be tendered at the time of purchase for point accumulation and tendered at the time of purchase in order to redeem points, acting as a stored value card.

Point Accumulation With reference to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 27A, and 27B, purchases made at participating retailers will preferably result in the accumulation of merchandise and education points. When a Club member makes a purchase at a participating retailer with the CCI credit card, the total purchase amount will preferably be sent to the CCI for authorization. As part of the backend processing, the CCI will preferably verify whether the card participates in the Club program. If the account has been flagged as participating in the program, the transaction amount will preferably be written to a separate CCI database along with the earned merchandise and education credits. The merchandise and education credits will preferably be calculated based on the retailer specific percentage contributions. Nightly, the CCI will preferably send a batch file of the day's activity to Club, including the member ID, total purchase amount, merchandise credits earned, retailer, etc (for a complete listing, please refer to an Exhibit C entitled "High Level Data Source Analysis document"). Each purchase transaction will preferably be recorded as a unique record in the file. Club will preferably load the file nightly and make the information available for members to view the next day via the web.

The file will preferably be received and loaded every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday. Club will preferably audit each file to confirm that the calculated merchandise and education credits agree with the expected amounts. Daily exception reports will preferably be generated to ensure the accuracy of the information received from the CCI. Merchandise credits will preferably not involve any monetary exchange. The credits will preferably be available as "stored value" on the Club redemption cards and will preferably be current through the previous day's purchases.

Education credits, on the other hand, will preferably be a monetary transaction. The CCI will preferably withhold the appropriate amount of funds for each retailer based on the education contributions for the day. Thus, the reimbursement from the CCI to each the retailer will preferably not be 100% of the total purchase amounts authorized but a fraction based on the retailer's contribution to the Club program. For example, a drug store processes 100 purchase transactions where the form of payment tendered was a CCI credit card and the total amount authorized for the 100 purchases is $2,000. Assuming the drug store's standard education contribution is 5%, the CCI would preferably withhold $100 and remit $1,900 to the drug store as the amount due. The CCI will preferably then wire the withheld funds to Club nightly, along with a reconciliation report.

Club will preferably review the reconciliation report from the CCI and pending approval, will preferably forward the funds to the Investment Management Firm on a daily basis. Reconciliation reports will preferably be provided to each of the retailers on a daily basis as well. At this point in time, Club does not anticipate collecting information at the SKU level. Purchase information will preferably be collected in aggregate form as the total purchase price per transaction that is transmitted to the CCI for approval.

In Phase II, members will preferably be able to accumulate education and merchandise points for all their purchase transactions at participating retailers, regardless of the form of payment (cash, check, credit card). To accomplish this, each retailer will preferably house a Club database (retailer specific member information) at their corporate office. When a member presents a Club loyalty card (accumulation and redemption), the card is preferably swiped at the POS terminal and the transaction is preferably sent to the Club database to confirm that the account is valid and to record the purchase amount. At this point, Club may elect to change their business requirements and collect SKU level information from the POS terminal. Each night, the retailer would preferably transmit a batch file of the day's activity to Club. Club will preferably review the file and update the master database (all retailers) with point accumulation transactions. Club will preferably then send an updated file back outlining the merchandise balance by member for that particular retailer (due to any point transfers or Kids Wallet transactions).

Point Redemption

Merchandise Points

With reference to FIGS. 18 A, 18B, 28 A, and 28B, merchandise points are tied to specific merchants in amounts proportional to the member's spending at that particular merchant. Points earned will preferably be posted overnight and available for redemption the next day. No additional functionality or enhancements will preferably be required at the merchant's point of sale system at this time. Merchandise credits will preferably be redeemed using the Club redemption card. The redemption card will preferably be presented by the member at the time of purchase as the form of payment tendered for the transaction. The retailer will preferably send the total purchase transaction amount to the CCI for authorization. The CCI will preferably confirm if the member has the necessary points available. If the balance is sufficient to cover the amount requested, the CCI will preferably record the transaction, reduce the merchandise credit balance appropriately and send the authorization to the retailer. Should the member not have enough merchandise points in their account, the CCI will preferably reject the request and send the available balance to the retailer. The retailer would preferably then send a second request for the amount available in the member's account and require the member to tender the remaining amount with an alternate form of payment. The CCI will preferably record the transaction, reduce the merchandise credit balance appropriately and send an authorization to the retailer. If the member elects to pay for the additional amount with their CCI credit card, they can earn additional merchandise and education points on the incremental amount. The redemption transactions will preferably be sent to Club on the nightly batch file. All merchandise point redemptions will preferably be approved by the CCI in order to prevent fraudulent activity - where points are redeemed multiple times as the balances are not updated in a real time environment within the Club database. This rule (all redemptions will preferably be authorized by the CCI and the merchandise balance will preferably be immediately reduced in the CCI database to reflect the remaining balance) ensures that no duplicate point redemption transactions will preferably occur. Education Points

With reference to FIGS. 19, 32A, and 32B, in addition to the redemption process established for merchandise points, a second distinct redemption process exists for education points. The education points will preferably only be released to qualified education institutions upon request of the member. Members can request a check to the accredited institution of choice via the web site or customer service number. Upon entry of the request, the member's education balance will preferably be reduced by the amount requested. Members will preferably have the opportunity to cancel the request on the same day as entered (before the request is transmitted to the Investment Management Firm). Once the request has been communicated to the investment management firm, the check request can not be cancelled. Members will preferably have to work directly with the school for the return of their funds. The member's PIN number will preferably be required for the withdrawal of funds. Club will preferably batch the request to the investment management firm on a nightly basis. The Investment management firm will preferably cut and mail the check within 3 business days and write the transaction to a file that is transmitted to Club on a weekly basis. The file will preferably contain information regarding the check: check number, date mailed, school code, member ID, etc. Club will preferably upload this file when received and update the member's account. A letter will preferably be sent to the parent's to inform them of the education contribution earned by participating in the Club program. Reverse Point Accumulation

With reference to FIGS. 20, 29A, and 29B, when a member returns an item with a receipt, the retailer will preferably process the return as usual. The retailer will preferably enter the original transaction number, items returned, purchase date and enter the amount to be credited to the member's CCI card. The CCI will preferably authorize the return and write the return transaction to the Club database. The CCI will preferably reverse the merchandise and education points based on the standard contribution percentage. The return information will preferably be sent to Club in the nightly file from the CCI and Club will preferably update the member's account balances based on the information transmitted by the CCI. A second step in this process is that the retailers will preferably provide the CCI, on a weekly basis, a file of returns by Club members and the return information that was captured. The CCI will preferably use this information to determine the original transaction that resulted in the point accumulation. This step is preferably required to ensure that members are not taking advantage of special promotions where they receive double or triple education or merchandise credits and then return the item and only had the standard percentage of points deducted from their account. The CCI will preferably review the original transaction and confirm that no special promotions were in place at the time of purchase. If no special promotion was in place at the time of purchase, no action is required. If a promotion was in place at the time of the original purchase, the CCI will preferably record the promotion code and apply the same formula to the returned amount in order to reverse the appropriate number of points. The CCI will preferably only reduce the account by the incremental number of points earned as the standard percentage was deducted at the time of the return. If any changes resulted from this audit step, the transaction will preferably be included in the nightly batch file transmitted to Club. In the event that there is any reduction to the number of education points, Club will preferably transmit the number of education points to be deducted to the investment management firm via the nightly file.

In the event that there are not enough points in the education or merchandise balance to cover the appropriate point reversal, the account will preferably go into "deficit" status and have a negative balance. An e-mail will preferably be sent to the primary member in order to inform them of their account status. If the account still has a negative balance after one week, the account status will preferably be upgraded to a "code red" status. This status prevents all cardholders (primary and secondary) from redeeming points. Cardholders are able to accumulate points and transfer points into the account but are not able to move any points out of the account through point redemptions or transfers out of the account - until such time as they correct the negative balance. This correction can be accomplished by purchasing items at the specific retailer to earn enough additional points to move the account back to active status or using the Kids Wallet program to add merchandise points to the account.

If the member returns an item without a receipt, a store credit will preferably be issued. It will preferably be up to the retailer to define the policy and procedures surrounding merchandise and education credits in this event. Club recommends that merchants do not accept a Club card with the redemption of a store credit. Since the merchant does not know that the Club card was presented with the first purchase (as no receipt was presented), the merchandise and education credits that may have already been earned have not been reduced. Thus, by allowing participants to present and receive Club credits, they will in effect be receiving duplicate credits. However, this is a procedural issue that will preferably be at the discretion of each individual retailer. In Phase II, the retailer will preferably track each member's Club merchandise and education balance as it relates specifically to their contributions. As such, the retailer will preferably be able to identify the original transaction and record the appropriate number of points to remove from the education and merchandise balance. The retailer will preferably communicate the point reversal to Club on a nightly basis.

