Abstract: The method includes steps for creating and or modifying the organizational structure and data content of a frame-based, hierarchical product database with the use of tabularly arranged product data. The method features steps for enabling determination of a hierarchical database organizational structure capable of accommodating importation of tabular product data. Additionally, the method feature steps for facilitating either modification of an existing organizational structure where the database already exists, or, creation of a new frame-based, hierarchical organizational structure suitable for receiving the tabular data by generating an entirely new, original structure where none is available.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 31, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 28, 2002
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corp.
Inventors:
Arthur R. Greef, Martin F. Maldonado, Steffen M. Fohn