Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing one or more modules conforming to a hardware design specification. A user specification for at least a portion of a hardware design is received. One or more modules conforming to the specification are identified. The module(s) are retrieved and sent to the user. The module can be used to configure a configurable hardware device.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for configuring a device according to input/selected parameters. One or more configuration parameters for a configurable hardware device are received. Hardware description data is generated based on the received parameters. The hardware description data is transmitted to the hardware device. The hardware device is configured according to the hardware description data.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture are provided for configuring a device according to user-input information. One or more configuration parameters for a configurable hardware device are received from a user. The hardware device is configured according to the hardware description data. After configuration of the device, the device is sent to the user. An amount of money is charged to the user for the cost of the hardware device.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for conducting an auction for a hardware configuration module utilizing a network. A description of a hardware configuration module desired to be purchased is received from a customer. Bid prices for the module are received from a plurality of customers. Bidding is terminated upon occurrence of a specified event. One or more auction winners are selected from among the customers.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for conducting a network-based reverse-auction for a hardware configuration module. A hardware design specification is received from a customer utilizing a network. A bid price is received. The bid price represents the amount of money that the customer is willing to pay for a hardware design module conforming to the design specification. The user can use the hardware design module for configuring a configurable hardware device. A determination is made as to whether the bid price is acceptable. The bid is accepted if the bid price is acceptable. The customer is notified if the bid price is not acceptable.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for generating revenue by charging for access to a library having a pre-compiled hardware configuration module therein. A plurality of hardware configuration modules are stored in a library. A customer is prompted for hardware configuration criteria, which can include such things as desired functionality, a desired clock speed, a price, a description of an I/O or other device that will be attached to the hardware to be configured, etc. The selected module is sent to the customer. The customer is charged an amount of money.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for hardware design procurement. A customer request for a hardware configuration module is reveiced. A source of the requested module is selected and a determination is made as to whether the customer and the source agree on a price for the module. The module is provided to the customer.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing a hardware configuration module for generating revenue. A customer design specification for a configurable hardware device is sent to a contractor. The contractor analyzes the design specification. The contractor generates at least one hardware configuration module based on the design specification. The contractor compiles the modules into a file. The file is sent to the customer. The customer is charged an amount of money.