Specialty Programs - KidsWallet

With reference to FIGS. 21, 30A, and 30B, the KidsWallet Program enables both Club members and non-members alike to add points to a member's Club redemption card. Using the "stored value" feature of the card, the benefactor (individual adding points to an account) will preferably access the KidsWallet Program either over the web site or the customer service number. If the benefactor is a member, then he will preferably enter his member ID, PIN and whether he elects to use the credit card number on file or a different credit card. The next step is for the benefactor to identify the member to receive the points, either by entering the member ID (if known) or by querying the member via the recipient's name and telephone number. If the query method is used to locate the receiving member, the member ID will preferably not be displayed once the correct member is identified for security purposes (it will preferably appear as stars). The final step is for the benefactor to enter the specifics of the debit: point type (education or merchandise), specific retailer, number of points, text message. When all of the information has been entered the benefactor will preferably submit the transaction and the points will preferably be added to the receiving member's account and available for use the next day. The information will preferably be included on the nightly batch file to the CCI.

If the benefactor is not a Club member, the process will preferably be the same as outlined above with the exception of the first step. Instead of entering the Club membership ID and PIN, the benefactor will preferably enter personal information regarding name, address, credit card type, credit card number, credit card expiration. For a detailed listing of information required, please reference the source analysis. The benefactor will preferably then complete the next two steps of identifying the recipient and debit specifics. The KidsWallet program preferably requires that in the event of giving merchandise points, the benefactor must identify a specific retailer at the time the transaction is entered. Generic points can not be gifted to the member, allowing the recipient to designate the retailer of choice.

In Phase II, the transaction information will preferably be batched to the specific retailers affected by the KidsWallet transaction, rather than to the CCI.

Specialty Programs - ReportCard

With reference to FIGS. 22, 31 A, and 3 IB, the ReportCard program is a goal setting initiative designed to encourage on-going interaction between parents and children. The ReportCard program will preferably be available on the Club web site. Access to the ReportCard will preferably require the member's ID and PIN. The primary cardholder will preferably be responsible for setting up the ReportCard. He will preferably enter the tasks to be tracked (classes, chores, special projects) and associated progress tracking unit (grade, yes/no, percent complete). Along with each task, he will preferably assign the expected completion date and the reward linked to the successful completion of a task (point type, retailer, number of points). Upon entry of the number of points to be rewarded, the system will preferably validate that there are sufficient points in the primary cardholder's account should the goal be met. If there are not sufficient points available for transfer, the system will preferably not accept the entry of the task and require the primary cardholder to revisit the reward promised.

The secondary member will preferably update the ReportCard periodically to enter the progress on specific tasks. If the one of the goals is to achieve a "B" on the next math test, when the secondary cardholder has received back the test from the teacher, he will preferably go online and enter the grade received. The primary member will preferably be responsible for authorizing the point transfer upon successful completion of a goal. In the example cited above, the parent will preferably log on and review online the grade received, perhaps even review the returned test with the child to confirm the grade entered and then authorize the transfer of points as the goal was met. If the primary cardholder no longer has the available balance to transfer the points designated upon the successful completion of a task, the primary cardholder will preferably have the option to change the reward (point type or retailer) or be transferred to the KidsWallet program to purchase the necessary points.

Point Transfers and Management With reference to FIGS. 23, 24, 33A, and 33B, Club members will preferably have the opportunity to transfer both education and merchandise points to other members, both primary and secondary. Primary members will preferably be responsible for all point transfers into and out of all related accounts, primary and secondary. Secondary cardholders will preferably not have the authorization to transfer points from their accounts - this will preferably be done by the primary member. Point transfers can be set up to occur automatically, at the time the points are accumulated. In order to establish an automatic transfer of points, members will preferably designate the point type, retailer, percentage, recipient and effective date. Once these parameters have been defined, points will preferably automatically be transferred to the recipient as they are earned and will preferably be available for redemption the following day. Thus, if a parent has three children, education points may be distributed among the children in an equal percentage (33%). The secondary members will preferably be able to see their education account grow as parents spend within the network. Grandparents can designate that the education points be distributed among their grandchildren in user defined percentages that can be changed at any time. The system will preferably validate that the percentages entered do not exceed 100%. Members can also designate one time point transfers, defined as a specific amount.

Primary members may transfer 20 points to an apparel store for their child's birthday. The primary member would preferably enter the recipient, the point type, retailer, amount and effective date, along with any message. The points will preferably be available for redemption the day after the effective date. The system will preferably validate the points requested for transfer are available in the benefactor's account. Should the balance be insufficient, the system will not accept the entry. THE CLUB, AN INTERNET-BASED LOYALTY PROGRAM

HIGH-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENTATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The mission of Club is to facilitate an ethical, nationwide loyalty program for families and children, providing financial resources for higher education while simultaneously offering cumulative merchandise discounts, thereby encouraging loyalty between consumers and retailers.

The business requirements for Club originate from two main sources: 1. Administration of the Club loyalty program > Enrollment/Registration

> Point Accumulation

> Point Redemption

> Point Transfers

> Account Management 2. Development of Specialty Programs that enhance the value of Club membership

> KidsWallet

> ReportCard

The primary purpose of the loyalty program management system ("LPMS") is to design and build a system that can support the functions related to managing and administering the loyalty program as defined in the business model and process document. The major components of the system are: Administration and management of merchandise and education credits Internal reporting of the loyalty program for the purpose of reconciliation and program audits > Sophisticated trend analysis and reporting capabilities

> External reporting requirements to participants via the web site

> Interfaces between the LPMS and (1) the web application; (2) the CCI or retailer; (3) the investment management firm (e.g., holding bank)

The following requirements were gathered through meetings with Club Board of Directors.

The High Level Business Requirements are listed below:

The detailed business requirements are divided in the following categories: (1) Account relationship parameters; (2) Account verification and login; (3) Web site requirements; (4) Merchandise and education credit reporting; (5) Exception notification; (6) Enrollment and renewal; (7) Reporting Parameters; (8) Point accumulation requirements; (9) Point redemption requirements; ( 10) Product returns - point reduction; (11) KidsWallet; ( 12) ReportCard. Product or System Perspective LPMS is a client/server application that consists of one or more client modules that interface to a central database. This system will preferably have a web front end that will preferably be used by members to access account information and administer their points. The system will preferably be initially implemented to handle over 5 million members.

An administrative front end will preferably be designed for Club management and corporate personnel, as well as, customer service representatives. Should a member call with issues or questions, the customer service representative will preferably need the ability to access the members account, review history and transact any requests. An Interactive Voice Response System ("IVR") may be purchased to accompany the system to provide members the option of automated access to account information over the phone, rather than limiting them to the Internet.

The reporting interface of this application is designed to provide Club management with "pre-defined reports" regarding membership enrollment, activity, trends and forecasts. The system will preferably also have a strong reporting tool to enable management to perform ad hoc queries on demand.

User Characteristics

The implementation of LPMS represents a very flexible, autonomous solution for managing the various facets associated with administering a loyalty program. The primary impact will preferably be to the future Club members who will be accessing the system via a web front end. They will preferably access the system to review account balances (in terms of merchandise and education credits), transfer points to other members, or use the Specialty Programs to add credits (either merchandise or education) to a members' account.

The secondary impact will preferably be to the Club management and corporate staff, who are responsible for creating and maintaining the program and its features in LPMS.

Management will preferably be trained on the robust reporting functionality for trend analysis and queries. The user training should be minimal since the majority of the reports will preferably be "pre-defined" and "canned". In addition, the use of a Graphical User Interface ("GUI") that is user-friendly with simple "point and click" features should allow the user to easily navigate through the reports.

In addition, Management will preferably design and enhance program offerings, in response to member suggestions and retailer requests, on a continual basis. The LPMS is not expected to be static but rather dynamic in nature. Modifications will preferably be made on an on-going basis. These modifications will preferably be technical in nature and be tasked to a third group of users - the IT organization. The majority of training will preferably be focused on this group of users. This group will preferably be trained on how to set up and change new and existing program offerings.

