Abstract: A business information repository system (10) is provided that is coupled to a distributed network (12). The business information repository system (10) includes a user interface that is coupled to a control system (28). The control system (28) accesses a business information database (65) using a search engine (26). The business information database (65) includes business information including glossaries, graphics, resumes, skills inventories, citations, proposals, customer information and internal corporate profiles, vendor information, standard solutions, and forecasted deal information. Utility functions (56) are provided including a data access manager (32), a forecasting engine (58), a graphics utility (60) and a population engine (62).

Abstract: A method of creating image palm prints is provided that comprises storing image data as a metafile within a clipboard storage facility (20). The metafile is then transferred to a memory device context (18). A portion of the image is then extracted using a boundary scan to discard background image data. The image is then converted into a device independent bit map and the device independent bit map is compressed to a predetermined size. The image palm print is then created by associating the compressed device independent bit map with the dimension data and palette information.