Abstract: A system and method for multi-source transaction processing receives order requests from a client system operated by a user. The order requests may include order placements and order inquiries. For example, an order request may be a placement for a computer system and associated peripherals. The user may have particular fulfillment organization preferences, and different components of the computer system and associated peripherals may be fulfilled by different fulfillment partners. Accordingly, the orders order requests are processed by an order request servicing system to, for example, split the order request into multiple processed order requests and each of the processed order requests is associated with an order request management system and prepared for transmission to the associated order request management system. The order request management systems can utilize the processed order requests to fulfill the order request.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently responding to electronic requests for quote (“RFQ”). Through use, a user, such as a merchant, can automatically create and deliver an electronic RFQ response, without need for any interaction by the merchant. The merchant may establish certain criteria in order to allow the system and method to automatically respond to electronic RFQ's received by the merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for compiling data defining objects such as, but not necessarily limited to, components to be configured into a personal computer system. With respect to such components, a predetermined array of attributes is established to characterize particular components. At least two operators, or agents, independently acquire, from a global source of relevant data, values for the attributes. In a preferred embodiment, the agents are provided with a finite set of predetermined values, or ranges of values, that is deemed to include a value that is accurate for the attribute under consideration. The agents then respectively select values for the attribute, with the selection based on the acquired values considered with respect to the predetermined values. The respective values are error checked and then compared for equality. If the values selected by the agents are equal, a value for the attribute is written into an attribute database.