Under the present invention, a customized contract is created based on the
needs of the parties and is then stored within a secure computer
infrastructure. Security within the computer infrastructure is typically
provided through encryption such as 128 bit encryption. Moreover, all
actions taken with respect to the contract (e.g., approval, execution,
etc.) occur within the infrastructure and are recorded so that a record
can be provided. Any party taking action will first be authenticated
before access to the infrastructure is granted. In order for the contract
to be electronically executed, both the originating contract partner and
the receiving contract partner must first deliberately approve the
contract. Once approval has been obtained, the contract can be
electronically executed by both parties. After execution is complete, a
final image of the contract is generated that includes the electronic
signatures and the date of execution.