Integrated voice and data system and auto retail channel network portal
US6868388B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0609
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a network operation center which centrally connects multiple external computer systems belonging to automobile dealers, manufacturers, and vendors of goods and services. The network operation center provides centralized network security, allowing the dealers, manufacturers, and vendors to access certain portions of each other's data while protecting other data. It further provides data translation so that incompatible data formats and structures may be shared. Dealers communicate through the network operation center with multiple manufacturers and vendors with a single network connection, reducing the need for multiple individual connections to each manufacturer. Network support and updating of system hardware and software is centrally performed. Dealers lease access to a network operation center and accompanying data connections, along with technical support, hardware, and software from a single service provider. Alternatively, a single service provider independent of a network operation center may provide the data connections, hardware, software, and support.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.