WO2001023979A2

WO2001023979A2 - Method and device for a commercial network system utilizing an agent to assist buyers or sellers

Info

Publication number: WO2001023979A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/041006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eli More
Original assignee: Eli More
Priority date: 1999-09-28
Filing date: 2000-09-27
Publication date: 2001-04-05
Also published as: WO2001023979A3; AU1492701A

Abstract

A device and method for providing an Internet commercial network system that provides two or three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent is disclosed. The forum provided for such a communication is a commercial network system website on the Internet. The website provides a bids billboard on which buyers can post a request for a quotation. Upon obtaining a posting on the bids billboards from a buyer, a search is conducted for an appropriate seller or agent to assist the buyer. If an appropriate agent is found, the network system provides the agent with the opportunity to communicate directly with the buyer to ascertain the buyer's needs. The network system also provides the agent with the opportunity to search for an appropriate seller and a vehicle by which to communicate the seller's quote to the buyer. Alternatively, upon obtaining a posting from a buyer, a search can be conducted for an appropriate seller. If an appropriate seller is found, the network system provides the seller with the opportunity to search for an appropriate agent to communicate directly with the buyer to ascertain the buyer's needs. A vehicle is also provided to the seller by which the seller can communicate a quote to the buyer.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR A COMMERCIAL NETWORK SYSTEM UTILIZING AN AGENT TO ASSIST BUYERS OR SELLERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and device for a commercial network system, and more particularly to a commercial network system utilizing an agent to assist buyers or sellers. An agent, in this context refers to an individual or organization that assists in sales, consulting or services, as described more fully herein.

Today most goods and services sold at retail are dene by using a general seller-driven process whereby the seller sets a price and the buyer decides whether or not to accept that price. For some goods or services, the prices may fluctuate from day-today but nonetheless, the buyer usually has no choice but to wait for the seller to offer a price that the buyer finds acceptable. The alternative to the seller-driven system is a buyer- driven system whereby the buyer finds the seller by placing a classified ad or contacting the seller in some other manner requesting bids. The buyer-driven system allows the buyer to exercise more control over the terms and conditions of their purchases and allows buyers to reach sellers that do not have the resources to advertise globally.

One specific exemplification of the buyer-driven system has been the procurement of industrial and office supplies by corporations. Most large businesses spend more than one-third of their revenues on the purchase of operating resources. These procurements range from office supplies, such as computers, furniture, and stationery, to manufacturing equipment and maintenance supplies. Traditionally, these businesses maintain a staff in the purchasing department that concentrates entirely on obtaining the services and supplies required by the corporation. Once a need for a supply is identified, the 35709/KM/M736

purchasing agent contacts numerous sellers, either individually or through a mass notification system, requesting bids. Interested sellers can provide their bids to the purchasing agent who makes a final decision based on the bids received. Traditionally, this entire exchange is based on a series of paper-based offers, bids, and specifications that culminates in a written agreement. It has been estimated that each transaction costs an estimated $150 to process through the traditional paper-based cycle. Multiply that by the thousands of individual purchases companies make each year and that's millions of dollars going to waste each year. The advent of the Internet has had the effect of substantially improving the buyer-driven procurement system. One problem with the traditional system has always been that the buyer generally either cannot or does not want to invest the time, money or other resources required to locate an indefinite number of potential sellers and communicate the buyer's purchasing needs to each of the potential sellers. This is especially true of smaller businesses that often cannot afford to pay substantial transaction costs. Through various websites, the Internet has been able to grant the buyer access to a large number of potential sellers.

Such a centralized buyer-driven system allows the buyer to reach a large market of potential sellers while still setting the terms and conditions that the buyer is willing to accept. Additionally, in this type of system, both the buyer and the seller will be able to gauge the fair market value of the goods or services at issue. The elimination of the traditional paper- based system, significantly reduces the transaction cost associated with the procurement of goods.

Another advantage of the Internet-based system that has been lauded in the past has been the elimination of a sales 35709/KM/M736

representative in the product purchasing process. Many systems boast of the ability of the customer to order products via a remote communications medium without having to speak to a sales representative or other human operator. In this type of arrangement, either buyers or sellers access an automated purchasing system and browse among the goods offered and the goods requested. Information can be obtained through the specifications provided by the buyers and sellers. Ordering and purchasing is automated so that human operators are not required to intervene in the process. The entirely automated system may be desirable for products that the customer is familiar with and purchases on a repeated basis. However, for products with which the buyer is not familiar, expensive products, or products that are not commodities in the buyer's business, the buyer may need the assistance of an agent.

