A group of entrepreneurs are establishing a new nation-wide, Internet- based discount computer supply service. The service, which will be named Discount Computer Parts, will work as other similar "shop-by-Internet" services. Specifically, the entrepreneurs foresee the following "typical" scenario Individuals will be required to purchase yearly memberships for a nominal fee which entitle them to use the shopping service. A member initiates a sale by accessing Discount Computer Parts' Web page and verifying their membership status with their membership number. This process will be supported through a database system of membership information that is accessed automatically by the Web page software. The system will present the current information stored in the database so that the user may verify that the database is correct. Membership information includes member identification number, name, billing address, shipping address (often the same as the billing address), telephone number, fax number, and email address. Each member is categorized as either "good standing" (i.e., good payment history), "questionable" (i.e., 3 late payments), or "prohibited" (i.e., no longer allowed to order due to non-payment of any order). New members start with a "good standing" rating. "Prohibited" members move into the "questionable" category upon payment of any outstanding balance. Once they have promptly paid three new orders, they move into "good standing" again. Once membership has been verified, the member may order whatever items are desired from one of many Web pages that can be accessed. Of course, all inventory displayed in the Web pages will be in a database system. Inventory in the database system will be categorized by hardware, software, and documenttation (for educational materials). Each item has an inventory number, price, manufacturer's name, and current stock level. A sale will automatically generate a sipping order which will be usea (I) at a warehouse to fill the order, (2) at the company to provide a record of the sale and (3) at the shipping center to provide a shipping label. Each inventory item has a minimum stock level A group of entrepreneurs are establishing a new nation-wide, Internet- based discount computer supply service. The service, which will be named Discount Computer Parts, will work as other similar "shop-by-Internet" services. Specifically, the entrepreneurs foresee the following "typical" scenario Individuals will be required to purchase yearly memberships for a nominal fee which entitle them to use the shopping service. A member initiates a sale by accessing Discount Computer Parts' Web page and verifying their membership status with their membership number. This process will be supported through a database system of membership information that is accessed automatically by the Web page software. The system will present the current information stored in the database so that the user may verify that the database is correct. Membership information includes member identification number, name, billing address, shipping address (often the same as the billing address), telephone number, fax number, and email address. Each member is categorized as either "good standing" (i.e., good payment history), "questionable" (i.e., 3 late payments), or "prohibited" (i.e., no longer allowed to order due to non-payment of any order). New members start with a "good standing" rating. "Prohibited" members move into the "questionable" category upon payment of any outstanding balance. Once they have promptly paid three new orders, they move into "good standing" again. Once membership has been verified, the member may order whatever items are desired from one of many Web pages that can be accessed. Of course, all inventory displayed in the Web pages will be in a database system. Inventory in the database system will be categorized by hardware, software, and documenttation (for educational materials). Each item has an inventory number, price, manufacturer's name, and current stock level. A sale will automatically generate a sipping order which will be usea (I) at a warehouse to fill the order, (2) at the company to provide a record of the sale and (3) at the shipping center to provide a shipping label. Each inventory item has a minimum stock level