Networked business system

摘要

A method of procuring goods and/or services using a merchant server coupled to a computer network is disclosed. The network ( 100 ) comprises at least one smart card ( 120 ) having a memory device ( 122 ) programmed with access information corresponding to and associated with one more icons ( 124 ) formed on a surface of the smart card ( 120 ). The smart card ( 120 ) is locatable with a reader device ( 160 ) coupled to the network ( 100 ) to permit a reading of the memory device ( 122 ) to associate the access information with one of the icons ( 124 ) selected by a user depressing a touch panel ( 162 ) of the reader ( 160 ) device overlying the icons ( 124 ). The method transmits the access information from the reader ( 160 ) to the merchant server ( 200 ) in response to selection of the one icon ( 124 ). The method utilises the merchant server ( 200 ) to provide the goods and/or services for retrieval by the user according to the access information. The method monitors the transmission of the access information to the merchant server ( 200 ) and invoices at least one user of the network ( 100 ) for costs associated with provision of the goods and/or services.