Abstract

Key initiated transaction requests at a terminal remote from and in communication with a host data processing system are processed at the terminal under the selective control of the host. Each active transaction key at the terminal keyboard is assigned one of three different states. Transactions requested by keys assigned a standard state are processed at the terminal without further data input being required of the customer. Transactions requested by keys having a data entry state are also handled within the terminal and with the additional customer entered data required to complete the transaction being requested by and received by the terminal using sets of messages previously stored in the terminal by the host data processing system. Transactions designated by an interactive key state take place within and involve communication of interactive start, display, response, and completion messages, and of transaction request, reply, and status messages between both the terminal and the host, enabling the responses and other communications generated by the host in connection with a transaction for a particular customer to be customized.