Method and apparatus for value allocation exchange

Abstract

A value allocation brokerage and exchange system. In one embodiment, the value allocation brokerage and exchange system comprises a broker server used to buy and sell points over the Internet. The broker system is operably coupled to a local area network over a communications link. The local area network includes a database server hosted by a database host, with the database server maintaining a database of recent Internet point transactions. The broker server receives requests from users to exchange points with respect to a plurality of potential point systems.

1 . A computer based value exchange system, the value exchange system exchanging points from a first point system to a second point system after receiving a request from a user having points in the first point system and desiring points in the second point system, the first point system being maintained by a first entity allocating points redeemable for merchandise and the second point system being maintained by a second entity allocating points redeemable for merchandise, the computer based value exchange system comprising:
 a computer coupled to the Internet, the computer programmed to:
 receive a request from a user for an exchange of a number of points from the first point system to the second point system; and 
   determine an exchange ratio for exchanging points from the first point system with points from the second point system.   
     
     
         2 .- 12 . (canceled)