Application service provider (ASP) featuring e-commerce software for use as a payment gateway that authorizes processing of credit cards or direct payments for merchants; Developing and hosting a server on a global computer network for the purpose of facilitating e-commerce via such a server; Providing user authentication services using biometric hardware and software technology for e-commerce transactions; Providing user authentication services using single sign on technology for e-commerce transactions; User authentication services using technology for e-commerce transactions