Oracle International Corporation

Ben Gu

James Y Wang

Dave Stephens

Kim E Powell

Kareem Benjamin

Liza Lyons

Kevin Dean Miller

A method for automatic auction extension and user controlled standardized bid increment/decrement. The method is implemented in an electronic commerce exchange. The auction method implements automatic extension of an auction in response to bidding activity from auction participants. The method includes the step of setting an end time for concluding the auction. Bids are received from remote bidders via a distributed computer network. The received bids are analyzed to determine whether a predetermined number of bids are received within a predetermined time of the auction end time. If a greater number of bids are received within the predetermined time, the duration of the auction is automatically extended and a new auction end time is set. The auction participants are notified of the new auction end time. Standardized bid increments can be set defining a minimum amount at which a subsequent bid differs from a previous bid. Similarly, standardized bid decrements can be set defining a minimum amount at which a subsequent bid subsequent bid differs from a previous bid. A total number of possible extensions can be set defining a number of times the auction can be extended due to bidding activity. The settings can be changed dynamically during the auction by the auction operator/user.

Method and system for implementing automatic auction extensions and adjustable bid increments in an electronic exchange

An auction method for specifying catalog contents for packaging and pushing to an electronic auction. The auction method is implemented in an electronic commerce exchange. The auction method includes the steps of specifying catalog contents for packaging for an auction operation hosted on the electronic exchange. Initial terms for the sale of the contents are then specified. The auction is then automatically initiated using the previously specified contents and the previously specified terms. The auction proceeds with the receiving of bids for the contents from remote bidders. The bids are received via a distributed computing network into which the electronic commerce exchange is communicatively coupled. A winning bid is selected by determining a most competitive bid out of the bids received for the contents. A sale of the contents is then completed based upon the terms of the most competitive bid.

Method and system for implementing catalog inventory auctions in an electronic exchange

An auction method for implementing automatic bid status refresh and item attribute updates in an electronic exchange. The method includes the step of receiving update configuration information from remote bidders via a distributed computer network. The update configuration information includes a time interval for receiving bid status updates. An auction is conducted wherein bid information received from the remote bidders is compared to determine a bid status and wherein the bid status is used to determine the bid status updates for the remote bidders. The bid status includes information regarding the most competitive, or winning, bid and any associated terms. The bid status updates are disseminated to the remote bidders via the distributed computer network in accordance with the update configuration information. At the conclusion of the auction, an auction winner is designated in accordance with the latest most competitive bid of the bid status. The time interval of the update configuration information is user selected and can be adjusted dynamically during the auction. Remote bidders receive bid status updates in accordance with their specified time interval. Changes to the items and/or item attributes of the auction are also disseminated to the remote bidders via the distributed computer network in accordance with the time interval of the update configuration information.

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Foster City, CA, United States of America

Ben Gu