PROVIDER-SELECTED MESSAGE IN RESPONSE TO USER REQUEST

摘要

The present invention is directed to an improved Internet messaging system that satisfies the need for providing the Internet information provider with greater control over the viewing process of provider-selected messages. The system comprises an apparatus and method for providing a provider-selected message in response to a user request for user-selected information. A system having a features of the present invention comprises an Internet server for receiving a user request for user-selected information, and for determining if a qualified provider-selected message has previously been transmitted to the user. The server transmits provider-selected information (such as a commercial message) in response to the user request if no qualifying provider-selected message has been previously transmitted to the user.