Abstract: A method and system for finding, accessing, connecting, and sharing information in the context of business activities. Authorized users may search and view information content from managed or unmanaged data repositories maintained at various locations. Users may connect and share this information to their business process (e.g., projects, products, and processes) without losing referential integrity. A virtual repository unifies information from multiple sources. On demand, information may be automatically managed and converted into structured information used to execute business processes.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to defining, sharing, unifying, and managing multiple structured representations of product information in the context of business activities. In certain aspects a data structure is provided that enables, among other things, unambiguous specification of subelements. In other aspects, a method is provided which may be used to, among other things, unambiguously specify subelements. Other aspects are described in the specification.