Intel Corporation

Landesk Software, Inc.

Kent J Diamond

Cary E Gronemeyer

Clayne B Robison

The invention provides for facilitating e-commerce transactions between a client and a server over a network. In particular, a client, such as a client computing device, can perform a diagnostic test, such as a power-on self-test, and determine during the test any goods requiring replacement (e.g., acquiring a substitute good, repair, or upgrade). The client may then contact a server, such as a vendor or a technical support department, for procuring such replacement. In one embodiment, the server sends the client diagnostic commands so as to allow remote diagnosis of operability of the client.

Inventory determination for facilitating commercial transactions during diagnostic tests

The data entered into a form on a web-based secondary page can be combined with data entered into another form on a web-based main page, so that the data for both pages can be submitted to a server at the same time from a single form. The data from the form on the secondary page can also be copied into a hidden form on the main page, so that the most recently-entered data can be recalled from the hidden form if the secondary page is recalled.

Dialog boxes to simplify web-based forms

The invention provides for facilitating e-commerce transactions between a client and a server over a network. An initial operation is to contact a server over the network. Data is received which indicates categories of goods or services offered by the server. A first category of the categories is selected, and the client is searched for installed goods, and an inspection log prepared. The inspection log is submitted to the first server, and a list of goods or services offered by the first server is received, where the list is determined according to the inspection log. The received list may only list goods and services related to the first category, or it may contain suggested purchases determined according to past client purchases, relevance to client installed goods, or expected client needs. The server may be contacted by way of a web browser to a web server, through which the inspection log is submitted; a responsive web page may then contain the list of goods or services offered by the server, with the list being displayed in different browser frames according to the list contents. The inspection of the client and communication with the server may also be implemented as part of a Power On Self Test (POST), where a hardware-based client contacts a server for service if the client fails its POST; the hardware-based client may incorporate an expert system to coordinate POST interaction with the server.

Growing community of inventors

Highland, UT, United States of America

Kent J Diamond