WO2014091453A1

WO2014091453A1 - Method and apparatus for enabling user access to business services

Info

Publication number: WO2014091453A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/060897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neaf ZIADE
Original assignee: Ziade Neaf
Priority date: 2012-12-13
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2014-06-19

Abstract

The invention provides a method for providing access to an online directory, the method comprising receiving a consumer query, the query associated to a consumer and specifying at least one field-value pair; applying the consumer query against a request database, the request database including data records associated to goods and/or services offered by respective providers; retrieving from the request database at least one data record matching the at least one field-value pair of the consumer query; transmitting at least part of the at least one retrieved request data record to the consumer; and transmitting at least part of the consumer query to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records. The invention further provides an online directory apparatus, a provider access interface, computer-executable instructions and computer program products.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING USER ACCESS TO BUSINESS

SERVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to online directories and in particular to queryable online directories.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as an online directory method and apparatus that can be queried for relevant providers and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Web-based advertising is a potentially effective way to market a property or service. The emergence and convenience of technology now reaches a far wider customer base. There is also an aspect of cost effectiveness and convenience. Web-based advertising reaches a wider group beyond local and city-based newspapers. Web-based advertising allows a user to enquire about property anywhere on the globe from wherever they are.

There has been a gradual shift away from print media to web-based advertising.

Although there are some advantages to this trend outlined above, there are also some disadvantages.

Most if not all real estate agents maintain a website with a search function. Consumers are able to use the search function to locate properties or services of interest on a website of a real estate agent with which various properties are listed. However, consumers are ordinarily required to search the websites of many different real estate agents. Such repeated searching is wasteful of resources such as consumer internet bandwidth, electricity, and the consumer's time.

A few organisations provide consumers with the ability to search properties or services listed with different providers. Examples of such providers are www . reale state . com , au and \\ v> . do in. oin.au. Such websites have the potential to reduce the number of websites a consumer must search to locate properties of interest. However, there are still some drawbacks with such sites.

One disadvantage is that the real estate agent is required to update and maintain fresh content on more than one such aggregated site, in addition to the content on the real estate agent's own website. This duplication of content, including the upload and maintenance of such content, is wasteful of resources such as internet bandwidth, electricity, and the real estate agent's time. Furthermore, subscription fees and advertising fees on multiple aggregated web sites can be costly.

A further disadvantage of such aggregator sites is that a consumer who is interested in a property is then required to initiate contact with the real estate associated to the property or properties of interest. Furthermore, the real estate agent is required to individually reply to each enquiry. A consumer may be required to contact many real estate agents. A real estate agent may be required to reply to many consumer enquiries. Such multiple contact is wasteful of resources such as internet bandwidth, electricity and the time of both the consumer and the real estate agent.

It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a queryable online directory.

It is a further object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to address some of the aforementioned disadvantages. An additional or alternative object is to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention provides a method for providing access to an online directory, the method comprising receiving a consumer query, the query associated to a consumer and specifying at least one field-value pair; applying the consumer query against a request database, the request database including data records associated to goods and/or services offered by respective providers; retrieving from the request database at least one data record matching the at least one field-value pair of the consumer query; transmitting at least part of the at least one retrieved request data record to the consumer; and transmitting at least part of the consumer query to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term "comprising", other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in similar manner.

Preferably the method further comprises retrieving at least one customer data record from a register database, the register database including data records associated to respective consumers and providers; and constructing the consumer query at least partly from the at least one retrieved register data record.

Preferably the method further comprises retrieving at least one request data record from the request database; and constructing the consumer query at least partly from the at least one retrieved request data record.

Preferably the method further comprises extracting a consumer communication preference from the retrieved at least one register data record; and transmitting the at least part of the at least one retrieved request data record to the consumer in accordance with the extracted consumer communication preference.

Preferably the method further comprises retrieving at least one provider data record from the register database; extracting a provider communication preference from the retrieved at least one provider data record; and transmitting the at least part of the consumer query to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records in accordance with the extracted provider communication preference(s).

