Abstract: A description language providing a hierarchical data structure that includes a public portion, hierarchically storing product information including identification of the product and standard and optional features desired for the product. The data structure further includes a private portion for secure storage of customer information. The discloser includes a system comprising a server with a product database, an intermediary subsystem, and a seller subsystem. A product is configured which stores the configured product and features in the data structure. A request for quote (RFQ) is transmitted, with the data structure, to sellers in the customer's geographic area, based on a comparison of product features with sellers stock. Quotes are returned from the sellers in response to which the customer sends an acceptance of a quote to the appropriate seller. While the invention is applicable to any product available in multiple configurations, specific embodiments are directed to vehicle implementations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for configuring a product using a server and a client connected by a computer network, wherein the product has multiple possible configurations, and wherein each configuration is defined by a set of standard attributes and a set of optional attributes. The process comprises receiving from the client a request for a base configuration comprising the set of standard attributes, transmitting to the client the standard attribute set for the base configuration, and transmitting to the client a plurality of Web pages containing an option data set including all possible optional attributes and a set of commands, the set of commands being executed on the client and allowing a user to select the set of optional attributes using the client.