Abstract: Methods and apparatus that deliver a searching experience that is substantially akin to consultation with a human expert, and that satisfies a user's information need in fulfilling projects such as purchasing, shopping, procurement, bartering, requesting for quotes, in online retail, traditional retail, wholesale, health care, travel, real estate, restaurant-going, entertainment, logistics, and sourcing are disclosed. Search results often contain entities that provide services and products. Records being searched are associated with industry sectors in a broad sense. Industry sector information is first derived from a user query; and is used in determining relevant and adequate additional questions for a searcher, and in matching, ranking, and presenting search results.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that deliver a searching experience that is substantially akin to consultation with a human expert, and that satisfies a user's information need in fulfilling projects such as purchasing, shopping, procurement, bartering, requesting for quotes, in online retail, traditional retail, wholesale, health care, travel, real estate, restaurant-going, entertainment, logistics, and sourcing are disclosed. Search results often contain entities that provide services and products. Records being searched are associated with industry sectors in a broad sense. Industry sector information is first derived from a user query; and is used in determining relevant and adequate additional questions for a searcher, and in matching, ranking, and presenting search results.