Abstract: Generating a structured data object is disclosed. A plurality of pieces of content from a website is extracted at an Internet browser application associated with a client side. A structured data object is assembled, at the Internet browser application associated with the client side, using the plurality of pieces of content extracted from the website. Extracting and assembling includes performing one or more scripts, wherein at least some of the one or more scripts is/are provided to the Internet browser application associated with the client side by an entity that is not associated with the website.

Abstract: An importable electronic template and methods of creating and utilizing the importable template. The template includes an alphanumeric field created by a template creation entity and a response field created by the template creation entity. Data is electronically entered into the response field by a responding entity. The importable electronic template is incorporated into a general purpose electronic template.

Abstract: Embodiments for a supplier/buyer (S/B) network providing catalog updates are disclosed. One method includes the S/B network receiving a request for an update of product information of a catalog. The S/B network receives a profile request of at least one supplier from a buyer. The S/B network confirms that the at least one supplier supports product updates. If the at least one supplier supports product information updates, then the S/B network receives the request for a product information update from the buyer, and requests the product information update from the at least one supplier. The S/B network receives the product information update from the at least one supplier, and the S/B network updates the catalog based on the product information update.

Abstract: An auction methodology wherein the auction competition among the bidders is generated by allowing each bidder to bid for non-price bid parameters (e.g., lead time, labor rate, contract length, etc.) in addition to the price of the lot on auction. Such a multi-parameter bidding provides the buyer (i.e., the auction requester) with more diverse information when selecting the winning bidder. The buyer and each bidder participating in the electronic auction may receive a real-time feedback of the bidding activity including details on bids placed for price and non-price parameters, which allows each bidder to adjust or modify one or more of its own bids (for price and non-price bid parameters) to effectively compete in the auction.

Abstract: Embodiments for maintaining a company profile of a company associated with a supplier/buyer commerce network are disclosed. One method includes collecting activity information of the company. The collecting includes monitoring a plurality of databases that each maintains activity information associated with the company, assigning a unique identification for the company across the plurality of databases, exporting the activity information associated with the company from each of the plurality of databases, and aggregating the activity information. The method further includes updating the company profile with the aggregated activity information of the company.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems and apparatus for integrating commerce networks are disclosed. One method includes receiving a commercial transaction request associated with a business process from a member of the second commerce network, to conduct commerce with a member of the first commerce network, wherein the request includes a second commerce network associated identifier, confirming that the member of the second commerce network is a user of the second commerce network based on the second commerce network associated identifier, enabling the member of the second commerce network to join the first commerce network upon confirmation that the member of the second commerce network is a user of the second commerce network, and allowing the member of the second commerce network to conduct commerce on the first commerce network after enabling the member of the second commerce network.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a suggested bid value that surpasses a selected bid are disclosed. A user selectable facility is provided. In response to receiving a selection event associated with the user selectable facility: (1) the value of the selected bid, which is other than the first ranked bid value, is established; (2) the suggested bid value is calculated by applying a predetermined minimum differential value to the selected bid value; and (3) the suggested bid value is conveyed to a user.

Abstract: A master dynamic configuration directory can store connection strings and data adapters for data entities based on a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. The information can be stored in multiple data stores, each of which can have a different data type. A data request from a requesting entity comprises a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. A system application can receive a data request and can access the local instance of the dynamic configuration directory to determine the corresponding connection string and data adapter based on the routing identifier and business entity identifier in the data request. The system sub-application creates a data access instance based on the connection string and data adapter. The system application loads the data access instance to access the data entity at the appropriate location and to perform a data function according to the data request.

Abstract: Enabling a supplier is disclosed. An indication of a transaction associated with a business process between a buyer and a supplier is received. A supplier enablement action is initiated in response to receiving the indication. The supplier enablement action is associated with enabling the supplier to join a supplier network.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems and apparatus for a buyer/supplier network aiding supplier enablement through creation of a requisition between a buyer and a supplier are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by the buyer/supplier network, a collaboration request for information about a good or service being purchased by a buyer. At least one supplier is identified from an approved supplier list that has the requested information. An account is created for each of the identified suppliers on the buyer/supplier network, and an invitation is sent to each of the suppliers to join the buyer/supplier network. Each of the invited suppliers is allowed to log into the buyer/supplier network through the invitation, and address the request for information.

