Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus enabling dissimilar devices to exchange information over a computer network stores a database of permissible sending and receiving devices at a verification server. A first device generates a request send authorization signel, which is compared at the server to the stored database and, in the event of a correspondence, a send authorization signel is generated by the server. Before a complete exchange may occur, however, a request receive authorization signal is generated at the second device in response to receiving the communication signal from the first device. The request receive authorization signal is compared to the database at the server and, in the event of a correspondence, a receive authorization signal is generated by the server, causing the second device to receive the message from the first device. A translation function is preferably provided prior to the step of causing the second device to receive the message from the first device, which may be related to dissimilar device hardware, software device protocol, network security, domestic/international communication standards, language or other factors, as appropriate.

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First Claim