IP Library Granted Patent US 8,458,335
Granted Patent B2
US 8,458,335 · App. 09/884,741 · Granted Jun 4, 2013

Method and apparatus for relationship management

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,458,335
App. No.
09/884,741
Granted
Jun 4, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method and apparatus for relationship management of devices utilizing a network are described. A service aggregator receives information from a device and sends information to the device directing the device to communicate with a service provider.

Claims (14)

1. A method of managing a relationship between a device and a service provider, comprising:

initially receiving at a service aggregator connected to a network first information from the device when the device is connected to the network, the service aggregator having information about one or more service providers and the service aggregator configured to select a specific service provider from the one or more service providers for the device based on the first information;

secondly transmitting a second information from the service aggregator to the device directing the device to communicate with the specific service provider, the second information being based on the first information received from the device, wherein the first information is sent automatically from the device to the service aggregator;

determining a new connection event from the device; and

sending a new connection message to the device upon said determining said new connection event from said device;

determining and optionally updating the device upon said sending said new connection message to the device;

sending messages to the device upon said determining and optionally updating the device;

receiving user input from the device upon said sending messages to the device; and

configuring the device upon said receiving user input from the device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein updating the device comprises updating the device's memory.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein configuring the device further comprises:

determining a service provider; and

transferring to the device communication information about the service provider.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein transferring to the device communication information about the service provider further comprises instructing the device to establish a connection with the service provider.

Assignments (4)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 8, 2023
From: BMO BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
Reel/Frame 065835/0205 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 8, 2023
From: DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
To: BMO BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 065836/0981 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 19, 2019
From: DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
To: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
Reel/Frame 051370/0023 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 30, 2011
From: SILICON VALLEY BANK
To: DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
Reel/Frame 026049/0467 →