Method and apparatus for controlling execution of a computer operation

A method, executed on a suitably programmed computer, for regulating execution of a computer operation by a computer operator, the method comprising:

• receiving and storing an authorization routine and a notification routine that regulates execution of the computer operation, wherein the routine may be customized using a programming interface by providing parameters, each of the authorization routine and the notification routine executed in one of a check mode and an execute mode;
• receiving a request to execute a computer operation from a computer operator;
• determining if authorization is required for executing the computer operation;
• running the authorization routine in the check mode to determine if all of required authorization parameters are passed through from the computer operation to the authorization routine;
• seeking authorization from an authorizing party with the authorization routine if authorization is required by running the authorization routine in the execute mode to read the authorization parameters;
• determining if notification is required for executing the computer operation;
• running the notification routine in the check mode to determine if all of required notification parameters are passed through from the computer operation to the notification routine;
• if notification is required, generating a notification;
• executing the computer operation if authorization is granted and after running the notification routine in the check mode;
• terminating the computer operation if authorization is denied, wherein the party to be notified is notified that the computer operation was executed or terminated;
• and
• running the notification routine in an execute mode to provide a notification to a party to be notified.

A method for providing a customized authorization and notification routine created using a programming interface, the method being executed on a suitably programmed computing device and capable of regulating operation of the device, comprising:

• providing the programming interface for a customer to customize an authorization routine by providing parameters, the authorization routine executed in a check mode and an execute mode;
• receiving a request to execute an operation on the device;
• determining if authorization is required for executing the operation;
• running the authorization routine in the check mode to determine if all of required authorization parameters are passed through from the computer operation to the authorization routine;
• seeking authorization from an authorizing party with the authorization routine if authorization is required by running the authorization routine in the execute mode to read the authorization parameters;
• determining if notification is required for executing the operation;
• running a notification routine in a check mode to determine if all of required notification parameters are passed through from the computer operation to the notification routine;
• if notification is required, generating and providing a notification by running the notification routine in an execute mode;
• executing the operation if authorization is granted and the notification was received;
• and
• terminating the operation if authorization is denied or if the notification was not received, wherein the party to be notified is notified that the operation was executed or terminated.