Patent ID: 8032409

Claim:
A method for a framework manager to provide installation management of a service in a network-based supply chain framework between at least two independent business entity users such as service providers, vendors, resellers, manufacturers and the like, the method comprising: causing a framework manager using a network to: (a) receive information via the network including information relating to a service provided by a service provider from the service provider; (b) receive information via the network including information relating to manufacturer offerings by a manufacturer from the manufacturer; (c) use and evaluate the information provided by the service provider via the network and the manufacturer to match the service to the offerings, evaluating factors that include cost and service provider requirements, speed of time to site integration, speed of acquisition, duplication reduction, procurement rationalization, transportation rationalization, and reduced inventories; and (d) use the service and manufacturer offerings information to manage installations through the use of a collaborative planning tool which facilitates the transfer of the information received from the service provider and the information received from the manufacturer; wherein the framework manager provides installation management between the manufacturer and the service provider by facilitating the selection and installation of the service for both matched business entity users.