For instance, if the buyer is purchasing a part for its manufacturing machinery that it replaces periodically, the buyer may not need the assistance of a human operator to assist with the sale. However, if the buyer desires to obtain an air conditioning system for its facility, it may be desirable to have a sales representative or agent on hand to answer questions or provide consulting about the different systems and guide the buyer to an air conditioning system that is appropriate for the needs of the buyer.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a centralized commercial network that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent. It is further desirable to have a centralized commercial network that provides a source of data for experts or agents with specific know-how in a specific field in a geographic area.

It is also desirable to have a search mechanism that would locate an appropriate agent to assist the buyer. The search mechanism would be a useful tool that could be utilized by both the seller and the buyer. It is also desirable to provide a vehicle by which the agent, the seller and the buyer could communicate together to arrive at terms of an agreement with which they will all be satisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a centralized commercial network that allows two-way or three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a search mechanism that would locate an appropriate agent to assist the buyer. The search mechanism would be a useful tool that could be utilized by both the seller and the buyer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle by which the agent, the seller and the buyer could communicate together to arrive at the terms of an agreement with which they will all be satisfied.

The present invention discloses a device and method for providing an Internet commercial network system that provides two-way or three-way communication between a buyer, as seller and a sales agent. The forum provided for such a communication- is a commercial network system website on the Internet. The website provides a bids billboard on which buyers can post a request for a quotation. Upon obtaining a posting on the bids billboard from a buyer, a search is conducted for an appropriate seller or agent to assist the buyer. If an appropriate agent is found, the network system provides the agent with the opportunity to communicate directly with the buyer to ascertain the buyer's needs. The network system also provides the agent with the opportunity to search for an appropriate seller and a vehicle by which to communicate the seller's quote to the buyer. Alternatively, upon obtaining a posting from a buyer, a search an be conducted for an appropriate seller. If an appropriate seller is found, the network system provides the seller with the opportunity to search for an appropriate agent to communicate directly with the buyer to ascertain the buyer's needs. A vehicle is also provided to the seller by which the seller can communicate a quote to the buyer. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an agent that is already working with a buyer may post a request for a quote on the bids billboard on behalf of the buyer. This will be a private bid and will not be disclosed to ether agents or sellers. The agent will then have the opportunity to conduct a search for an appropriate seller. The system provides a vehicle for any interested seller to communicate its quote to the agent.

The agent will, in turn, convey the seller's quote to the buyer.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following description of an exemplary embodiment when read in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. la and lb shows a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the commercial network system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the logical operation of an embodiment of the commercial network system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the logical operation of another embodiment of the commercial network system of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the logical operation of another embodiment of the commercial network system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the logical operation of an embodiment of the commercial network system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the distribution of the buyer's payment;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary registration form for an agent or a seller;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of the organization of the commercial network system website; FIG. 9 shows an illustrative view of one of the screen displays of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative view of one of the screen display of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative view of another screen display of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative view of another screen display of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the logical operation of another embodiment of the commercial network system of the resent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures la and lb, there is shown a schematic block diagram of one of the preferred embodiments of the commercial network system of the present invention. The commercial network system 10 includes a system administrator interface 12, and a commercial network system website 14 established and administrated by the system administrator or a program. The commercial network system website 14 may be established on a local service maintained by the system administrator, or on a remote server maintained by a third party such as an Internet service provider. The local or remote server typically has a central processor unit (CPU) 22, a random access memory device 244, a read-only memory device 26, and a video display driver 28. The processor unit 22 communicates with the Internet 30 through a network stack 32 and a communication port 34 such as a network interface. The processor unit 22 is capable of executing Internet service software 36 and e-mail software 38, and processes commands which pass information between the system's various components, software modules and databases.

The system 10 further includes a database 40 that contains databases used in the processing of transactions in the present invention, including account information 42, product/service catalog 44, seller database 46, buyer database 48, agent database 50, and a transaction log 52. The transaction log 52 includes information on accounts payable, accounts receivable, shipment, buyer payments, buyer credits, buyer agreements, seller payments, seller credits, seller agreements, agent payments, agent credits, agent agreements, and additional information as deemed necessary.

