PartNet
PartNet is a federated database for product information. PartNet
helps customers perform product and price comparisons to improve
purchasing decisions. It uses data networks to deliver product
information directly from the part supplier to the customer. A
customer opens a window on his or her computer and describes the
characteristics of the part of interest. For example, in the case of
electrical connectors, the user may desire a certain number of pins,
the voltage, power, and shielding requirements. The user interface
forms a query which is sent to all the potential suppliers. Database
managers at each of the suppliers search their local data and respond
with descriptions of parts which match the user's requirements. The
user may then request further information on the part such as
photographic images, CAD models, technical notes, or any other
material that the vendor has supplied.
Don R. Brown, PhD.
Director, Design Systems Laboratory
3209 MEB
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
voice: 801.581.5340
fax: 801.585.5261
email: dbrown@me.utah.edu