In another aspect the invention provides an online directory apparatus comprising an online directory server coupled to a data network, the online directory server

connectable to a database having data records for storing data indicative of a good or service offered by a provider, the online directory server having an interface module for providing an online directory user interface to a consumer element. Preferably a provider element communicates with the online directory server to provide data indicative of a good or service offered by a respective provider, which is stored in the database.

Preferably the consumer element is adapted to present the user interface to a user.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to receive a provider registration associated to services from a provider.

Preferably provider registration includes updating register information associated with the provider, which is stored in a register database.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to receive electronic forms and brochures relating to goods and/or services offered by a provider, which is stored in a request database.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to receive a consumer registration from a consumer.

Preferably the consumer registration includes updating register information associated to the consumer details, which is stored in a register database.

Preferably the consumer registration includes updating register information associated with the provider's goods and/or services required, which is stored in a request database.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to obtain from a consumer a consumer enquiry comprising an electronic form on a user interface which sets out details of the goods or services the consumer is interested in obtaining.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to identify relevant registered providers by querying the register database and request database; and forward the consumer enquiry directly to each relevant registered provider, including consumer contact details for a follow-up lead.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to, upon querying the request database, based on the consumer enquiry, automatically forward to the consumer at least some relevant electronic forms and brochures stored by a provider that match the consumer enquiry. In another aspect the invention provides a provider access interface for a processor device, the processor device being adapted to receive a consumer enquiry, the processor device connectable to a database having data records for storing data indicative of a good or service offered by a provider; the interface comprising a control program adapted to advise relevant providers of the consumer contact details.

In another aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium on which is stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the methods described herein.

In another aspect the invention provides a computer program product stored on a computer usable medium, the computer program product adapted to provide a provider access interface for a computer device, the computer device being adapted to receive access data indicative of a consumer enquiry, the computer device connectable to a database having one or more data records for storing data indicative a good or service offered by a provider, the computer program product comprising computer readable program means for performing the methods described herein.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment online directory server according to the invention; and

Figure 2 is a data flow diagram for an embodiment online directory server; and

Figure 3 is a flow chart for one embodiment of a method of providing user access to business services.

Figure 4 is a flow chart for another embodiment of a method of providing user access to business service.

Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram of a computing device in accordance with the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated that an embodiment searchable online directory enables a direct synergy of communication between consumers and providers.

A consumer can typically include any entity that is seeking to use the online directory to search for a good or service including buyers, resellers, landlords, tenants etc.

A provider can typically include any entity that is seeking to use the online directory to offer a good or service. By way of example, a provider can include real estate agents, travel agents, solicitors, valuers, removalists, financiers, and insurance providers. It will be appreciated that any synergistic communication between consumers and providers is well suited to providers offering services such as real estate and travel services.

In an embodiment shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 100 includes an online directory server 1 10 coupled to a data network 120. The online directory server 100 is coupleable to a database 1 12 having data records each indicative of a good or service offered by a provider. A provider element 130 can communicate with the online directory server 1 10 to provide data indicative of a good or service offered by a respective provider, which is stored in the database. The online directory server 1 10 includes an interface module 1 14 for providing an online directory user interface to a consumer element 140. The consumer element being adapted to present the user interface 142 to a user. It will be appreciated that, because the provider is forwarded contact details for the consumer and can directly make an offer to the consumer, the consumer is able to negotiate privately with each relevant provider. This also allows the provider to revise offers over the course of time (for example due to excess or limited supply/availability, limited timeframes etc), which can be communicated directly to the consumer. The consumer can consider each offer to make an informed decision.

Example 1 - Real Estate

In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to provide an online directory server for real estate services. It allows the selling and leasing of real estate, together with other real estate services, without necessitating use of an intermediary service such as print media and/or online advertising.

In this example, a consumer seeks services related to buying, leasing, or selling real estate through a provider that offers such relevant services.