The buyer database 48 maintains data on buyers with fields such as name, contact information, type of business, address, credit card number, phone number, ID number, electronic mail address, credit history, past system usage, etc. This information is obtained when the buyer first registers with the system, or when posting its first Request for Quote ("RFQ") . The buyer database also contains the tracking number of each RFQ generated by the buyer, and the tracking number of each seller response and counteroffer directed to the buyer's RFQ.

The seller database 46 maintains data on sellers with fields such as name, contact information, payment preferences, the tracking number of each bid offered by the seller, information regarding the bids "won" by the seller, type of business, catalog of goods sold, commission on goods, information on repeat sales, and territory availability. The agent database 50 maintains data on agents with fields such as name, contact information, area of expertise, geographical area of service, associations with specific sellers, tracking number of each bid offered by the agent, and information regarding the bids "won" by the agent. An exemplary registration form requesting information from an agent or a seller is shown in FIG. 7. The term agent, as used in this invention, refers to anyone with specialized expertise in a field in relation to procurement. As defined, an agent may include an individual or organization that assists with sales, consulting or services. Also the system may include a feature which allows buyers and sellers to report about their interactions with a particular agent. The report may be accessible with or without the name of the reporter by his choice.

The commercial network system 10 also provides various computational modules for performing the computations necessary for the transactions conducted through the website. Such computational modules, by way of example, may include a calculating module 54, a reporting module 56 and a management module 58. The system also includes a transaction processor to handle the processing of the transactions on the website. Additionally, the system preferably includes an internal search engine and an interface to external search engines.

Typically, the local or remote server that maintains the commercial network system website 14 is connected to the Internet 30 through a firewall 70. When the system administrator's computer interfaces with the Internet 30, the system administrator can provide management and administration of the commercial network system website 14 over the Internet 30. The commercial network system includes, in addition to the network administrator interface 12, a buyer interface 16, seller interface 18, and an agent interface 20. Each of the interfaces 12, 16, 18, 20 provides the input and output gateway for communication with the website through the Internet.

In reference to FIG. 2, the logical operation of an embodiment of the centralized commercial network is shown that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent. In this embodiment of the invention, the buyer approaches the website and submits a request for a quote ("RFQ") or request for bid ("RFB") (hereinafter collectively referred to as "RFQ") . At that time, the buyer will be required to fill out a bid application form. The information requested on the application includes items such as name, contact information, type of business, address, phone number, ID number, electronic mail address, and the specification of the goods or services sought by the buyer. The application process may be partially bypassed by repeat buyers that may already have entered the information into the system and have been assigned a buyer identification number. Once the buyer has completed the bid application form and entered the RFQ, the buyer is assigned a bid number.

The commercial network system next performs a search for an appropriate agent to assist the buyer in making a purchase. An initial search of the agent database is conducted to determine whether there are any available agents in the required filed of expertise. Other search mechanisms such as searching other websites and bulletin boards may also be used. The central processor communicates with the representative providing the agent with the buyer's bid information. this communication can be via e-mail, telephone, letter or any other form of communication. If the agent is interested in pursuing this RFQ, the agent is given an opportunity to sign an application agreeing to the terms and conditions of the website administrator. Once the agreement has been signed, the agent is free to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer' s needs and find the suitable seller. The agent may use the system's seller database to search for an appropriate seller. The agent's search is not limited to the use of the system's databases. The agent is free to use its own contacts and perform searches on other websites or bulletin boards. Once the suitable seller is found, the agent submits a bid on behalf of the seller to the buyer for consideration.

Figure 3 shows the logical operation of an alternative embodiment of the centralized commercial network that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent. In this embodiment, the buyer approaches the website and submits a RFQ. At that time, the buyer will be required to fill out a bid application form and is assigned a bid number. The commercial network system next performs a search for an appropriate seller to submit a quote in response to the buyer' s RFQ. An initial search of the seller database is conducted to determine whether ther.e are any available sellers in the required field of expertise. Other search mechanisms such as searching other websites and bulletin boards may also be used. The commercial network system communicates with the seller, providing the seller with the buyer's information. This communication can be via «-mail, telephone, letter or any other form of communication. The seller may then use the system's agent database to search for an appropriate agent to assist the buyer. The seller's search is not limited to the use of the system's databases. The seller is free to use its own contacts and perform searches on other websites or bulletin boards. If the seller is interested in pursuing this RFQ and a suitable agent is found, the seller is given an opportunity to sign an application agreeing to the terms and conditions of the website administrator. Upon entering into the agreement, the agent. is free to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs. After analysis of the buyer's needs and communication with the seller, the agent submits a bid on behalf of the seller to the buyer for consideration. In the alternative, the seller can submit the bid directly to the buyer.

