Patent US 6,115,641

A computer based product catalog system is provided for automatically distributing product information to members of a network. Electronically stored catalogs of multiple manufacturers' products, including descriptions of the products, are provided. An electronically stored distributor catalog, including selected products from the various manufacturers is also provided. Descriptions of the products in the manufacturers' catalogs may be updated automatically. In response to the updating of the manufacturers' catalogs, the descriptions of the products in the distributor's catalog may be automatically updated in real time. A terminal located at the retail level of distribution may be operatively connected to the manufacturers' catalogs and to the distributor catalog to allow viewing of product information therewithin. The terminal may enable users to order products from a manufacturer's and distributor's catalog.