The third impact will be to customer service representatives, who will preferably access the system to respond to the questions or issues raised by members. The customer service representatives will preferably also have a significant amount of training in order to respond quickly and coπectly execute the member's request. The customer service representatives will preferably have to know the member's front end thoroughly to answer questions and the administrative front end to enter and transact on behalf of the member.

The final impact will be to non-members that access the Club web site for the KidsWallet program. These users will preferably be infrequent and have limited information about the program and its functionality. Thus, the front end will preferably be user friendly and intuitive. Pop up windows and pull down menus will preferably be used to simplify the effort required from the non-member.

Constraints

Some of the items that might limit the system design and functionality, at least during the initial rollout stages, are: > Some business requirements identify purchase and redemption information from the retailers that may not be available due to constraints from their point of sale system.

> SKU Level Information.

> PIN Preferably Required at Redemption. > Some of the business requirements may be too costly to incorporate in the system today but may be feasible in the future. > Some of the business requirements may be deemed "Phase 2" which implies that they are not a high priority and are preferably not required for the initial implementation of the present invention. The system design and full functionality (based on the gathered business requirements) is dependent on the completion of the database (set-up, population of data, testing) and the Web-enabled application, interactive voice response system ("IVR") and customer service front end by third party vendors (yet to be determined). The projected launch date for the program may not provide enough time to develop the desired functionality and features.

Assumptions and Dependencies

The following assumptions and dependencies have been identified for the LPMS applications:

LPMS is dependent on the finalization of program particulars by the Club management team.

The implementation of LPMS is dependent on the building and completion of the database by a third party to support the system. The database will preferably must be selected, purchased, designed and implemented for the program launch.

The reporting access for Club management and Customer Service representatives is dependent on the building and completion of the administrative front end by a third party to support the system. In addition, a reporting tool will preferably be selected and implemented to successfully offer management, system reporting via pre-defined reports or ad-hoc queries. Predefined reports will preferably be defined and developed.

The reporting of account information for Club members and Customer Service representatives is dependent on the building and completion of the Web-enabled application by a third party to support the system. This web-enabled application will preferably allow members to use the functionality offered by the specialty programs.

A vendor will preferably perform the development and testing, as well as, refining of the LPMS database and front-end applications prior to User Acceptance Testing. The vendor selected to develop and implement the database and front-end applications should provide the training materials and documentation to support LPMS. User Interface Standards

As LPMS is a Microsoft Windows-compatible application, it is expected that all applications within LPMS will preferably follow the Windows standards, such as screen look and feel, description of eπor messages, help functions, etc. Other user interface requirements intended to be common across LPMS include the following:

> Standard screen and report formats including headings and titles, display of information, and error messages.

> Availability of "business metadata" to support the need for definitions within the system (for example, a "window box" that appears as the user clicks on a measure called "membership volume" that defines that term as "aggregate membership including new and renewal members").

> Use of drop-down menu options with corporate defined "pick-lists" whenever possible to limit the number of "additional keyed" entries.

> Easy-to-use grouping of pre-defined reports so that the user can easily and quickly access the needed information. Complete user documentation available online.

The system will preferably be designed for three target audiences: members, customer service representatives, and internal resources. Members will preferably access the system via the Internet. Thus, all screens and application logic will preferably be designed with a web tool. Please refer to the Technology Options Document for additional information. Customer Service representatives will preferably work off some of the same screens as members, but will preferably also have additional screens available to them for account adjustments, account blocks, relationship re-definitions, etc. The internal Club personnel will preferably have an additional set of screens for additions, deletions and maintenance to the database. The objective of the system is to empower the users and limit the dependence on the IT organization, thus, a minimal amount of information will preferably be hard coded. Internal personnel will preferably have a screen available to them for every table in the database that will preferably require ongoing maintenance. Some examples are as follows:

> Retailer > Sales District Name

> Sales Region Name Family Status

> Customer Service Representative

> Comment Type

> Inquiry Action Type Member Status Type

> Credit Card Type

> Promotion Type

> Sales Type

> Transaction Type > Point Type

Security Requirements

Security requirements will preferably be addressed in the high-level security strategy document.

All Club management and employees will preferably have access to the system. The access allowed will preferably be defined by a system administrator who will preferably define security rights based on position and responsibilities. A control log will preferably be systematically kept to track all entries or transactions entered by Club personnel (userid, date, time, member name, change). This log will preferably be reviewed weekly to ensure that inappropriate behavior or fraud is not occurring. Club members will preferably be entering personal and sensitive information on the Club web site, such as credit card numbers, social security number, personal identification number ("PIN"), etc. This data will preferably be as secure as possible from hackers and espionage attempts.

All member specific information will preferably be restricted by requiring a PIN upon entry to the web site area for program administration. Once a member enters a request to transfer points, their PIN will preferably be requested a second time. This is a preventative measure, designed to protect the member that walks away from the computer while logged on to the Club program administration function within the web site (phone call, door bell, etc.). Should another individual attempt to transfer points, they will preferably be unable to since the PIN is required. High-Level Functional Requirements

At a high-level, LPMS is comprised of the following key sub-processes: > Ability to create membership enrollment and activity reports for various time periods and user defined parameters in a desktop applications with a GUI interface.

> Ability to record and track account activity for each cardholder within a household regarding both merchandise and education points. Ability to provide members an account history report that displays all increments and decrements to their point balances, including the date and retailer.

> Ability to create trend analysis and forecasting based on historical performance.

> Ability to create member hierarchies within the database and display them online to members regarding "flow of points" and defining the primary/secondary accounts.

> Ability for members to take ownership of their account administration and balance reporting by providing easy access to their information via the web site or IVR. Ability to use "stream of consciousness" thinking when analyzing data to allow for "drill-down" and "drill-up capabilities".

Data Requirements

For additional information regarding data requirements, please reference the Source Analysis document. With reference to FIG. 35, some of the data elements to be captured are:

Membership Enrollment/Distribution

1. Primary cardholders name (The primary cardholder will preferably be the head of the household who will be responsible for paying the annual membership dues.)

2. Primary cardholders address 3. Primary cardholders telephone number

4. Primary cardholders date of birth

5. Primary cardholders email address

6. Primary cardholders credit card type

7. Primary cardholders credit card number 8. Primary cardholders credit card expiration date 9. Secondary cardholders to be issued a Club (up to fourteen)

10. Secondary cardholders' ages

11. Secondary cardholders' school district

12. Top Ten Preferred Retailers to shop at 13. Referral information: member, radio advertisement, direct mail, word of mouth, television advertisement

14. Date of enrollment

15. Membership number assigned

16. PIN number request by cardholder Point Accumulation

17. Cardholder's account number

18. Date

19. Retailer

20. Store number 21. Store location

22. Type of Sale (online, in store, catalog)

23. Time of Day

24. Total Purchase Amount

25. Number of Merchandise Credits 26. Number of Education Credits

Merchandise Point Redemption

27. Cardholder's account number

28. Date

29. Retailer 30. Store number

31. Store location

32. Time of Day

33. Total Purchase Amount

34. Number of Merchandise Credits Requested 35. Number of Merchandise Credits Used

36. Remaining Balance covered by another form of payment

37. Number of Merchandise Credits Earned 38. Number of Education Credits Earned

39. SKU Level Details of Items Purchased

Point Transfer

40. Originating Cardholder's account number 41. Receiving Cardholder's account number

42. Automatic Distribution Flag

43. Percentage to Automatically Distribute for Merchandise Credits

44. Percentage to Automatically Distribute for Education Credits

45. Number of Merchandise Points to Transfer 46. Number of Education Points to Transfer

47. Date

KidsWallet

Member originates the transaction:

48. Originating Cardholder's account number 49. Receiving Cardholder's account number

50. Credit Card Type

51. Credit Card Number

52. Credit Card Expiration Date

53. Dollar Amount (by Retailer - up to four entries) 54. Retailer

55. Date

56. Message

Non-Member originates the transaction:

57. Name 58. Address

59. Telephone number

60. Credit Card Type

61. Credit Card Number

62. Credit Card Expiration Date 63. Dollar Amount (by Retailer - up to four entries) 64. Retailer 65. Date

66. Message

67. Top Ten Preferred Retailers to shop at

68. Referral information: member, radio advertisement, direct mail, word of mouth, television advertisement

69. Cardholder's Club account number

70. Membership Application Flag

Software Interface Requirements

With reference to FIG. 36, the LPMS system will preferably interface with multiple other systems.

