An integrated electronic cross-vendor smart-buying clearinghouse

摘要

An integrated electronic cross-vendor smart-buying clearinghouse is provided. Consumers register or join the clearinghouse. Once registered, the clearinghouse functions as intermediary between the user's web browser and the Internet. As part of the registration process, a personal agent is downloaded to the consumer's computer (102a-102f). The personal agent monitors inbound and outbound communications between the user's web browser and the Internet. By monitoring these communications, the personal agent is able to make inferences that describe the user's purchasing preferences. The clearinghouse combines the information gathered by the personal agent with information obtained from a range of sources describing products, services, vendors and manufacturers. The clearinghouse uses the combined information to assist the user in selecting preferred products and services.