Figure 4 shows the logical operation of yet another embodiment of the centralized commercial network that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent. In this embodiment, the agent may already be representing a buyer prior to the buyer approaching the website. The agent can submit a RFQ to the website on behalf of the buyer. This will be a private bid and will not be disclosed to other agents or sellers. This will prevent other agents from competing on this specific bid. At the time of the submission of the bid, the agent signs an agreement to comply with the terms and conditions of the website. The agent may use the commercial network system's database to find available sellers in the required filed of expertise. Other search mechanisms such as searching other websites and bulletin boards may also be used. If the seller is interested in pursuing this RFQ, the seller is given an opportunity to sign an application agreeing to the terms and conditions of the website administrator. Upon entering into the agreement, he seller can submit a bid to the agent, who will communicate it to the buyer for consideration.

In reference to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the logical operation of the centralized commercial network providing three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent is shown. In this embodiment, the system itself conducts a search to find bids posted by buyers or other websites and bulletin boards. Upon finding such a buyer, the system communicates with the buyer to inquire whether the buyer would be interested in entering the commercial network system of the present invention. The preferred mode of communication is via e-mail, however, other forms of communication such as a telephone 35709/KM/M736

call, facsimile, letter or other forms of communication could also be used. If the buyer does not object to entering the system, the buyer's bid is entered on the bids billboards and a bid number is assigned. The remaining steps are the same as those previously discussed in reference to Figure 2. Namely, the commercial network system performs a search for an appropriate seller to submit a quote in response to the buyer's RFQ. An initial search of the seller database is conducted to determine whether there are any available sellers in the required field of expertise. Other search mechanisms such as searching other websites and bulletin boards may also be used. The commercial network system communicates with the seller, providing the seller with the buyer's information. The seller may then use the system' s agent database to search for an appropriate agent to assist the buyer. If the seller is interested in pursuing this RFQ and a suitable agent is found, the seller is given an opportunity to sign an application agreeing to the terms and conditions of the website administrator. Upon entering into the agreement, the agent is free to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs. After analysis of the buyer's needs and communication with the seller, the agent submits a bid on behalf of the seller to the buyer for consideration.

In the above described embodiments, the buyer, seller and agent are each required to enter into an agreement setting forth the terms and conditions associated with the use of the commercial network system website. In an embodiment of the present invention, one of the provisions of such an agreement may include a payment distribution scheme that outlines the division of funds between the seller, agent and the website owner. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates the payment distribution scheme. Assuming that the buyer accepts the quote offered by a seller or an agent, the buyer will make a payment into a joint merchant account. The proper distribution will then be made out of the joint merchant account to the agent, the seller and the website owner. In Figure 6, the distribution shown is 20% to the agent, 5% to the website owner, and 75% to the seller. This payment distribution is merely exemplary. The payment distribution can vary.

In reference to Figure 8m, a schematic block diagram of the organization of the commercial network system website is shown. The website is accessible to the public, including buyers, sellers, agents or visitors. Upon entering the website, the viewer will encounter the commercial network system home page. The home page will be followed by a navigation screen. The navigation screen, a sample of which is shown in Figure 9, prompts the viewer for preferences that will guide the viewer to the website areas of interest to the viewer. Figure 9 shows three categories that are offered to the viewer. First, the viewer can search the website by an area of expertise. The area of expertise could be searched by categories such as, material handling, conveyors, pneumatic systems, storage systems, electrical equipment or power boxes . These categories are listed only as examples and are not to be interpreted as a limitation on the categories that could be available to the viewer. Alternatively, the area of expertise that is of interest of the viewer could be identified by inputting an SIC code.

The navigation screen also allows the viewer to navigate the website by selecting a particular database for view. As shown in Figure 9, the viewer is given an option to visit the bids billboard, the seller database or the agent database. Alternatively, the viewer can search in a certain geographical are by entering the country, state, city or zip code of the area in which the viewer is interested. Once the search criteria are entered, the viewer will be guided to the website screens that are of particular interest to the viewer. Referring to Figure 8, if the viewer is a buyer, seller or agent that already has a password, the viewer will be able to logon to the system and freely access all of the information on the website. the logged on viewer will be able to utilize all of the features of the website, including searching databases, entering requests for quote, and bidding on the bids billboard.