In this example embodiment, all enquiries made by a consumer through a search query on the online directory server are forwarded directly to the relevant provider. The provider can automatically or manually filter through the enquiries, and reply directly to the consumer with information regarding all properties that the provider considers relevant to the consumer enquiry.

It will be appreciated that this apparatus can enable a consumer to centrally invite interest from a plurality of providers in selling and/or leasing of their listed real estate.

It will be appreciated that this apparatus can enable a consumer to also make direct enquiries with other relevant prescribed services, such as solicitors, valuers, financiers, removalists, insurance providers, depreciation investment reports and the like. The consumer can register their interest in a good or service, and each of the providers can independently express an interest in providing these goods or services. This introduces an alternative mode of attracting new business for prescribed services, without communicating through a third party intermediary. The provider directly and privately communicates with the consumer. In an embodiment, the user interface can be a web application, a hybrid web application, or a native application that can be presented on a consumer computing element.

A consumer can be required to pay an access fee, either initially and/or periodically.

A provider can be required to pay a registration fee, either initially and/or periodically. The provider registration fees can be based on the prescribed service for which the provider is registered. It is the responsibility for the provider to directly follow up the consumer enquiry.

In an embodiment, the provider and the consumer are not required to pay further fees for utilising the online directory service - unlike typical print media and online advertising.

It will be appreciated that a consumer can seek services for buying or selling real estate.

Figure 2 shows a data flow diagram for an embodiment online directory server 200, wherein a provider 210 can register 212 their services. Registration can include selecting subscription options and making payment of any registration fees. Registration can also include updating register information associated with the provider, which is stored in a register database 220.

A provider can provide electronic forms and brochures relating to their goods and/or services offered, which is stored in a request database 230. Providers can create E- Brochures from pre-prepared templates provided by the online directory server.

Alternatively or additionally, details about the goods and/or services offered can be obtained directly from the website(s) of at least one provider.

A consumer 250 can register 252 their interest. Registration can include selecting one or more consumer preferences and making payment of any access fees. Registration can also include updating register information associated with the consumer details, which is stored in the register database 220. Registration can also include updating register information associated with the provider's goods and/or services required, which is stored in request database 230.

A consumer can complete an electronic form which sets out details of the goods or services they are interested in obtaining. For example, the consumer identifies details of a real estate to be purchased 254 or sold 256 and/or the services that they are interested in obtaining. A real estate search can specify one or more types of real estate including residential, commercial, industrial, retail, development sites, investment, new

apartments, rural, etc.

The query typically includes one or more field-value pairs. Examples of fields include:

• Property selection - apartment, house, commercial, retail, rural, industrial,

development sites

• Price range

• Suburbs, regions (for example Eastern or Western suburbs), State and/or

radius/diameter map

The details provided by the consumer form an enquiry that can be stored in request database 230. The consumer query is associated to a consumer by including for example a consumer identifier. The consumer query further includes or specifies at least one field-value pair.

Relevant registered providers are identified by querying the register database 220 and the request database 230. For example, the consumer query is applied against the request database 230 which includes data records associated to goods and/or services offered by respective providers.

At least part of the consumer query is transmitted to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records. Preferably the consumer enquiry is forwarded

directly 260 to one or more relevant registered providers (for example Agents & Service Providers), including consumer contact details for a follow-up lead. Consumer contact details include name, email address and contact phone numbers. The consumer enquiry is forwarded directly to the relevant registered provider(s) via a data network (typically using email).

It is envisaged that at least one provider has an associated communication preference. Some providers may prefer one or more of conventional mail, facsimile, email, text message, internet messaging or other communication. Preferably such communication preferences are associated to provider records within the register database 220. At least one provider record is obtained from the register database and a communication preference extracted from the retrieved record(s). The consumer enquiry is then transmitted to the relevant provider(s) in accordance with the extracted provider communication preference(s).

Upon querying the request database 230, based on the consumer enquiry, all relevant electronic forms and brochures stored by a provider that match the consumer enquiry (for example real estate search criteria) are automatically forwarded 262 to the consumer.

