Automated and independently accessible inventory information exchange system

Abstract

A method for exchanging information between providers and users of products and services in which an information management system is established that is computer based and has information processing and storage capabilities. The system also has electronic communication connections that permit buyers and sellers to electronically connect with the information management system for information exchange. Limited electronic access to the information management system is granted to approved sellers of products and services. After approval, each such seller is enabled to access inventory information of that seller for amendment purposes. Similarly, limited electronic access to the information management system is granted to approved buyers of products and services and are provided a searching capability to search a compilation of a plurality of seller's inventory information using criteria specified by that approved buyer. Last, a buyer's listing of products and services is compiled from the compilation of the seller's inventory information for that buyer based on that buyer's search criteria and in which duplicate inventory items are removed therefrom.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:  
     
         1 . A method for exchanging information between owners and potential purchasers of assets, said method comprising the following steps: 
 establishing an information management system, said information management system being Internet based and having information processing and storage capabilities and electronic access that permits potential purchasers to electronically access said information management system for reviewing available assets listed in said information management system;    granting electronic access to said information management system to potential purchasers of assets and providing a searching capability to such potential purchasers for searching an available asset listing using criteria specified by the potential purchaser; and    compiling a purchaser's listing of assets from said asset listing for said potential purchaser based on the potential purchaser's search criteria.