> The LPMS system will preferably interface with multiple other systems.

> The LPMS system will preferably integrate with the reporting tool purchased for trend analysis and modeling, as well as, daily administrative reporting.

> The LPMS system may interface with retailers regarding member transactions resulting in the accumulation or redemption of points. The LPMS system will preferably interface with the accounting system to generate journal entries resulting from transactions entered via the web site (members) and administrative front end (management & customer service representatives). Membership revenues, KidsWallet transactions and other transactions resulting with an impact in financial reporting. > The LPMS system will preferably interface with the investment management firm to provide a log of the day's transactions resulting in education credit accumulation or reduction.

> The LPMS system may interface with the Credit Card Issuer's system ("CCI") to receive and record the member transactions resulting in the accumulation or redemption of points.

Interface specifications will preferably be required by the vendor retained to design and develop each of the interfaces as deemed appropriate. Club may elect to postpone the development of an interface to the accounting system and make the journal entries manual. Manual record keeping and transfer of data is possible. Installation and Support

Installation and Support activities should include the following tasks by the vendor selected:

1. Installation of hardware/software

2. Quality assurance testing of the LPMS database 3. Quality assurance testing of the Web and Administrative front ends

4. End user acceptance testing

5. Development of documentation and training materials

6. End user training sessions Key Findings Based on the Detailed Business Requirements

The following outlines the key report measures that will preferably be included in the initial implementation of the LPMS. Note that the reporting measures and the actual layout of the reports is subject to change as the technical design is still in the development stages.

Reporting Measures Actual spending by Member within the Club Network as measured in dollars.

"Goal" Targets established by Member as measured in dollars.

Actual spending by retailer (brick & mortar) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Actual spending by retailer (online) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Actual redemption by retailer (brick & mortar) - aggregate and detail by Member. Actual redemption by retailer (online) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Number of point accumulation transactions by retailer (brick & mortar) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Number of point accumulation transactions by retailer (online) - aggregate and detail by Member. Number of point redemption transactions by retailer (brick & mortar) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Number of point redemption transactions by retailer (online) - aggregate and detail by Member.

Actual number of member referrals by Member. Time Dimension

By Week-To-Date (WTD), Month-To-Date (MTD), Quarter-To-Date (QTD), year-to- date (YTD) for membership information and retailer information.

By specific date ranges allowing the user (member or Club associate) to enter a particular date range (i.e. January 1, 2001 through July 1, 2001). Geography Dimension

By country, region, state, city for membership and retailer information.

By store number, district, department for retailer information. Business Requirements

With reference to FIGS. 34A-34KK, a table is depicted which provides a list of aspects of the present invention that should preferably be in place to implement the invention. The aspects have been prioritized as (1) most preferred to initiate the invention, (2) preferred to implement the present invention, and (3) prefeπed for future enhancements of the present invention.

THE CLUB: High-Level Business Overview & Data Source Analysis

Account Administration Sources of Data

With reference to FIG. 37, there is depicted three sources of data for account administration, namely: ( 1 ) Web front end (prefeπed for launch)

(2) Administrative front end (prefeπed for launch)

(3) Interactive voice response system (IVR) (Phase 2 - Not required for Launch) Account administration covers:

(1) Membership enrollment (2) Membership maintenance (Address Changes, PIN Changes, Cancellations,

Account Blocks, Redefine Relationships, Replacement Cards)

(3) Point transfers and management

(4) Specialty programs management (KidsWallet)

(5) Private label merchandise giveaways or purchases Membership Enrollment

Data Elements to be captured by Membership Enrollment include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

System will preferably be responsible for the following:

(1) Allow only one primary cardholder per account (per $20 membership fee)

(2) Calculate the membership dues based on the date of enrollment, promotion code, number of secondary cardholders

(3) Populate date of enrollment based on today's date

(4) Assign membership ID numbers for primary and secondary membership

(5) Request either the social security number for all cardholders or the school district number or the name & address of the school of choice for the purpose of education points accumulation. If all fields are left blank - education points will preferably go into general education fund

(6) If cardholder's do not request a PIN, one will preferably be automatically assigned

(7) Validate all fields

Membership Maintenance

Data Elements to be captured by Membership Maintenance Activities include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics ~ System Generated Field

System will preferably be responsible for the following:

(1) Track previous addresses and effective date for reporting purposes

(2) PIN changes will preferably be effective immediately

(3) Cancellations will preferably be effective immediately and all points will preferably be forfeited. If within 6 months of enrollment, primary member will preferably receive a full refund

(4) Cancellation will preferably cancel primary and secondary cardholders

(5) Account blocks & relationship redefinitions will preferably have to be called into the Customer Service Number. Point Transfers and Management

Data Elements to be captured by Point Transfers & Management Activities include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

System will preferably be responsible for the following:

(1) Default cuπent date in effective date field

(2) When a primary cardholder's account is accessed to automatically display all secondary cardholders as well

(3) System will preferably automatically default an equal distribution among all secondary cardholders if member flags account for automatic distribution upon point accumulation (4) Cardholders that wish to transfer their points to other members will preferably look up members by the primary cardholders name and phone number or membership ID

(5) Points can be distributed as a flat amount on a one time basis (gift of 10 Target credits for Birthday if available in member's Target account)

(6) Points can be distributed on a percentage basis to members by point type and retailer

Specialty Programs (KidsWallet)

Data Elements to be captured by KidsWallet include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

Specialty Programs (ReportCard)

Data Elements to be captured by ReportCard include:

If the primary cardholder does not have the available balance to transfer upon the successful completion of a task, the primary cardholder will preferably have the option to change the designated reward or be transfeπed to the KidsWallet program to purchase the necessary points

Private Label Merchandise Purchases & Promotions

Data Elements to be captured by Private Label Promotions include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

System will preferably be responsible for the following:

(1) Track all items purchased by primary cardholder and secondary cardholder levels

(2) Track all items received by primary cardholder and secondary cardholder regardless if gift or promotion (reason why the search tool was added if the recipient was a Club member)

(3) Giveaway Promotions will preferably be determined by marketing and entered into the system.

(4) Online catalog will preferably be available for members to select from(by double clicking on the item of choice)

Point Accumulation & Redemption Sources of Data (FIG. 38)

Point Accumulation Data Elements to be captured by the retailers or CCI when points are accumulated include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

The Interface will preferably provide the following information:

(1) Record the cardholder's membership ID (primary or secondary)

(2) Track date and time of purchase in order to do trend analysis and reporting

(3) Record geographic related information to determine successful areas within the US

(4) If the retailer permits or so desires, track store number

(5) Promotion code is requested in the event the retailer offers merchandise or education credits above the standard percentage. The promotion code is required for reconciliation purposes

(6) The type of sale and form of payment may be required as deemed appropriate by business requirements (if First solution is selected, form of payment is acceptable field - would preferably not be required for Second Solution).

(7) Validate all fields and upload file nightly to the operations database

Point Redemption

Data Elements to be captured by the retailers or CCI when points are accumulated include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

The Interface will preferably provide the following information:

(1) Record the cardholder's membership ID (primary or secondary)

(2) Track date and time of purchase in order to do trend analysis and reporting

(4) If the retailer permits or so desires, track store number.

(6) The type of sale and form of payment may be required as deemed appropriate by business requirements (if First solution is selected, form of payment is acceptable field ~ would preferably not be required for Second Solution).

(7) Validate all fields and upload file nightly to the operations database Reverse Point Accumulation

Data Elements to be captured by the retailers or CCI when items are returned and points are reversed include:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field Italics - System Generated Field

The Interface will preferably provide the following information:

(1) Record the cardholder's membership ID (primary or secondary)

(2) Track date and time of return in order to do trend analysis and reporting

(4) If the retailer permits or so desires, track store number

(7) Validate all fields and upload file nightly to the operations database

Reporting Requirements (FIG. 39)

Below are some of the reporting parameters that may be used to drive trending analysis, program successfulness, promotion effectiveness, etc.

Other Interfaces (FIG. 40)

Investment Management Firm

Data Elements to be passed on the file from LPMS to the Investment Management Firm nightly:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field

The Interface will preferably provide the following information: (1 ) Record the cardholder's membership ID (primary or secondary) (2) Pass the previous day's balance, point accumulation by retailer, check requests, transfers in and out by member, resulting balance (3) Record total amount due by retailer as the sum of the point accumulation by retailer by day

Accounting System Data Elements to be passed on the file from LPMS to the Accounting System:

Legend

Bold - Prefeπed Field

The Interface will preferably provide the following information:

(1) All revenue generating transactions: membership, renewal, additional cards, merchandise...