Preferably at least one consumer has an associated communication preference in the same way as the provider. Communication preferences include one or more of conventional mail, facsimile, email, text message, internet messaging or other communication. The communication preference(s) is/are preferably associated to consumer records within the register database 220. At least one consumer record is obtained from the register database and a communication preference extracted from the retrieved record(s). Information arising out of the consumer query is then transmitted to the relevant consumer(s) in accordance with the extracted consumer communication preference(s).

In one example the consumer query results in one or more retrieved request data records. At least part of at least one of the retrieved request data records is transmitted to the consumer. These records include data identifying the properties of interest. In one embodiment some of the records include images and descriptions of the properties. This data is obtained from the websites of providers and stored in request database 230.

Alternatively or additionally, the data sent to consumers includes a link to further information stored on the websites of relevant providers. For example, a consumer may receive an email or text message that includes a brief description of a property and a hypertext link that, when selected by the user, displays a web page associated to the relevant property that is accessible from the website of the provider.

The provider will also be forwarded 260 (for example, by email) the consumer's details for a follow up lead and direct communication 264. When a consumer enquiry relates to purchasing real estate, the consumer can receive all electronic forms and brochures for relevant real estate, which consumer can peruse and make further enquiries. In this embodiment, the consumer is not required to regularly search through pages of advertising websites, and different websites. All matching properties can be directly forwarded to the consumer. The consumer can send out an enquiry and then view the returned forms and brochures.

When a consumer enquiry relates to selling real estate, the enquiry can include details of the real estate that is intended to be sold, including descriptions ( for example, by using ticking boxes provided in the user interface), and location ( for example, identified by postcode). In this embodiment, a provider that offers services within a predefined radius of the postcode, will receive the electronic enquiry for the sale of the real estate.

The online directory server is configured to automatically send to the consumer an electronic brochure or form relating to the services offered by the provider. Electronic brochures or forms can contain information including the provider's certificate of registration details (along with a photo, ABN/ACN, association registrations for identification purposes), recent sales, selling fee details and the like. The information will enable a consumer to make an informed decision of which provider they may wish to invite for a comprehensive appraisal and listing presentation. The provider will also be forwarded (for example by -email) the consumers details for a follow up lead.

It will be appreciated that the online directory server 200 can assist: a consumer in making a provider selection; and a provider in obtaining new business connections. It has the potential to provide a comprehensive, easy and cost effective listing tool for the real estate industry. For example, the online directory server can also assist landlords, tenants and real estate agents with leasing of real estate.

It will be appreciated that the online directory server 200 can be utilised for the purpose of other ancillary or associated services including any one or more of the following: Seeking a valuer; Seeking a Mortgager; Seeking a Removalist; Seeking an insurance provider; Seeking a depreciation schedule provider.

It will be appreciated that the online directory service can dispense with the task of searching different media and saves on considerable use of internet bandwidth, electricity, time and advertising costs for the real estate seller or leaser. It can also be used to seek services located internationally.

Referring to Figure 3, the method 300 of providing user access to business services can include the steps of:

STEP: 310 registering one or more provider, which can including obtaining contact details and/or electronic brochures and forms;

STEP: 320 receiving a consumer query that is relevant to at least one provider;

STEP: 330 optionally, forwarding available electronic brochures and forms associated with the at least one relevant provider;

STEP: 340 forwarding the query to the at least one relevant provider, including consumer contact details for enabling each of the at least one relevant provider to make direct contact with the consumer as a lead; and

STEP: 350 communicating directly between the at least one relevant provider and the consumer.

Figure 4 shows another preferred form method 400 for providing access to an online directory.

A consumer query is received 410. As described above, the query is typically constructed from an electronic form completed by a consumer. The query typically includes one or more field-value pairs.

