Patent ID: 6189003
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for searching businesses in an electronic business directory database, said method comprising the steps of:identifying at least one search criteria, the at least one search criteria defined through research about businesses in at least one category of business;obtaining business directory data for at least one business listing, the business directory data comprising a business name, address and telephone number;developing at least one category attribute representative of the at least one business listing to facilitate categorical classification of the at least one business listing, the at least one category attribute comprising hours of operations, specialty services, detailed product and services, and special promotions;dynamically deriving at least one search template in response to a search request received from a user, the at least one search template comprising at least one field representative of the at least one category attribute;using the at least one search template to electronically search the electronic business directory database to identify at least one business for the at least one category attribute; andsubmitting a request for proposal to at least one identified business.