If the viewer is a visitor who does not have a password, the viewer will be given limited access to the databases in a ^""read only" mode. This will allow the viewer to view the bids billboard, the seller database and the agent database but will not allow the viewer to make a bid on the bids billboard. Additionally, the viewer will not have access to the identifying information of the sellers, buyers or agents in the databases. At any time, the viewer can apply for a password. If the viewer is approved, a password will be issued and the viewer will be able to logon as an authorized buyer, seller or agent.

Figures 10, 11, and 12 show the bids billboard, the seller database and the agent database, respectively. The entries that are found in each of these databases will depend on the search criteria entered by the viewer on the navigation page. The screen display will exhibit the entries for a specified area of expertise and a specified geographical location. Figure 10 is an illustrative view of another screen display of the present invention showing the bids billboard/ The bids billboard will show the buyers' requests for quote postings and will provide the viewer with information regarding the post. In the preferred embodiment, the bids billboard will provide the viewer with the buyer bid number, the bid source, the bid open and close dates, identifying information for the buyer, and a description of the items. The bid source is a source identifier for bids that were found on other websites or bulleting boards. The bid dates include the date on which bidding was opened and the last date by which a bid would be accepted. The buyer's identification information may include the buyer's name, SIC number, Dunn & Bradstreet information, address, phone number and the name of the contact person, such as a purchasing agent. The description will describe the goods or services which the buyer seeks to procure and any special specification required.

The bids billboard includes an additional feature that allows a viewer to search whether a seller or an agent is available to place a bid on a particular post. For instance, a seller considering a bid on the buyer's RFQ may wish to inquire whether a particular agent is available to assist in this transaction. The seller may enter the agent's identification number and inquire whether the agent is available to bid on the post. If the agent has already bid on the post, either independently or in conjunction with a different seller, the system will inform the viewer that the agent is unavailable. This will allow the agent's bid to remain anonymous while still informing sellers and buyers of the agent's availability. Similarly, the viewer can inquire about the availability of a seller to bid on a particular post.

Figure 11 is an illustrative view of another screen display of the present invention showing the seller database. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seller database will provide the viewer with the seller's identification number, SIC number, identifying information for the seller, and a description of the goods or services provided by the seller. The seller's identification information may include the seller's name, Dunn & Bradstreet information, address, phone number, the name of a contact person, and a website address or link to the seller's website. The database can also provide information regarding seller's policies with respect to commission and repeat sales. Further more, the database will provide information regarding the goods or services that are provided by the seller in the normal course of its business. The seller database also includes the feature that allows a viewer to search whether the seller is available to place a bid on a particular post. For instance, an agent considering a bid on a RFQ posted on the bids billboard may wish to inquire whether the seller is available to team with the agent in this transaction. To inquire about availability, the agent need only enter a bid number in the appropriate box on the seller database. If the seller has already bid on the post, either independently or in conjunction with a different agent, the system will inform the viewer that the seller is unavailable. This will allow the seller's bid to remain anonymous while still informing agents and buyers of the seller's availability. Figure 12 is an illustrative view of another screen display of the present invention showing he agent database. In the preferred embodiment of he present invention, the agent database will provide the viewer with the agent' s identification number, identifying information for the agent, the area of the agent's expertise, and the territory covered by the agent. The agent's identification information may include the agent's name, Social Security number or EIN number, address, telephone number, and e- mail address. In the agent number field, a pull-down menu will be provided to give the viewer an option of the specific agent category desired. As shown in Figure 7, the agent categories may include areas in the field of sales, consulting or services. More particularly, the agent categories may include sales representative, sales consultant, distributor, design, budget and schedule, integration, study, development, contractor, repair, installation, testing and inspection. These categories are listed by way of example only and do not serve to limit the options available to the viewer. Other categories may be included.

The agent database also includes the feature that allows a viewer to search whether the agent is available to place a bid 35709/KM/M736

on a particular post. For instance, a seller considering a bod on the buyer's RFQ may wish to inquire whether a particular agent is available to assist in this transaction. While in the agent's database, the seller may enter the bid number and inquire whether the agent is available to bid on the post. If the agent has already bid on the post, either independently or in conjunction with a different seller, the system will inform the viewer that the agent is unavailable. This will allow the agent's bid to remain anonymous while still informing sellers and buyers of the agent's availability.

