Patent ID: 7082408

Claim:
A web-based product procurement system for an enterprise, comprising: database storage means for storing electronic catalogs comprising vendor products purchasable by a user having an associated user profile; a computer providing a GUI from which the user chooses one of a plurality of shopping methods including: (a) at least one of searching by keyword and selecting a product family, (b) browsing the electronic catalogs, and (c) ordering from a contract; means for providing a catalog purchase from at least one of the electronic catalogs when: (i) the user chooses the shopping method (a), searches by keyword, and the keyword is associated with the at least one of the electronic catalogs, (ii) the user chooses the shopping method (a), selects a product family, and a commodity selected thereby is associated with the at least one of the electronic catalogs, and (iii) the user chooses the shopping method (b); means for providing a preferred supplier purchase the user chooses at least one of shopping methods (a) and (b), and a commodity selected thereby is classified as a preferred supplier item; and means for providing a contract purchase when the user chooses shopping method (c).