The present invention provides a comprehensive, integrated, computerized
system for facilitating transactions in goods or services. The system is
capable of facilitating transactions from early or initial stages, such
as an electronically proposed purchase order, through to later or final
stages, such as payment on an invoice or invoices relating to the
transaction. The system is integrated to include the participation of
various providers of services ancillary to transactions, such as
guarantors, insurers, and shippers.The system may allow sellers or buyers
to electronically propose amendments and counter-amendments to, and to
amend, through mutual agreement, a purchase order agreement. Any
amendments are accounted for in later stages of the transaction
facilitated by the system. The system may monitor, utilizing stored
transaction information, present and anticipated future credit exposures
of buyers, and utilizes the buyer credit exposure information for
purposes including facilitating providing buyer credit assurance to
sellers. The system may facilitate sellers obtaining financing or advance
payment relating to transactions. The system may provide opportunities
for sellers or buyers to obtain cargo insurance on goods or services
shipped in accordance with transactions.