Importance

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Abstract

The specification discloses a data structure and method for creating, maintaining, and publishing multiple renditions of both electronic and printed, single and multi-manufacturer catalogs using a single product database. Also disclosed is an electronic catalog created using the data structure and methodology of the present invention. The data structure includes means for creating a product database and means for creating a KnowledgeBase, which includes a concept structure for at least one product realm and a glossary. The concept structure includes at least one concept frame for defining classes of product groupings, where the concept frames include a plurality of concept nodes having relationships based upon characteristics of the products within the product realm. The product database preferably includes a listing of SKUs, each SKU corresponding to a product or a component of a product. The product database further including product information for each associated SKU, and an identification of each concept node in which each SKU can be located. The glossary is used for searching for a particular product or group of products having desired characteristics, and includes a plurality of phrases, at least one of which being a definer that links the phrase to one of the concept nodes.

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First Claim