Abstract: Techniques for soliciting and receiving bids for goods or services necessary to satisfy a spot need of a buyer are disclosed. A request to procure goods or services is received. At least one aspect associated with the request is a requirement that the requested goods or services be available for immediate delivery. Potential bidders are electronically notified. An auction is conducted. One or more winning bidders are selected in accordance with received bids.

Abstract: An importable electronic template and methods of creating and utilizing the importable template. The template includes an alphanumeric field created by a template creation entity and a response field created by the template creation entity. Data is electronically entered into the response field by a responding entity. The importable electronic template is incorporated into a general purpose electronic template.

Abstract: Embodiments for facilitating an electronic auction of prepayment of an invoice are disclosed. One embodiment includes a server for facilitating an electronic auction of prepayment of an invoice.

Abstract: A supplier for commerce is approved of. In the event activity in a buyer operated application occurs, authorization of the supplier is initiated. Via a supplier network, information about the supplier with respect to a buyer is received. The received information includes a structured commerce profile for the supplier. The received information is made available to the buyer to make a decision regarding whether to approve of the supplier. The decision is received from the buyer. In the event the received decision is to approve of the supplier, an indication associated with adding the supplier to an approved supplier list in a buyer operated application is sent.

Abstract: Dynamic data access and storage. A master dynamic configuration directory can store connection strings and data adapters for data entities based on a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. The information can be stored in multiple data stores, each of which can have a different data type. A data request from a requesting entity comprises a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. A system application can receive a data request and can access the local instance of the dynamic configuration directory to determine the corresponding connection string and data adapter based on the routing identifier and business entity identifier in the data request. The system sub-application creates a data access instance based on the connection string and data adapter. The system application loads the data access instance to access the data entity at the appropriate location and to perform a data function according to the data request.

Abstract: Embodiments of method, systems and apparatuses for dynamic collaboration of a buyer/supplier network are disclosed. One method includes providing a buyer with a catalog or non-catalog item. A collaboration request is submitted by the buyer, thereby initiating a negotiation with one or more suppliers. The collaboration request is provided to the one or more suppliers. A proposal is received from at least one of the suppliers, and the buyer provides an acceptance or a rejection to each received proposal. An embodiment further specifies that the buyer collaborate with at least N suppliers, wherein N is selected by the buyer.

Abstract: Embodiments for facilitating an electronic auction of prepayment of an invoice are disclosed. One method includes a supplier and a buyer approving the invoice with definite terms. The supplier electronically submits the invoice with proposed prepayment terms to an exchange platform. The exchange platform provides an electronic auction of the invoice with proposed prepayment terms to a plurality of bidders and receiving a bid from at least one of the plurality of bidders. Payment of the invoice between the winning bidder and the supplier is electronically facilitated if a winning bid is received.

Abstract: A system and method for soliciting and receiving bids for goods or services necessary to satisfy a spot need of a buyer. The system receives a request to procure goods or services that are required to satisfy the spot need of the buyer. The request includes information identifying the type of goods or services being procured by the buyer. Next, the system automatically selects a plurality of suppliers to invite to the on-line auction by querying a supplier database with information from the request. The supplier database includes records identifying suppliers capable of supplying a plurality of different goods and services to a spot marketplace. For each supplier represented in the supplier database, a record is stored in the supplier database, which includes information representing the capabilities of the supplier to deliver at least one good or service.

Abstract: Techniques for advancing a first bidder to a desired rank in an electronic auction are disclosed. In response to actuation of a bid rank advancement function by a first bidder, a new bid for the first bidder is calculated by applying a predetermined minimum differential value to a current bid of a second bidder that holds the desired rank in the electronic auction. The new bid is automatically submitted to the electronic auction on behalf of the first bidder.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods, systems and apparatuses of a commerce network for matching buyers and sellers are disclosed. One computer-method includes identifying buyer information, wherein the buyer information includes at least one of a buyer need or a buyer profile, wherein the buyer need includes at least one of a commodity or service that the buyer has indicated a present need, and wherein the buyer profile includes at least self-reported information. The computer-method further includes identifying seller information, wherein the seller information includes at least one of a seller profile and tracked seller behavior, wherein the seller profile includes at least self-reported information and wherein the tracked seller behavior includes at least interest shown or responses of a seller to previously identified instances of buyer information. The computer-method further includes matching the buyers with sellers by matching the buyer information with the seller information.