Abstract: A method for creating an electronic form for publication comprising responsive to first user input allowing a user to create the electronic form using a form-creating user interface wherein the user defines the fields and their values for the electronic form that is modeled after format information as specified by an entity; responsive to second user input allowing a user to fill in the electronic form to create a populated form; automatically creating the electronic message compliant with the format information; and transmitting the electronic message to the entity for publication. The user interface allows the user to create the form in compliant with the format information, thereby automating the process for flexible creation and publication of forms without a need to modify the software program for each entity, hence eliminating the manual process and saving time and money as well as creating more competition in the market.

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.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic form for publication comprising responsive to first user input allowing a user to create the electronic form using a form-creating user interface wherein the user defines the fields and their values for the electronic form that is modeled after format information as specified by an entity; responsive to second user input allowing a user to fill in the electronic form to create a populated form; automatically creating the electronic message compliant with the format information; and transmitting the electronic message to the entity for publication. The user interface allows the user to create the form in compliant with the format information, thereby automating the process for flexible creation and publication of forms without a need to modify the software program for each entity, hence eliminating the manual process and saving time and money as well as creating more competition in the market.