Robert E Mcclure

US Patent:

20040093298, May 13, 2004

Filed:

Nov 7, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/289596

Inventors:

Robert McClure - Suwanee GA, US
John Ragan - Dunwoody GA, US
Scott Robinson - Leesburg VA, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/037000, 705/030000

Abstract:

A cost-effective method for providing transactional and value-add services for trading energy commodities by providing a viable solution plus a value proposition that is being sought by energy producers, distributors, marketers and consumers but has not yet been introduced to the energy marketplace. Customers or trading entities of these outsourcing services are likely to include, but are not limited to, energy producers, distributors, marketers, and consumers that are or would like to be involved in trading. Other potential customers are the large financial institutions that lack the expertise in physical scheduling and delivery. These services can be offered by a single standalone entity or jointly with a plurality of partners. These services are provided to a trading entity through a method of capturing a trade into a trade life cycle process, confirming the trade, determining whether the trade is financial or physical, if physical scheduling delivery of the commodity, closing the trade, and preparing applicable reports and data files. Value added services can also be provided to the trading entity such as research and modeling services, asset optimization services, risk management services, and contract administration services.