It is envisaged that the server 1 10 receives the consumer query. In one embodiment consumer queries are stored in the register database 220 and/or request database 230. In this way consumer queries stored in databases 220 and/or 230 are periodically retrieved and applied against the request database 230. Properties that are newly listed are matched to stored consumer queries. Furthermore, changes in consumer queries are applied to existing and newly listed properties.

If 420 any goods and/or services match the consumer query parameters then documents associated to the matching goods/services are sent 430 to the consumer who has requested details.

As described above, details of the query are sent 440 to at least one provider associated to the matching goods/services.

If 450 there are any further queries then these additional queries are processed in the same manner.

If no goods or services match the query parameters then a nil result is returned 460. The consumer is preferably asked to refine their query or at least perform another query.

Figure 5 shows a simplified block diagram of a device forming at least part of directory server 1 10, provider element 130, and consumer element 140 in the example form of a computing device 500. Sets of computer executable instructions are executed within device 500 that cause the device 500 to perform the methods described above.

Preferably the computing device 500 is connected to other devices. Where the device is networked to other devices, the device is configured to operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment. Alternatively the device can operate as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The device may also include any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that machine. These instructions can be sequential or otherwise.

A single device 500 is shown in Figure 5. The term "computing device" also includes any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set or multiple sets of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described above.

The example computing device 500 includes a processor 505. One example of a processor is a central processing unit or CPU. The device further includes read-only memory (ROM) 510 and random access memory (RAM) 515. Also included is a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) chip 520. The processor 505, ROM 510, RAM 515 and the BIOS chip 520 communicate with each other via a central motherboard 525.

Computing device 500 further includes a power supply 530 which provides electricity to the computing device 500. Power supply 530 may also be supplemented with a rechargeable battery (not shown) that provides power to the device 500 in the absence of external power.

Also included are one or more drives 535. These drives include one or more hard drives and/or one or more solid state flash hard drives. Drives 535 also include optical drives.

Network interface device 540 includes a modem and/or wireless card that permits the computing device 500 to communicate with other devices. Computing device 500 may also comprise a sound and/or graphics card 545 to support the operation of the data output device 560 described below. Computing device 500 further includes a cooling system 550 for example a heat sink or fan.

Computing device 500 includes one or more data input devices 555. These devices include a keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen, mouse, and/or joystick. The device(s) take(s) input from manual keypresses, user touch with finger(s) or stylus, spoken commands, gestures, and/or movement/orientation of the device.

Data output device(s) 560 include a display and/or printer. Device(s) 560 may further include computer executable instructions that cause the computing device 500 to generate a data file such as a PDF file.

Data port 565 is able to receive a computer readable medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures, for example computer software. The software causes the computing device 500 to perform one or more of the methods or functions described above. Data port 565 includes a USB port, Firewire port, or other type of interface. The computer readable medium includes a solid state storage device. Where drives 535 include an optical media drive, the computer readable medium includes a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray, or other optical medium.

Software may also reside completely or at least partially within ROM 510, within erasable non-volatile storage and/or within processor 505 during execution by the computing device 500. In this case ROM 510 and processor 505 constitute computer- readable tangible storage media. Software may further be transmitted or received over a network via network interface device 540. The data transfer uses any one of a number of well known transfer protocols. One example is hypertext transfer protocol (http).

The term "computer-readable medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media. Examples of multiple media include a centralised or distributed database and/or associated caches. These multiple media store the one or more sets of computer executable instructions. The term "computer readable medium" should also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor and that cause the processor to perform any one or more of the methods described above. The computer-readable medium is also capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with these sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" includes solid-state memories, optical media and magnetic media.

Example 2 - Travel

In this example, a consumer seeks services related to travel through a provider that offers such relevant services. A consumer is typically a potential traveller and a provider can include: operators of holiday accommodation (such as hotels, serviced apartments, holiday lettings, motels, etc .); travel providers (air, train, ship, bus, hire car etc); and activity providers.

It will be appreciated that the online directory server, being similar to that shown in Figure 2, can enable a process of enquiring about (and later making booking for) holiday accommodation and business accommodation, without necessitating use of an intermediary service such as print media and/or online advertising.