(2) Offsetting entry will preferably be to the account receivable - credit card due amount

(3) Membership information may be kept at the aggregate level for financial accounting information (4) Membership information will preferably be kept at the detail level for reporting and reconciliation purposes (5) Additional entries will preferably be appropriate as the financial accounting organization develops and policies/procedures are established

INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIFICATIONS (FIGS. 41A-44) Within the Club business model there are three distinct areas where technology plays a major role. These are the Operations, Development, and Production areas. While there is some overlap in the technology areas, this overlap is minimal. For this reason different technologies can be chosen for each area.

As with all technology-based analysis, this section is based on the cuπently available products and services announced or deployed by the respective vendors. Most recommendations in the section are based on general classes of products. However, some specific product names and identifiers have been used. All vendors reserve the right to change product specifications, withdraw products, and add new products that supersede the products mentioned in this section without notice.

Operations Technology Area The Operations Technology Area represents the resources that are used in the day-to-day business functions of Club. These include desktop computers, printers, file, print, and application servers, network infrastructure, telephony, and general business applications.

The operations network is designed for a working staff of approximately 20 employees. This staff is made up of executives, administration, technical staff, developers and designers. Each of these staff members has distinct requirements for their efficient production responsibilities.

Operations technology will preferably be based on common "off-the-shelf applications that require little modification or customization. Where available, compliance with relevant standards is highly recommended. It is recommended that maintenance of operations technology be provided through outsourcing agreements and on-demand technical support by an outside firm.

Network Infrastructure

The Operations Network Infrastructure is designed to support daily office tasks, connection to the Internet for electronic mail, messaging, and browser access, and for remote access and management of the network elements.

The infrastructure requirements are built around the demands of the cuπent generation office network. With the primary business purpose of the company being Internet related an assumption has been made that high-bandwidth requirements and storage requirements to the desktop will preferably need to be supported. Physical Design

Best cuπent practices dictate that the operations network follow the design guidelines for switched 10/100 LAN segments, with direct switch connections to each network device. The LAN will preferably be a single logical segment, initially equipped with 48 available ports for device connections.

The network will preferably be designed to support either 10MB or 100MB Switched Ethernet connections to each desktop. While most devices will preferably be equipped with 100MB network interfaces, some older or specialized devices may require 10MB connections.

The use of Layer 2 (Non-routing) data switches rather than Ethernet hubs for all connections offers significant network manageability and scalability at minimal cost. Most network equipment vendors offer workgroup Layer 2 switches at a price comparable to managed hubs. Switches selected should support flexible up-links, be stackable for growth, and support remote manageability.

Direct switch connections are comparable in per port cost to managed hub connections, and provide benefits through improved network traffic management, the availability of network management tools, and the ability to segment the network to meet future requirements for traffic or security management. Selecting switching, routing, and connectivity equipment from a single vendor will preferably also enhance manageability. By choosing a recognized vendor with significant enterprise track record (Cisco, Nortel, or Lucent), the investment in network equipment is more protected from future support issues.

As shown in the Operations Network diagram, the network center is made up of two stackable workgroup switches with a minimum of 24 ports each. This switch stack should be expandable to support a minimum of 60 connections. Products that meet these requirements are available from Nortel, Cisco and Lucent.

Routers are used to connect the Operations network to both the processor network and the web-hosting network. These routers do not need to manage large amounts of traffic, since most connections will preferably be at T-l (1.54 MB) levels or below. In order to simplify the connections to dissimilar networks, the routers should be able to support Network Address Translation (RFC 1631). Products that meet these requirements include the Nortel Access Stack Node or Access Node and the Cisco 25xx Router Series.

Since the operations network will preferably have a direct connection to the Internet for e-mail, general access, and file transfer, a firewall product will preferably be required. Firewall products manage and restrict access from the external network and control access to the Internet from the internal network. The firewall is an area that should be considered carefully from an outsourcing point of view. Most Tier-1 network providers offer managed firewall services which will preferably provide all hardware, software, and 24 by 7 monitoring services for under $3,000 per month.

This compares favorably with deploying a firewall package that can cost on the order of $25,000 for software and hardware alone.

If an internally managed firewall solution is chosen, only a firewall device that has been independently tested and approved should be considered. In addition, service contracts / updates should be purchased and installed on a regular basis. Products that meet the minimum requirements for this service include the WatchGuard Firebox II, the Cisco PIX, and Checkpoint's Firewall 1 operating on a variety of platforms.

In order to allow connection from partners, remote users, and off-site content developers a secure, virtual private network device should be employed. Creating the encryption for this type of network service requires a significant amount of computation power, and should not be placed on a device that is cuπently serving other tasks such as a firewall or primary file server. In addition, the area of Virtual Private Networks is a rapidly growing marketplace. The acceptance of the IPSec standard by major carriers and vendors has boosted the acceptance of this key technology. Like the firewall, many Tier-1 network providers now offer VPN management services that include hardware, software, and management services. VPN management can be a time consuming process, which makes it well suited to an outsourced environment.

Logical Design

The Operations Network will preferably be designed as a 24-bit subnet IPv4 network in the 192.168 private assignment range (RFC 1918 / BCP 0005). It is recommended that the initial assignments for the local network be made in the 192.168.100.0/24 network. Private address space will preferably be protected from the public Internet and from other private address space networks via firewalls, network address translation, and application layer gateways as appropriate.

Remote users can be connected to the Operations network through the use of direct switched access (Analog / ISDN Modem) or Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology. If these technologies are used, they should be assigned a separate IP address space within the 192.168 allocation. It is recommended that these assignments be made in the 192.158.50.0/24 network. A web back-end network has been recommended for the hosting facility. This network will preferably be joined to the Operations network by an IP connection (dedicated / shared / tunneled). As a connected network, this network will preferably participate in the IP plan for the Operations network. The assignments for the back-end network should be made in the 192.168.200/24 range. The network interconnect should operate in an IP UN-NUMBERED mode.

Since the structure of the processor network can not currently be determined, it is critical that a variety of technologies be available to interconnect the Operations network with the processor network. The network interconnect devices used in this position should support at a minimum IP with network address translation and serial tunneling technology. Network Operating System

The operations technology platform is based on a conventional operating system, exemplified herein by Microsoft NT (Windows 2000), platform. All desktops (excluding special purpose designer workstations) should preferably be licensed for Windows 2000 Professional and all servers (excluding special purpose database servers) should preferably be licensed for Windows 2000 Server.

By moving to the Windows 2000 platform for both server and desktop computers, a number of significant benefits can be achieved: (1) empowering knowledge workers and (2) effectively managing information through digital tools. The Windows 2000 platform integrates the most comprehensive set of Internet technologies across all facets of the client and server operating systems. Internet standards such as HTTP, DNS, TCP/IP, and LDAP are native protocols to both Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional. The platform integrates the very latest in advanced Web application services such as Internet Explorer 5, Internet Information Services 5.0, Active Server Pages, COM+ across the client and server, and more. This means that the Windows 2000 platform provides the fastest time-to-market for Web solutions.

To help increase productivity and leverage system investments, the Windows 2000 platform helps eliminate "stove-pipes" of information and automation across your organization by integrating support for Directory-enabled applications and networks. Using the Active Directory, a single directory can contain all of the user information for both applications and messaging solutions. Many applications can use the Active Directory to store and manage user information, thus eliminating the need to maintain and manage multiple directories on the corporate network.

Critical to the success of Club is information security and accountability. The Windows 2000 platform delivers an advanced security infrastructure for securing and controlling access to your sensitive business information. The platform integrates support for SmartCard based authentication, Kerberos, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), encryption for disk volumes and network communications, and powerful management tools to ensure that all of the Windows- based client and server systems are in full compliance with Club security policies.

Both Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 Server are designed to provide compelling functionality on a stand-alone basis. When used together, organizations can take advantage of an advanced PC-based, client-server platform that lowers total cost of ownership, provides a reliable platform for 7 x 24 computing, and enables solutions that will preferably help make Club more competitive in the age of digital business.

Where a Windows based solution is not appropriate, special software tools can be used to access most functions of the network. In the case of Macintosh design workstations, a product from Thursby Software called "Dave" will preferably give users access to file and print services on a Windows 2000 server. In addition, if all application development, file storage, and printing activities are designed to take advantage of Internet protocols, there should be no significant interoperability problems. Network and Desktop Hardware

Servers deployed in the network should exceed the requirements for Windows 2000 Server published by Microsoft Corporation. Where possible, memory recommendations should be doubled for best performance.

