Versatile terminal adapter and network for transaction processing

A method of a terminal adapter interworking a transaction oriented request received on a terminal interface connected to a terminal with a first communication path providing access to a network, comprising the steps of:

• receiving a first transaction request message on the terminal interface of the terminal adapter from a terminal incorporating a card reader;
• retrieving predefined information stored in the terminal adapter associated with a network destination for said terminal interface;
• mapping the first transaction request message to a second transaction request message by the terminal adapter wherein the second transaction request message is encrypted;
• determining whether a primary communication path on a first network interface is operative;
• and
• sending the second transaction request message on the primary communication path if the primary communication path is operative or sending the second transaction request on a secondary communication path if the primary communication path is inoperative.

A computer readable medium with instructions for execution by a processor in a computer having a display and operatively connected to a card reader, and executing software for processing sales transactions comprising instructions for:

• receiving a first transaction message from the card reader;
• determining an address associated with a host processor;
• generating a second transaction oriented message incorporating information in part from the first transaction message, synchronization information, and a computer identification number;
• encrypting the second transaction message;
• sending the second transaction message over a first communication path if the first communication path is operational or over a second communication path if the first communication path is inoperational;
• receiving a first response from the host processor;
• and
• generating a display indication based in part on the first response.