Patent ID: 7249056
Filing Date: 2007-07-24
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for using a clearinghouse site, in communication via a communication network with a merchant site having a merchant database and a partner site having a partner database, to allow for an exchange of product data between the merchant site and the partner site, the method comprising: storing a first set of product data in the clearinghouse database, the first set of data being extracted from the merchant database; receiving at the clearinghouse site a first registration document that specifies a database format for use by the clearinghouse site in transmitting product data to the partner site, the registration document being transmitted to the clearinghouse site from the partner site via the communication network; using at the clearinghouse site the first registration document by placing a second set of product data, extracted from the first set of data stored in the clearinghouse database, into database fields that comply with the database format specified in the first registration document; and transmitting from the clearinghouse site to the partner site via the communication network the formatted second set of product data for storage in the partner site database whereby the stored, second set of product data is made accessible to a consumer visiting the partner site to thereby allow for viewing at the partner site of information concerning merchant site product offerings without requiring the consumer to visit the merchant site directly.