In the initial network, three Intel class servers have been specified to supply management, file, print, and application services. These servers are based on Pentium III processors running at 600 MHz with a minimum of 512 MB of 100 MHz RAM. It is recommended that these servers are protected with power protection, RAID controllers, and be equipped with a minimum of 80 GB usable disk storage. Each server will preferably require a copy of Microsoft 2000 Server. Server tasks will preferably be distributed as follows:

Printers have been allocated to each executive and their assistant. Each executive and assistant will preferably be equipped with a LaserJet 2100TN for printing confidential documents and desktop printing. These printers are equipped with network access devices.

General printing will preferably be accomplished via networked LaserJet 8100 N printers. The cost model allows for one printer per five general employees. In addition, a single networked Color LaserJet 4500 DN will preferably be available for color document production.

These printers have the capability for producing transparencies and printing on heavyweight paper stocks.

At the initiation of the project, office personnel will preferably be supplied with desktop computing resources. These desktop computers will preferably be leased on a two-year technology refresh basis, with the equipment being returned to the vendor at the conclusion of the lease. Desktop computers are based on a standard Pentium III 450 class workstation with 128 MB PC- 100 specification ECC SDRAM memory. Each workstation will preferably contain a minimum 6.4 GB EIDE hard drive and minimum 40X CD-ROM drive. Each workstation will preferably contain a 3COM Fast EtherLink 10/100 network interface card and be supplied with a minimum 17" (16" viewable) monitor. All workstations will preferably be covered by a vendor service plan of at least next-day on-site service for the term of the lease.

Each workstation will preferably operate on the Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional platform, with provision to upgrade to later releases of software when stable releases are available.

Content developers with additional graphic design needs should be equipped with Macintosh G4 computer systems. Minimum specifications include 500 MHz G4 processor with 1MB 250 MHz L2 Cache. Systems should be equipped with a minimum of 256 MB RAM, with more recommended. Graphics require a large amount of local storage, so workstations should have a minimum of 27GB local storage and be equipped with CD-ROM and JAZ storage capabilities for near-line storage.

Since the primary purpose of these workstations is content design, they should be equipped with Apple Cinema Display (22-inch flat panel) units. These units provide exceptional quality imaging. Other recommended peripherals are scanning units, digital cameras, and alternate input devices such as pen tablets.

Applications

Workstations will preferably be loaded with the industry leading Microsoft Office suite of productivity applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Front Page, Microsoft Photo Draw, and Small Business Tools. Workstations will preferably also be loaded with virus protection and systems management tools as specified by the vendor. Since deployment will preferably take place in 1H00, the Office 2000 Premium productivity suite is recommended. Microsoft Office 2000 focuses on delivering speed, collaboration, targeted data analysis, and reliability at the desktop application level. The strength of Office 2000 is that it makes the intranet a practical business tool. The integrated standard design enables people to use the productivity tools they're already familiar with to collaborate quickly and easily over the intranet infrastructure. Office 2000 offers a range of features that translate to enhanced effectiveness, such as communication, collaboration, data access and analysis tools that focus on intranet access.

Office 2000 builds upon productivity tools in common use by adding HTML as a standard file format. This means anyone in the organization can instantly share information with anyone else, no matter where they're located, via Club's intranet, simply by selecting Save as Web Page for any Office file.

Using Office 2000 file management, file servers can be converted into Web servers — a platform for team collaboration — thus users no longer need a webmaster or special programming skills to create, manage, and update a dynamic team intranet site. New data access tools in Excel and Access give users easy access to resources such as Club's data mart and accounting data. Users can access and analyze data wherever it resides in the company, which can greatly reduce the reliance on the IT function to produce custom reports.

To minimize support calls and improve availability, Office 2000 can be customized down to the feature level. The installation team can give users the Office functionality they need without the additional features that are not necessary to perform their job functions. In addition, the applications in Office 2000 automatically repair themselves when a user mistakenly deletes a file or a file becomes corrupted, so users stay more productive with less downtime and fewer support calls. The desktop software licenses should be included in the lease basis, and will preferably include update protection for the term of the lease. In addition, an allowance of $1000 per employee for additional "up-front" software costs in included in the cost model.

Most custom applications will preferably be simple modifications of common "off-the- shelf applications. The package requiring the most modifications and implementation services is a Desktop Executive Information system, which combines information from the accounting package, data warehouse, and other external sources. This package can be created with the tools provided by Microsoft Office 2000 Professional.

Based on the expressed business requirements it appears that only a basic accounting system capable of managing payables and receivables will preferably be required. This system will preferably be able to operate in a basic office technology environment. Accounting packages which meet these general requirements include Peachtree Accounting and Solomon Accounting.

Production Technology Area

The production environment represents the systems and applications that provide services to Club members. These systems support membership reporting, data warehousing, interactive voice response processing, and data feeds to and from the Operations systems. For this reason it is critical that the production environment be highly available and scaleable to meet the growing demands of the service over time without major technology replacement.

In a recent Foπester Research study, Web site managers cited reliability as the most important criteria by which Internet services are measured, (mentioned by 100%) of the respondents.)

Today, customers simply won't wait for a slow or down Web site; they'll move on. This is even truer of the customer segment that Club is targeting. Even thought there are few competitive services, downtime is unacceptable because the Club site completes with any other destination sites - and competitors are only a click away.

Both network connectivity and hardware/software configuration determine web site performance. Web site configuration will preferably also take into account whether the server will preferably contain static or transactional applications such as custom pages driven by databases. To provide this type of system, Club has two choices. The first is to build, staff, and maintain a hosting facility for the exclusive use of Club. Alternatively, Club could contract with a hosting provider to provide outsourcing of the hosting function. According to Foπester Research, among the global 2,500 firms, virtually none can outperform a professional hosting provider when it comes to technical proficiency, network or data center capabilities. By outsourcing, you can deploy greater bandwidth and a higher level of expertise than would be feasible in-house and do it far less expensively. A hosting provider can offer vastly improved services due to far more favorable economics-of-scale.

In reviewing outsourcing providers, Cuclkebun.com should only consider Tier-1 network providers who have a track record of providing hosting services to their clients. Tier-1 providers have experience in hosting networks and data-centers where reliability is paramount. The following areas are among those considered in evaluating Tier-1 hosting facilities: • Physical Facility - The physical facility in which the server, applications and data are housed is of paramount importance in choosing a hosting provider. The facility should feature multiple redundant mechanics, utilities and environmental controls so that there is no weak link or single point of possible failure. The facility should also provide three layers of redundant power supply. An example would be a separate power grid; backed up by an uninterrupted power supply (UPS); backed up by diesel generators. In the event that the backup generators are required for an extended period of time, the provider should have aπangements in place to guarantee an uninterrupted fuel supply.

Physical facility security is also very important. Facilities should be protected by a multi- tiered security system that includes closed-circuit video monitored around the clock by security guards, access provided only by controlled key code and other methods to deny entry to unauthorized persons.

• Redundancy - The provider should have redundant facilities located on both the east and west coasts with an automatic fail-over transfer of services in the event that either facility is disabled. Each data-center should have multiple independent OC connections to the Internet so traffic flow will preferably not be affected if one connection should fail.

It should be noted that application design will preferably take a split data-center approach into account for this feature to be utilized in Club's application.

• Monitoring - Comprehensive, round-the-clock monitoring and performance evaluation are essential to determine whether an Internet application system is meeting operational expectations. Each server should have a monitoring system to warn if virtual memory or other critical resources are getting low. Web sites should be profiled to determine exactly which hardware and applications are in use, how this particular site is configured, how all these factors interact and how they relate to cuπent traffic and projected usage trends.

A hosting provider should able to provide application monitoring, memory and disk utilization, and bandwidth utilization. Reports of these conditions, as well as traffic and utilization at the site should be available via automated reporting tools.

• Administration - In an outsourcing arrangement, a large part of what you are purchasing is the technical expertise and knowledge of the outsourcing company. This should be reflected in the server administration capabilities that the outsourcing company brings to the engagement.

An well-administered system should provide availability and load analysis software to stress test your Web site. This procedure highlights areas for potential code and configuration improvement. Your provider should also evaluate traffic patterns and advise when hardware upgrades will preferably be required. You should also request site stability and stress test evaluations.

