Internet strawman and user interface therefor

Abstract

Information for performing a transaction with a vendor is received at an intermediary. The transaction is to be performed on behalf of a consumer-subscriber. The intermediary presents the information to a vendor. Confirmation from the vendor of the transaction is received at the intermediary. The intermediary provides notification of the confirmation, and the notification is accessible by the consumer-subscriber.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method implemented by a device comprising a processor, memory, and a display, the method comprising:
 receiving, at an intermediary, information for performing a transaction with a vendor, the transaction to be performed on behalf of a consumer-subscriber;   the intermediary presenting the information to the vendor;   receiving, at the intermediary, confirmation from the vendor of the transaction; and   the intermediary providing notification of the confirmation, the notification accessible by the consumer-subscriber.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the notification comprises a displayed message. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the transaction is completed without disclosing information about the consumer-subscriber to the vendor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising displaying information identifying vendors with which transactions can be performed on behalf of the consumer-subscriber. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising receiving a selection of a vendor from among the vendors. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising sorting the information identifying the vendors to change the order of their display. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the information comprises monetary information. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising displaying a balance for the monetary information. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising adjusting the monetary information in response to completion of the transaction. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising displaying information about transactions completed over a period of time. 
     
     
         31 . A device comprising:
 a processor;   a display coupled to the processor; and   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having stored therein instructions that when executed cause the device to perform a method comprising:
 sending, to an intermediary, information for performing a transaction with a vendor, the transaction to be performed on behalf of a consumer-subscriber associated with the device, wherein in response to receiving the information the intermediary presents the information to the vendor; 
 receiving, via the intermediary, notification from the vendor confirming the transaction; and 
 presenting the notification to the consumer-subscriber. 
   
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the notification comprises a displayed message. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the transaction is completed without disclosing information about the consumer-subscriber to the vendor. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the device is operable for displaying information identifying vendors with which transactions can be performed on behalf of the consumer-subscriber. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the device is operable for receiving a selection of a vendor from among the vendors. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the device is operable for sorting the information identifying the vendors to change the order of their display. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the information comprises monetary information. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the device is operable for displaying a balance for the monetary information. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the device is operable for adjusting the monetary information in response to completion of the transaction. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the device is operable for displaying information about transactions completed over a period of time. 
     
     
         41 . A device comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having stored therein instructions that when executed cause the device to perform a method comprising:
 receiving, from a second device, information for performing a transaction with a vendor, the transaction to be performed on behalf of a consumer-subscriber associated with the second device; 
 presenting the information to the vendor; 
 receiving confirmation from the vendor of the transaction; and 
 providing notification of the confirmation to the second device, the notification accessible by the consumer-subscriber. 
   
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the transaction is completed without disclosing information about the consumer-subscriber to the vendor. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the device is operable for identifying vendors with which transactions can be performed on behalf of the consumer-subscriber. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 43 , wherein the device is operable for receiving a selection of a vendor from among the vendors. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the information comprises monetary information. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the information comprises information about transactions completed over a period of time.