Subdomain Tracking Code for Secure Affiliate Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing affiliate programs in electronic commerce rely on scripting and web browsers for identifying affiliates, which is not ideal and lacks secure server-to-server information exchange capabilities, making it difficult for merchants to track referrals effectively.
Innovation Solution
Using a sub-domain portion of a domain name to pass a unique tracking code, enabling secure server-to-server information exchange and affiliate identification, allowing merchants to track referrals accurately throughout and after e-commerce transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scripting and web browsers are used to identify affiliates, then affiliate identification is functional, but secure server-to-server information exchange is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the affiliate identification mechanism from the web browser environment and relocates it to the server level. By embedding the unique tracking code directly in the URL string that servers exchange, the system eliminates dependence on browser-based scripting while maintaining affiliate identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique tracking code embedded in the URL string serves as an intermediary that carries affiliate identification information between servers. This mediator enables secure server-to-server communication by encapsulating the affiliate identifier in a standardized format that can be reliably transmitted and processed.
2Measurement precision
If variables are added to URL string to identify affiliate, then affiliate tracking is enabled, but tracking accuracy and security are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter structure of the URL string by embedding the unique tracking code as a subdomain portion rather than as a variable appendage. This structural change enhances both tracking accuracy (by making the identifier a fundamental part of the URL hierarchy) and security (by utilizing standardized URL parsing mechanisms that are more reliable and less prone to manipulation).
Data Source
AI summary
A method of verifying the identify of an affiliate enrolled in an affiliate program of a merchant and then transmitting information between the affiliate and the merchant is provided. The method relies on embedding a unique identification code in a sub-domain portion of a domain name. Once an identification process has been completed, a server-to-server exchange of information is able to freely continue throughout a shopping session and even beyond checkout to easily handle post transaction changes, returns, cancellations, modifications, shipment notifications, status notifications, and the like.