In addition, the prospective hosting provider should provide 24x7x365 onsite system administrators and network administrators to assist in case there is a need for an out-of-the- ordinary change to an administered site. This is in addition to normal remote access and administrative privileges for control and management of Web site content. • Maintenance - The hosting provider should be able to furnish you with the most cuπent, upgraded versions of mission-critical applications. This should include administrative and upgrade familiarity with core applications - such as ColdFusion and Oracle - which are critical to the sites operation. The provider should be able to assist in migration between platforms, provisioning and staging of new server platforms, and bringing on-line new servers as needed.

• Support - The hosting provider should be able to offer a variety of flexible support options, including a dedicated account manager who, as a single point of contact, understands your industry and Web business inside and out. At a minimum, the hosting provider should offer a 24x7x365 help desk staffed by trained support specialists. All these elements should be carefully considered in selecting a hosting provider. Most

Tier-1 providers offer this type of capability. Even though prices at these providers will preferably be 15% to 20%) higher than sub-tier providers, their level of service and expertise is critical to Club's ongoing success.

The specifications for the hosting environment (based on the business requirements) are as follows: • The hosting site should have a minimum 5 MB per second data transfer rate, with peak capacity for data transfers in excess of 10 MB per second. If data links are purchased for an "on-site" hosting facility then the link from each provider should meet this requirement.

• The production system will preferably be designed such that it can accept a peak load in excess of 5.2 million requests per hour with approximately one million database transactions per hour and 26Mb hourly data transfer.

• Recovery systems should be designed for sub 1 -minute local recovery and 2 hour warm site recovery. The warm site should be situated in a geographically separate location with off-site backup data copied daily via tape backup or network connection.

The application loads have been calculated using industry standard hardware. While equivalent hardware could be substituted, these platforms have proven success rates in data-center environments. Dell PowerEdge 4350 and 6350 Rack Mount Servers could be used for Intel based platforms, while Modular Computing Systems 5200 (Sun Enterprise 450) and 4200 (Sun Netra 1125) could be used as Solaris (Unix) dataservers. Both of these platforms have high reliability and operate with standard parts. These factors will preferably enable the hosting facility to maintain service materials to quickly coπect failures.

Both hardware load balancing devices and software clustering will preferably be used to manage request distribution and maintain high service availability.

Load balancing devices provide a variety of features for managing the web environment. By masking the true addresses of the web and application servers, the load balancing devices provide added security. In addition, the load balancing devices measure server load and availability, providing early warning that additional capacity is required to meet user requirements. Server failures and scheduled maintenance can be concealed from the web customer through the use of virtual servers.

Advanced function redirection servers can measure the distance from the web site to the web customer, allowing the network to select the shortest path from customer to application. This minimizes the network delay associated with fulfilling requests. Development Technology Area

It is anticipated that external consultants and contractors will preferably manage the majority of development activity. Some requirements for this development effort include that the development platform can be replicated, all source code management and development tools are commonly available, and standard project management tools be utilized to track application and project completion.

Development technologies have been chosen to support both off-site development and on-site development activities. This will preferably allow Club the greatest flexibility in scheduling and implementing development and content creation activities. At this time it is anticipated that the database platform will preferably be Oracle 8i. Oracle databases are at the core of some of the most heavily visited web sites and provide scalability, manageability, and reliability through clustering environments. In addition, Oracle 8i supports platforms including Linux, Microsoft NT, and Sun Solaris.

In order to provide for rapid application development and content management, application development platform will preferably be done in Allaire Cold Fusion Enterprise 4.0. Content management will preferably be provided by Allaire Spectra. These tools will preferably allow both rapid development and continued maintenance of the site by a variety of content providers and developers. In addition, both of these tools operate in both the Microsoft Windows NT and Sun Solaris platform environments. These tools come with integrated change management and content workflow tools. These tools will preferably assist in managing application and content streams from a variety of providers. In addition, the tools allow the implementation of Java based technologies in the site environment without requiring that all site applications are developed in Java. Additional functionality can be added to the site by the creation of custom libraries in C++ and other lower level languages.

Allaire has licensed clustering technology to increase application availability and scalability. This, combined with features in the production network, will preferably increase the survivability and availability of the network.

In house development activity will preferably take place on the workstations specified in the Operations Network Area of this document. External providers will preferably have their own systems, however should be able to interface to the Club network through a combination of manual file transfer (Iomega ZIP and JAZ format) and network transfer (VPN, electronic mail, direct file access).

By the use of the present invention, "brick-and-mortar" retail stores may take advantage of the benefits of the Internet to better compete with e-commerce conducted over the Internet. By participating as a member of the club 110, merchants 140 gain an advertising medium through the club web page, are listed on the web page, and also gain loyalty of members 116 since incentives are provided via merchandise points to return to a store for further purchases. Minors may obtain the advantages of credit cards with club cards. Parents of minors also attain some peace of mind knowing that the club will preferably provide funds for the minors to attend an educational institution such as college or a university.

It is understood that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, merchants may be excluded from participation in the club if they directly compete with merchants who are already participating in the club. Merchandise points may be transfeπed from one merchant to another merchant. Marketing data, such as purchasing patterns of members 116, particularly minors, may be generated based on data received from purchases made through the club.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its prefeπed embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a coπesponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of prefeπed embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A data processing system for facilitating merchant transactions, the system comprising: a) at least one computer for processing data relating to members of at least one group of persons; b) storage means connected to the at least one computer, for storing to and retrieving from a database, data processed by the computer, wherein the database is configured for storing data regarding persons of the at least one group of persons, which data includes at least an account number of an account associated with respective persons; c) means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of money; d) means for calculating monetary points proportionate to a purchase made; e) means for allocating the calculated monetary points between a first portion of points usable for the purchase of additional merchandise from the merchant, and a second portion of points usable for funding education at an educational institution; f) means for crediting the first portion of points to a first person, and for crediting the second portion of points to a second person; and g) means for storing in the database in the storage means a record of the first portion of points credited to the first person and the second portion of points credited to the second person.

2. The system of Claim 1 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise further comprises means for entering an account number of a purchaser.

3. The system of Claim 1 further comprising a card having an account number embedded thereon which account number is identified with the purchaser, and wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise further comprises means for reading an account number from the card and for incorporating the account number into the data regarding the purchase of merchandise.

4. The system of Claim 1 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise is connected to the computer through a global communication network.

5. The system of Claim 1 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise is connected to the computer through an Internet link.

6. The system of Claim 1 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser is entered into the computer in real time.

7. The system of Claim 1 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser is entered into the computer in a batch mode.

8. The system of Claim 1 further comprising means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by the first person of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of merchandise points.

9. The system of Claim 1 further comprising: a) a card having an account number embedded thereon which account number is identified with the first person; b) means for entering into the computer data regarding a purchase by the first person of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of merchandise points; and c) means for debiting the account identified by the account number.

10. The system of Claim 1 wherein the first person and the second person are the same person.

11. The system of Claim 1 wherein the second person is a minor.

12. The system of Claim 1 wherein the computer is a first computer, and the system further comprises a second computer, and wherein the means for allocating the points further comprises means for the first computer to calculate the first portion of points and means for the second computer to calculate the second portion of points.

13. The system of Claim 1 wherein the computer is a first computer identified with a group of persons comprising the first person and the second person, and the system further comprises a second computer identified with a credit card issuing bank, and wherein the means for allocating the points further comprises means for the first computer to calculate the first portion of points and means for the second computer to calculate the second portion of points.

14. A data processing method for facilitating merchant transactions, the system comprising the steps of: a) connecting a storage means connected to at least one computer, for storing to and retrieving from a database, data processed by the computer, wherein the database is configured for storing data regarding persons of the at least one group of persons, which data includes at least an account number of an account associated with respective persons; b) entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of money; c) calculating monetary points proportionate to a purchase made; d) allocating the calculated monetary points between a first portion of points usable for the purchase of additional merchandise from the merchant and a second portion of points usable for funding education at an educational institution; e) crediting the first portion of points to a first person, and crediting the second portion of points to a second person; and f) storing in the database in the storage means a record of the first portion of points credited to the first person, and the second portion of points credited to the second person.

15. The method of Claim 14 wherein the step of entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise further comprises the step of entering an account number of a purchaser.

16. The method of Claim 14 further comprising a card having an account number embedded thereon which account number is identified with the purchaser, and wherein the step of entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise further comprises the step of reading an account number from the card and for incorporating the account number into the data regarding the purchase of merchandise.

