Method and apparatus for interactive sourcing and specifying of products having desired attributes and/or functionalities

摘要

A method is provided for organizing and retrieving graphical and/or text information pertaining to products. Also disclosed is an apparatus using the methodology of the present invention. A computerized database is provided, in which is entered graphical and/or text information from product catalogues pertaining to the products. An indexer determines and enters into the database structural attribute classification values and solution functionality classification values of the products. A user of the invention interactively selects and retrieves desired graphical and/or text information from the database, which dynamically displays only relevant classification values as the user selects desired structural attribute classification values or desired solution functionality classification values, until the user chooses to select products or to view information associated with selected products. The invention allows the user to view information associated with selected products, and having selected a product, to view information associated with other products having similar solution functionality.