Abstract: A method for graphically presenting auction information. Characteristics of an auction for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise a target price for the item and a close time of the auction. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. At least one bid is received at a bid time, wherein the bid comprises a price for the item. A graphical presentation of status of the auction is generated, presenting auction information. The graphical presentation comprises a first axis and a second axis, wherein the bid is plotted as a point within the graphical presentation where the first axis corresponds to the bid time and the second axis corresponds to the price. New bids received are automatically plotted in real-time.

Abstract: A method for graphically presenting auction information. Characteristics of an auction for an item are received, wherein the characteristics comprise a target price for the item and a close time of the auction. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. At least one bid is received at a bid time, wherein the bid comprises a price for the item. A graphical presentation of status of the auction is generated, presenting auction information. The graphical presentation comprises a first axis and a second axis, wherein the bid is plotted as a point within the graphical presentation where the first axis corresponds to the bid time and the second axis corresponds to the price. New bids received are automatically plotted in real-time.

Abstract: A method for generating a negotiation. A request to generate a negotiation is received, wherein the request comprises a negotiation type. Common data and meta-data are accessed, wherein the meta-data is associated with the negotiation type and comprises at least one rule describing the negotiation type. A first user interface is rendered based on the common data and the meta-data, wherein the first user interface is rendered specific to the negotiation type and prompts for a user response defining a term of the negotiation. In response to the user response, the negotiation is generated based on the user response and the meta-data.

Abstract: An auction method for implementing attribute-based bidding and bid comparison in an electronic exchange. A specification defining an auction for an item is received, wherein the specification comprises a plurality of attributes of the item. An attribute defines the functionality of an aspect of the item with respect to the current auction. At least one attribute comprises a value and a score associated with the value and a portion of the plurality of attributes comprise a relative weight. The auction is then published to at least one bidder. A bid is received from a bidder, wherein the bid comprises a value associated with at least one attribute. A composite score for the bid is calculated based on the bid and the specification. A plurality of bids are then ranked based on the composite score for each bid. An evaluation score is calculated for each bid based on the bid price and composite score. A plurality of bids are then ranked based on the evaluation score for each bid.