Similar to the embodiment online directory server 200, all response to enquiries, bookings and payments can be made through direct communication between the consumer and provider. In regards to an initial enquiry made by a consumer through the user interface, the provider server can directly (automatically or manually) communicate a response to the consumer. The online directory server can also forward prepared electronic brochures and forms prepared and saved by a registered provider, and which are relevant to the initial enquiry made by a consumer. For example, all accommodation that meets the criteria provided by the initial enquiry (including availability dates) can be forwarded to the consumer. This can enable the consumer to directly invite a provider interested in offering their accommodation directly.

Each provider can compete and manage their available offering (for example holiday letting portfolio) directly without the need to be advertised on an array of online websites. It also allows the provider to directly communicate significantly reduced rates to selected customers in competing for last minute bookings to maximise the opportunity in filling their rooms.

A provider can be required to pay a registration fee, either initially and/or periodically. The provider registration fees can be based on the prescribed serviced for which the provider is registered. The provider can directly follow up the consumer enquiry.

It will be appreciated that a consumer can seek services for buying or selling

accommodation.

Referring again to Figure 2, the figure shows a data flow diagram for an embodiment online directory server 200, wherein a provider 210 can register 212 their services. Registration can include selecting a subscription options and making payment of any registration fees. Registration can also include updating register information associated to the provider, which is stored in a register database 220. A provider can provide electronic forms and brochures relating to their goods and/or services offered, which is stored in a request database 230. Providers can create E-Brochures from pre-prepared templates provided by the online directory server.

A consumer 250 can register 252 their interest. Registration can include selecting at least one consumer preference and making payment of any access fees. Registration can also include updating register information associated to the consumer details, which is stored in a register database 220. Registration can also include updating register information associated to the provider's goods and/or services required, which is stored in a request database 230.

A consumer can complete an electronic form which sets out details of the goods or services they are interested in obtaining. For example, the consumer identifies details of accommodation to be booked 254 or made available 526 and/or the services that they are interested in obtaining. An accommodation search/enquiry can be filtered by all types of accommodation - holiday, short stay, long stay, business, services, non-serviced, hotel, motel, boarding house, serviced apartment , backpacker accommodation etc. The details provided by the consumer form an enquiry which can be stored in the request database 230. Relevant registered providers are identified by querying the register database 220 and request database 230, and the consumer enquiry is forwarded directly 260 to at least one relevant registered provider (for example hotel booking manager, accommodation manages etc), including consumer contact details for a follow- up lead. The consumer enquiry is forwarded directly to relevant registered provider(s) via a data network (typically using email).

Upon querying the request database 230, based on the consumer enquiry, all relevant electronic forms and brochures stored by a provider that match the consumer enquiry (for example accommodation providers) can be automatically forwarded 262 to the consumer. The provider will also be forwarded 264 (for example, by email) the consumers details for a follow up lead and direct communication 266.

When a consumer enquiry relates to booking accommodation (or relevant service), the consumer can receive all electronic forms and brochures for relevant accommodation, which consumer can peruse and make further enquiries. In this embodiment, the consumer is not required to regularly search through pages of advertising websites, and different websites. All matching accommodation can be directly forwarded to the consumer. The consumer can send out an enquiry and then view the returned forms and brochures.

When a consumer enquiry relates to offering accommodation, the enquiry can include details of the accommodation that is intended to be made available, including descriptions ( for example, by using ticking boxes provided in the user interface), and location ( for example, identified by postcode). In this embodiment, a provider that offers relevant services within a predefined radius of the postcode, will receive the electronic enquiry for making the accommodation available.

The online directory server can automatically send to the consumer an electronic brochure or form relating to the services offered by the provider. Electronic brochures or forms can contain information including the provider's certificate of registration details (along with a photo, ABN/ACN, association registrations for identification purposes), recent offerings, relevant fee details and the like. The information will enable a consumer to make an informed decision of which provider they may wish to invite for a comprehensive appraisal and listing presentation. The provider will also be forwarded (for example by -email) the consumers details for a follow up lead.

