This invention is directed to a computer-implemented system and method for
regulating the flow of users into an on-line wizard, thereby improving
the experience of users entering the wizard. The flow is regulated by an
on-line wizard manager that measures the load experienced by one or more
servers associated with the on-line wizard. When new user requests to
access the on-line wizard are received by the wizard manager, the manager
determines whether access to the on-line wizard should be granted
immediately or delayed for a period of time based upon the measured load
on the servers. If a delay is warranted, the user is presented with
information about the delay. After the delay period, the user is granted
access to the on-line wizard.