In each of the database screens, i.e., seller's database screen, agent's database screen, and bids billboard screen, the identifier number will provide a link to more detailed information about the bid, the seller or the agent. Specifically, on the bids billboard shown in Figure 10m the first column indicates a bid number. On this screen, clicking on the bids number will provide a viewer with more detailed information about the bid. Similarly, on the seller's database screen, as shown in Figure 11, the seller number provides a link such that the clicking on the seller number will allow a viewer access to more detailed information about a seller. The agent's database, shown in Figure 12, preferably also has an agent number column that provides a link for the viewer to obtain additional information about an agent. The additional information about the sellers and agents preferably includes reviews of the sellers and agents regarding their reputation, performance, or any other background information that would be useful in evaluating the seller or agent. The seller will preferably be reviewed by buyers and agents that the seller has worked with in the past. The agents are preferably reviewed by buyers and sellers that the agent has worked with in the past.

As shown in Figure 8, when the viewer enters either the bids billboard, the seller database, or the agent database through the navigation screen, the identification of the buyer, seller or agent, respectively is hidden. The viewer may view other information in the databases but will not be given access to the identifying information. If the viewer desires to have access to the identifying information, the viewer must enter into an agreement wherein the viewer agrees to the terms and conditions of the website. Once the viewer has entered into the agreement, the identification of the buyer, seller or agent is disclosed to the viewer.

The website 14 may also be utilized for special sales announcements by sellers or new product introduction. The system may include a catalog interface wherein sellers ca display their goods. Furthermore, the website 14 may be accessible by hotlinks form other electronic procurement systems to facilitate searching by the viewers. The connection to other electronic procurement websites would be a two or three-way communication connection wherein there would be hotlinks on other sites that would connect a viewer directly to the website 14 of the present invention or to one of the databases of the present invention. In this sense, viewers of other websites can utilize a hotlink to connect to one of the databases and search for an expert, a seller, or a bid. This mechanism is especially useful for procurement websites that do not provide the option to their viewers to utilize an agent in the procurement process. A viewer in such a situation can use the hotlink to connect to the agent database of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, when a buyer utilizes the commercial network system to find an agent, two methods can be used. In the first alternative, the buyer can search the agent database for the agent that provides assistance in the category of interest to the buyer. Once the appropriate agent is located, the buyer enters into an agreement to comply with the terms and conditions of the website, at which point the agent' s contact information is released to the buyer. The buyer is then free to contact the agent requesting a quote. In the second alternative, the buyer can place a RFQ on the bids billboard. An interested agent searching the bids billboard can see the RFQ. After entering an agreement to comply with the terms and conditions of the website, the agent will be given the identity of the buyer and will be free to submit a quote in response to the buyer's RFQ.

There are numerous advantages to the commercial network system of the present invention. The system introduces an expert agent into the procurement process who can assist the buyer in determining its needs and finding he appropriate seller. The transaction costs will be reduced and productivity increased by the use of Internet communication in the procurement process. Buyers will have access to experts as needed and will be exposed to a large number of sellers. Sellers will have greater access to new and existing customers through a global presence and availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agent is able to find sales leads, as well as find sellers that looking for the agent's expertise in a specific territory.

There has been described hereinabove an exemplary embodiment of a method and device for a commercial network system utilizing an agent to assist buyers or sellers according to the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. establishing an Internet commercial network system website on the Internet; b. providing a bids billboard for a buyer to post a request for a quote; c. conducting a search for an appropriate agent to work with the buyer; d. communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate agent; and e. providing a vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote from a seller to the buyer.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate agent comprises searching an agent database for an agent having the required expertise.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate agent comprises searching other websites for an agent having the required expertise.

. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate agent comprises searching for an agent that services a specified geographic location.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate agent comprises the step of generating an e-mail message to the agent outlining the buyer's request for a quote.

6. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a vehicle for the agent to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs.

7. A method according to claim 1 - further comprising the step of providing a vehicle for the agent to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the website includes a navigation screen that leads to one of an agent database, a seller database or the bids billboard, the navigation page having a query mechanism for narrowing the search in the one of the agent database, the seller database or the bids billboard by an area of expertise or a geographical location.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of requiring the seller to enter into a fee arrangement agreement prior to the step of providing a vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote from the seller to the buyer.

10. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system, comprising: providing a bids billboard for a buyer to post a request for a quote; communicating the buyer's request for a quote to an agent; and providing a vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote to a buyer.

11. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system, comprising: establishing an Internet commercial network system website on the Internet; providing a searchable agent database on the commercial network system website; establishing a hotlink communication connection between another website and the searchable agent database of the Internet commercial network website.

12. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. establishing an Internet commercial network system website on the Internet; b. providing a bids billboard for a buyer to post a request for a quote; c. conducting a search for an appropriate seller to provide a quote to the buyer; d. communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate seller; and e. providing a vehicle by which an agent of the seller can communicate a quote from the seller to the buyer.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching a seller database for a seller having the required expertise and products .

14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching other websites for a seller having the required expertise and products .

15. A method according to claim 12 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching for an seller that services a specified geographic location.

16. A method according to claim 12 wherein the step of communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate seller comprises the step of generating an e-mail message to the seller outlining the buyer's request for a quote.

17. A method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of providing a vehicle for the agent to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs.

18. A method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of requiring the agent to enter into a fee arrangement agreement prior to the step of providing the vehicle for the agent to communicate with the buyer.

19. A method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of requiring the seller to enter into a fee arrangement agreement prior to the step of communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate seller.

20. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system, comprising: providing a searchable agent database to buyers for utilization in finding an agent with a specified area of expertise; and providing a vehicle by which the buyer can communicate with the agent.

21. A method for providing an Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. establishing an Internet commercial network system website on the Internet; b. providing a bids billboard for an agent to post a request for a quote on behalf of a buyer; c. conducting a search for an appropriate seller to work with the agent; d. communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate seller; and e. providing a vehicle by which the seller can communicate a quote to the agent.

22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching an seller database for a seller having the required expertise and products.

23. A method according to claim 21 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching other websites for a seller having the required expertise and products.

24. A method according to claim 21 wherein the step of conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises searching for a seller that services a specified geographic location.

25. A method according to claim 21 wherein the vehicle by which the seller can communicate a quote to the agent is the bids billboard.

26. A method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of requiring the agent to enter into a fee arrangement agreement prior to the step of providing the bids billboard for the agent to post the request for a quote. 35709/KM/M736

27. A method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of requiring the buyer to enter into a fee arrangement agreement prior to the step of providing a bids billboard for the agent to post a request for a quote .

28. An Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. a commercial network system website on the

Internet; b. a bids billboard for a buyer to post a request for a quote; c. means for conducting a search for an appropriate agent to work with the buyer; d. means for communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate agent; and e. a vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote from a seller to the buyer.

29. A device according to claim 28 wherein the means for conducting a search for an appropriate agent comprises an agent database.

30. A device according the claim 28 wherein the means for communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate agent comprises a means for generating an e-mail message or other communication to the agent outlining the buyer's request for a quote.

31. A device according to claim 28 wherein the vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote to the buyer comprises the bids billboard.

32. A device according to claim 28 further comprising means for the agent to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs.

33. An Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. a commercial network system website on the

Internet; b. a bids billboard for a buyer to post a request for a quote; c. means for conducting a search for an appropriate seller to work with the buyer; d. means for communicating the buyer's request for a quote to the appropriate seller; and e. a vehicle by which an agent of the seller can communicate a quote from the seller to the buyer.

3 . A device according to claim 33 wherein the means for conducting a search for an appropriate seller comprises a seller database.

35. A device according tho claim 33 wherein the means- for communicating the buyer' s request for a quote to the appropriate seller comprises a means for generating an e-mail message to the seller outlining the buyer's request for a quote.

36. A device according to claim 33 wherein the vehicle by which the agent can communicate a quote to the buyer comprises the bids billboard.

37. A device according to claim 33 further comprising means for the agent to communicate with the buyer to determine the buyer's needs.

38. A device according to claim 33 further comprising means for the seller to search for an appropriate agent.

39. An Internet commercial network system that provides three-way communication between a buyer, a seller and an agent, comprising: a. a commercial network system website on the

Internet; b. a bids billboard for an agent to post a request for a quote on behalf of a buyer; c. means for conducting a search for an appropriate seller to work with the agent; d. means for communicating the buyer's request for quote to the appropriate seller; and e. a vehicle by which the seller can communicate a quote to the agent.

40. A device according to claim 39 wherein the means for conducting a search for an appropriate agent comprises a seller database .

41. A device according to claim 29 wherein the agent database includes reviews of the agent by buyers or sellers.

42. A device according to claim 34 wherein the seller database includes reviews by agents or buyers.