EXTRACTION OF VENDOR INFORMATION FROM WEB SITES

摘要

A database and database creation, maintenance, and update processes and tools for storing vendor information for use in technology-enabled markets. The vendor information stored within the database allows for automated compilations of lists of vendors having an arbitrary geographical proximity to a customer, offering a product or service desired by the customer, and meeting various customer preferences. Database creation and update tools extract information from various information sources, such as Internet-based web sites, and enhance and update the database on a continuous basis.