Method and system for allocating costs in a distributed computing network

Abstract

A method and system for providing an end-user with Internet access and allocating a cost associated with that access among the end-user and Internet sites 18 accessed by the end-user. A supervisory program module 58, such as a 'JAVA' applet, resides on an originating station 24, such as a personal computer, operated by the end-user. The supervisory program module 58 may be activated by transmitting the supervisory program module to the originating station 24 from an Internet point of presence 22 operated by a local access provider. Alternatively, a trigger may be transmitted from the point of presence 22 to the originating station 24 to activate a supervisory program module 58 already residing on the originating station 24. The supervisory program module 58 monitors the duration of connections with specific Internet sites, and transmits messages to the point of presence 22 indicating the duration of these connections. The local access provider uses the information received in these messages to allocate a cost associated with the access, such as the cost associated with using a telephone network 30, among the end-user and Internet sites accessed by the end-user. Unique keys and time stamps are used as security measures. Unique keys are random identification numbers or codes generated by the point of presence 22. Time stamps are clock readings are generated by the originating station, the point of presence, or other network components, are used as security measures.