17. The method of Claim 14 wherein the step of entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise is a card reader configured for reading.

18. The method of Claim 14 wherein the step of entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise is executed via a global communication network.

19. The method of Claim 14 wherein the step of entering into the computer data regarding the purchase of merchandise is executed via an Internet link.

20. The method of Claim 14 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser is entered into the computer in real time.

21. The method of Claim 14 wherein the means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by a purchaser is entered into the computer in a batch mode.

22. The method of Claim 14 further comprising means for entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by the first person of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of merchandise points.

23. The method of Claim 14 further comprising: a) embedding an account number onto a card, which account number is identified with the first person; b) entering into the computer data regarding the purchase by the first person of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of merchandise points; and c) debiting the account identified by the account number.

24. The method of Claim 14 wherein the first person and the second person are the same person.

25. The method of Claim 14 wherein the second person is a minor.

26. The method of Claim 14 wherein the computer is a first computer, and the method further comprises a second computer, and wherein the step of allocating the points further comprises the first computer calculating the first portion of points and the second computer calculating the second portion of points.

27. The method of Claim 14 wherein the computer is a first computer identified with a group of persons comprising the first person and the second person, and the method further comprises a second computer identified with a credit card issuing bank, and wherein the step of allocating the points further comprises the first computer calculating the first portion of points and the second computer calculating the second portion of points.

28. A data processing system for tracking retail transactions, the system comprising: a) at least one computer for processing data relating to members of at least one group of members; b) storage means connected to the at least one computer, for storing to and retrieving from a database, data processed by the computer, wherein the database is configured for storing data regarding members of the at least one group of members, which data includes at least a member account number of an account associated with selected members; c) at least one card reader connected through an electronic link to the computer and positioned at least one selected merchant location for reading data embedded on the cards; d) cards having embedded thereon data containing data identifying a respective member of the at least one group, the cards being readable by the at least one card reader for reading the data identifying the respective member; e) means connected through the link for inputting purchase data to the computer regarding the amount of a purchase made by a respective member at the selected merchant location; f) an arithmetic logic circuit configured to calculate monetary credit proportionate to a purchase made; and g) an arithmetic logic circuit configured to record a credit in the amount of the calculated monetary credit to an account in the database, the account being associated with the respective member.

29. The system of Claim 28 wherein the at least one card reader is electronically linked through the Internet to the at least one computer.

30. The system of Claim 28 wherein funds credited in the account from a respective merchant may be applied toward future purchases from the respective merchant

31. The system of Claim 28 wherein funds credited in the account from a first merchant may be discounted for use in future purchases from a second merchant

32. The system of Claim 28 wherein at least a portion of funds credited in the account are reserved for payment of tuition at an educational institution.

33. The system of Claim 28 wherein a merchant may advertise to members through a web site to the computer.

34. The system of Claim 28 wherein merchants advertise to selected members based on at least one of age, birthdate, and graduation from high school.

35. The system of Claim 28 wherein a web site of the group is linked to a merchant web page.

36. The system of Claim 28 wherein the web site of a merchant is linked to a web page of the group.

37. The system of Claim 28 wherein a member may access his personal account through a web link to a group web page.

38. The system of Claim 28 wherein the account is a personal account and access to the personal account may be obtained through the web to transfer discounted credits from the personal account to a general account for use at any merchants affiliated with the system.

39. The system of Claim 28 wherein access to a personal account is gained through the web page after providing an account number and password.

40. The system of Claim 28 wherein data stored in the database includes at least one of the member's name, address, telephone number, date of birth, gender, hobbies, social and security number.

41. The system of Claim 28 wherein a member may gain access to an account through a web page.

42. The system of Claim 28 wherein merchants are selected that do not sell substantially the same items.

43. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system.

44. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for selected members.

45. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for selected members based on age.

46. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for at least one member.

47. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for providing through the web a list of affiliated merchants who participate in network.

48. The system of Claim 28 further comprising means for providing through the web a list of selected affiliated merchants who participate in network based on zip code, area code, and/or city.

49. The system of Claim 28 wherein members are given a predetermined amount of credit in their account when they are initially entered into the database as members.

50. The system of Claim 28 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members.

51. The system of Claim 28 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members, wherein each first member is of insufficient age to own and use a credit card, and each second member is of sufficient age to own and use a credit card.

52. The system of Claim 28 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members, wherein each first member is eighteen years of age of younger, and each second member is over eighteen years of age.

53. The system of Claim 28 wherein the cards comprise first cards and second cards, and the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.

54. The system of Claim 28 wherein the cards comprise first cards and second cards, the first cards being restricted from use as credit cards, and wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.

55. The system of Claim 28 wherein the cards comprise first cards and second cards, the first cards being restricted from use as credit cards, the second cards being credit cards, and wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.

56. A data processing system for tracking merchant transactions, the system comprising: a) a computer for processing data relating to members of at least one group of members; b) storage means connected to the computer, for storing to and retrieving from a database, data processed by the computer, wherein the database is configured for storing data regarding members of the at least one group of members, which data includes at least a member number associated with each member, and an account number of an account associated with selected members; c) means for a respective member of the at least one group to purchase for a purchase price a product from a merchant via the Internet; d) means for said respective member to provide through the Internet to said merchant, member identification data regarding the respective member; e) means for a merchant to receive through the Internet from a respective member of the at least one group, member identification data regarding a respective member of the at least one group; f) means connected through the Internet for inputting purchase data to the computer regarding the amount of a purchase made by a respective member at the selected merchant location; g) an arithmetic logic circuit configured to calculate monetary credit proportionate to a purchase made; and h) an arithmetic logic circuit configured to record a credit in the amount of the calculated monetary credit to an account in the database, the account being associated with the respective member.

57. The system of Claim 56 wherein the at least one card reader is electronically linked through the Internet to the at least one computer.

58. The system of Claim 56 wherein funds credited in the account from a respective merchant may be applied toward future purchases from the respective merchant

59. The system of Claim 56 wherein funds credited in the account from a first merchant may be discounted for use in future purchases from a second merchant

60. The system of Claim 56 wherein at least a portion of funds credited in the account are reserved for payment of tuition at an educational institution.

61. The system of Claim 56 wherein a merchant may advertise to members through a web site to the computer.

62. The system of Claim 56 wherein merchants advertise to selected members based on at least one of age, birthdate, and graduation from high school.

63. The system of Claim 56 wherein a web site of the group is linked to a merchant web page.

64. The system of Claim 56 wherein the web site of a merchant is linked to a web page of the group.

65. The system of Claim 56 wherein a member may access his personal account through a web link to a group web page.

66. The system of Claim 56 wherein the account is a personal account and access to the personal account may be obtained through the web to transfer discounted credits from the personal account to a general account for use at any merchants affiliated with the system.

67. The system of Claim 56 wherein access to personal account is gained through the web page after providing an account number and password.

68. The system of Claim 56 wherein data stored in the database includes at least one of the member's name, address, telephone number, date of birth, gender, hobbies, social and security number.

69. The system of Claim 56 wherein a member may gain access to an account through a web page.

70. The system of Claim 56 wherein merchants are selected that do not sell substantially the same items.

71. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system.

72. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for selected members.

73. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for selected members based on age.

74. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for generating real-time customer buying patterns from data in database system for at least one member.

75. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for providing through the web a list of affiliated merchants who participate in network.

76. The system of Claim 56 further comprising means for providing through the web a list of selected affiliated merchants who participate in network based on zip code, area code, and/or city.

77. The system of Claim 56 wherein members are given a predetermined amount of credit in their account when they are initially entered into the database as members.

78. The system of Claim 56 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members.

79. The system of Claim 56 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members, wherein each first member is of insufficient age to own and use a credit card, and each second member is of sufficient age to own and use a credit card.

80. The system of Claim 56 wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group of first members, and at least one second group of second members, wherein each first member is eighteen years of age of younger, and each second member is over eighteen years of age.

81. The system of Claim 56 wherein the card comprise first cards and second cards, and the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.

82. The system of Claim 56 wherein the cards comprise first cards and second cards, the first cards being restricted from use as credit cards, and wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.

83. The system of Claim 56 wherein the cards comprise first cards and second cards, the first cards being restricted from use as credit cards, the second cards being credit cards, and wherein the at least one group comprises at least one first group having first members having first cards, and at least one second group having second members having second cards.