An important component of the Cinemage system is the NetXchequer authentication and billing server. It authenticates users (through user accounts and passwords), monitors usage, and handles accounting and billing.
NetXchequer currently functions as a subscription-based service that is used to create and maintain user accounts and service packages. A service package can be thought of as a collection of items that a user can subscribe to. In its simplest form a package might simply consist of connection time. Thus a customer might subscribe to a package that provides for 5 hours of connection time per month. If the monthly limit is exceeded the account is in-activated until the end of the month. At the start of the next month usage will be reset. Packages can consist of several items, so for example a package might include 10 hours per month of access, ability to look at unlimited numbers of thumbnail images, and a limit of 100 full-sized images per month. The system also allows for the addition of options. (Thus the unfortunate individual above who exceeded the connection time limit could purchase additional time.) The system also provides different rate structures. Thus, for example, one rate can be set for the general public, another for museum staff, and a third for students.
When a person wishes to purchase an account on the system they first contact an ACT staff member who uses NetXchequer to create an account for them. When the account is created a password is assigned to the customer. The customer can then purchase a service package and possibly some optional extras. Once the information has been entered into the system and payment received, the account is activated and the customer can begin using it. The account name and password are required in conjunction with the client software package to access the Cinemage image database.