International Business Machines Corporation

Michael A Penn

Thao Ngoc Nguyen

Aston G Farquharson

Michael J Cammarota

Linh Hue Lam

Thomas Y Kwok

Kakan Roy

Robert T Alexander

Gary D Wexler

John R Harrison

Michael B Sandler

Under the present invention, contract information corresponding to a first contract between a first contract partner and a customer, and contract information corresponding to a second contract between a second contract partner and the customer is received within a secure computer infrastructure. Based on the contract information, the first and second contracts are created. To provide desired isolation and security, the second contract is secured to prevent access thereof by the first contract partner. Then, approval and execution for both contracts is requested from the appropriate parties.

Method, system and program product for protecting electronic contracts created within a secure computer infrastructure

Under the present invention, a customized contract is created based on the needs of the parties and is then stored within a secure computer infrastructure. Security within the computer infrastructure is typically provided through encryption such as 128 bit encryption. Moreover, all actions taken with respect to the contract (e.g., approval, execution, etc.) occur within the infrastructure and are recorded so that a record can be provided. Any party taking action will first be authenticated before access to the infrastructure is granted. In order for the contract to be electronically executed, both the originating contract partner and the receiving contract partner must first deliberately approve the contract. Once approval has been obtained, the contract can be electronically executed by both parties. After execution is complete, a final image of the contract is generated that includes the electronic signatures and the date of execution.

Method, system and program product for electronically executing contracts within a secure computer infrastructure

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Grandview, NY, United States of America

Michael A Penn