It will be appreciated that the online directory server 200 can assist: a consumer in making a provider selection; and a provider in obtaining new business connections. It has the potential to provide a comprehensive, easy and cost effective listing tool for the accommodation market and travel industry.

It will be appreciated that the online directory server 200 can be utilised for the purpose of other ancillary or associated services including any one or more of the following: Seeking car hire; Seeking travel insurance; Seeking an airport transfer.

It will be appreciated that the online directory service can dispense with the task of searching different media and saves on considerable advertising costs for travel related services. It can also be used to seek service located internationally.

Interpretation

It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments disclose queryable online directories that can be queried for relevant providers. It will be appreciated that, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment.

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as

"processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining" or the like, can refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken is included.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "coupled", when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary

embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

A method for providing access to an online directory, the method comprising: receiving a consumer query, the query associated to a consumer and specifying at least one field-value pair; applying the consumer query against a request database, the request database including data records associated to goods and/or services offered by respective providers; retrieving from the request database at least one data record matching the at least one field-value pair of the consumer query; transmitting at least part of the at least one retrieved request data record to the consumer; and transmitting at least part of the consumer query to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records.

The method of claim 1 further comprising retrieving at least one customer data record from a register database, the register database including data records associated to respective consumers and providers; and constructing the consumer query at least partly from the at least one retrieved register data record.

The method of claim 1 further comprising retrieving at least one request data record from the request database; and constructing the consumer query at least partly from the at least one retrieved request data record.

The method of claim 2 or claim 3 further comprising: extracting a consumer communication preference from the retrieved at least one register data record; and transmitting the at least part of the at least one retrieved request data record to the consumer in accordance with the extracted consumer communication preference.

5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4 further comprising: retrieving at least one provider data record from the register database; extracting a provider communication preference from the retrieved at least one provider data record; and transmitting the at least part of the consumer query to the provider(s) associated to the retrieved request data records in accordance with the extracted provider communication preference(s).

6. An online directory apparatus comprising an online directory server coupled to a data network, the online directory server connectable to a database having data records for storing data indicative of a good or service offered by a provider, the online directory server having an interface module for providing an online directory user interface to a consumer element.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a provider element communicates with the online directory server to provide data indicative of a good or service offered by a respective provider, which is stored in the database.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the consumer element is adapted to present the user interface to a user.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8 configured to receive a provider registration associated to services from a provider.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein provider registration includes updating register information associated with the provider, which is stored in a register database.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10 configured to receive electronic forms and brochures relating to goods and/or services offered by a provider, which is stored in a request database.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 1 1 configured to receive a consumer registration from a consumer.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the consumer registration includes updating register information associated to the consumer details, which is stored in a register database.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the consumer registration includes updating register information associated with the provider's goods and/or services required, which is stored in a request database.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 14 configured to obtain from a consumer a consumer enquiry comprising an electronic form on a user interface which sets out details of the goods or services the consumer is interested in obtaining.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 configured to: identify relevant registered providers by querying the register database and request database; and forward the consumer enquiry directly to each relevant registered provider, including consumer contact details for a follow-up lead.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 configured to, upon querying the request database, based on the consumer enquiry, automatically forward to the consumer at least some relevant electronic forms and brochures stored by a provider that match the consumer enquiry.

18. A provider access interface for a processor device, the processor device being adapted to receive a consumer enquiry, the processor device connectable to a database having data records for storing data indicative of a good or service offered by a provider; the interface comprising a control program adapted to advise relevant providers of the consumer contact details.

19. A computer readable medium on which is stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

20. A computer program product stored on a computer usable medium, the computer program product adapted to provide a provider access interface for a computer device, the computer device being adapted to receive access data indicative of a consumer enquiry, the computer device connectable to a database having one or more data records for storing data indicative a good or service offered by a provider, the computer program product comprising computer readable program means for performing a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.