Automated system for adapting market data and evaluating the market value of items

• US 9,524,495 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2016
• Issued: 12/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Buymetrics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Buymetrics Incorporated
• Inventors: Hansen, Valerie
• Primary Examiner(s): NIQUETTE, ROBERT R
• Application Number:
  US15/237,518
• Publication Number:
  US 20160350732A1
• Time in Patent Office: 127 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24575 using context
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24578 using ranking
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/248 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/08 Sorting, i.e. grouping record carriers in numerical or other ordered sequence according to the classification of at least some of the information they carry by merging two or more sets of carriers in ordered sequence G06F7/16
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/201 Price look-up processing, e.g. updating
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0201 Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0205 Location or geographical consideration
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0206 Price or cost determination based on market factors
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0623 Item investigation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0629 for generating comparisons
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/06 : Asset management; Financial planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 : Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 : Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/16 : Real estate
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/188 : Electronic negotiation

Abstract

A system includes a remotely-located server implementing a metric server adapter, a metrics application, and a communication application. The metric server adapter includes governing logic that manages at least one evaluation service and a plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data. The metrics application is a production application that operates in coordination with the metric server adapter. Receipt or retrieval of at least one price data set triggers the metrics application to obtain metric data that includes market reference price data, evaluate attributes of each responsive item in the metric data to dynamically discover a difference in the attribute data, and dynamically define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for a respective item in the price data set. One or more adjustment values transform the market reference price data, and one or more evaluation metrics are communicated to the buyer-agent computing device.

Claims

1. In a networked environment, a system comprising:

a remotely-located server comprising;

a network interface;

a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed, implement a plurality of components including;

a metric server adapter;

a metrics application; and

at least one communication application; and

a processor in communication with the network interface and the computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium;

wherein;

the metric server adapter includes governing logic programmed to manage at least one evaluation service and a plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data, including industry-specific instructions or a buyer-agent'"'"'s customized instructions, and to dynamically define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data;

the metrics application is a production application programmed to manage one or more purchase and/or analysis processes and to invoke and execute the at least one evaluation service in coordination with the metric server adapter, and to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, facilitate interactions with the remotely-located server;

the at least one communication application is programmed to manage one or more protocols that facilitate communications between one or more computing devices and the remotely-located server via the network interface;

in operation, in response to receipt of a triggering request from a buyer-agent computing device, the at least one communication application identifies an applicable protocol for communicating with the buyer-agent computing device and the metrics application receives from the buyer-agent computing device one or more product specification data sets, wherein each product specification data set identifies at least one item that is defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes two or more parameter values, or a plurality of items having a plurality of attributes that differ by at least one parameter value; and

using one or more purchase processes, the metrics application receives or retrieves a plurality of price data sets responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets, each received or retrieved price data set representing an offer to sell that includes price data for at least one item possessing a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

wherein receipt or retrieval of at least one price data set triggers the metrics application to invoke the at least one evaluation service which causes the metrics application, for each price data set, to;

obtain metric data from at least one data source accessible to the remotely-located server, wherein the obtained metric data represents market reference data for at least one responsive item having attributes corresponding to attributes of a respective item as identified in the price data set and includes market reference price data of a current time or current period of time, wherein each responsive item in the metric data possesses a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

evaluate the plurality of attributes of each responsive item in the metric data relative to the plurality of attributes for the respective item as identified in the price data set to dynamically discover a difference in the attribute data, wherein a discovered difference is disclosed to the metric server adapter which enables the metric server adapter to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item;

normalize the metric data by executing the transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item, wherein execution of at least one transaction-specific instruction causes one or more adjustment values to be generated and applied to the market reference price data for at least one responsive item that differs by at least one parameter value from the respective item, transforming the market reference price data for the at least one responsive item and automatically producing one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item; and

generate one or more evaluation metrics that pertain to the at least one evaluation service for the respective item as identified in each price data set, wherein each evaluation metric is based, at least in part, on one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item as identified in the price data set; and

sort and/or rank the plurality of price data sets using one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in each price data set;

wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, at least a subset of the sorted and/or ranked price data sets and the one or more evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item in each communicated price data set to at least the buyer-agent computing device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter provides a common platform that, in operation, enables the metric server adapter to consistently define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data without regard to the one or more purchase processes being managed by the metrics application.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is separate from the metric server adapter, and wherein coordinated operation of the metrics application with the metric server adapter enables the metrics application to algorithmically process the attribute data to dynamically identify at least one relationship comprising a difference in the attribute data, wherein the at least one relationship may include a new or previously unknown relationship.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the metric server adapter uses the at least one relationship comprising a difference to ascertain which of the predefined instructions for adapting metric data are applicable to the responsive item, wherein the metric server adapter uses the attributes and one or more parameter values of the respective item, in combination with the predefined instructions for adapting metric data ascertained to be applicable to the responsive item, to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter enables the metric server adapter to autonomously manage the at least one evaluation service and the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data to define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data, and wherein execution of the transaction-specific instructions by the metrics application provides an evaluation service that is customized for the buyer-agent or the industry without custom-coding the computer-executable instructions that comprise the metrics application.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein execution of a predefined buy link preassociated with at least one item in at least one price data set communicated to the buyer-agent computing device further causes the metrics application, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, to automatically transmit a purchase notice or purchase order to a seller-agent computing device associated with the at least one price data set.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item in each price data set is a relative value metric, wherein price data associated with the at least one item in the price data set is divided by one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item in the price data set, to generate a ratio or index value.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein a price data set with a lowest relative value metric for the at least one item represents an optimal market value among the plurality of price data sets.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one received or retrieved price data set identifies at least one item that is not a perfect substitute for an item as identified in another received or retrieved price data set in that the at least one item is an alternate item or an item that differs by one or more parameter values from the item as identified in the other received or retrieved price data set, wherein the at least one relative value metric generated for the at least one item as identified in each of the plurality of price data sets provides an objective measure with which to sort and/or rank the plurality of price data sets, including the at least one price data set that identifies an alternate item or an item that differs by one or more parameter values.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameter values represent attributes or conditions that are variable for a specific item or transaction.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more parameter values include at least one of a grade, a rating measure, a species, an item type, a brand, a quantity, a size, a unit of measure, a tally, a shipping or delivery location, a method of delivery, a delivery date, a time of service, a warranty, a payment term, or a transaction type.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein delivery comprises a financial delivery.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the delivery date or time of service specifies one or more fulfillment dates in the future, and comprises a forward price transaction type.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein delivery comprises an exchange of at least one item for at least one other item, wherein the at least one other item differs by at least one parameter value from the at least one item.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein a current time or current period of time includes a continuously sliding interval of time that represents a most current period of time.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to generate at least one evaluation metric that encompasses a series of times, periods of time, and/or delivery dates, wherein the series of times, periods of time, and/or delivery dates can include one or more times in the future.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, expose the at least one product specification data sets to additional buyer-agent computing devices, wherein the one or more user interfaces enable the additional buyer-agents to identify one or more items to be added to the product specification data set, wherein the collaboratively-generated product specification data set identifies a plurality of items, possessing a plurality of attributes having attribute data that differs by at least one parameter value.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, expose at least one item as identified in the one or more product specification data sets to one or more trading venues, and to receive, from at least one seller-agent computing device, via the network interface, one or more price data sets responsive to the at least one item as identified in the product specification data set.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, communicate a request for quotation (RFQ) for at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets to at least one seller-agent computing device on behalf of the buyer-agent, and to receive, from the at least one seller-agent computing device, via the network interface, one or more price data sets responsive to the at least one item as identified in the RFQ.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, query one or more databases or data sources accessible to the remotely-located server or to monitor one or more data streams for at least one price data set that is responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, enable the metrics application to filter price data sets exposed to the remotely-located server without prompting by the remotely-located server and to receive at least one exposed price data set that is responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, enable the remotely-located server to receive, from at least one seller-agent, an unsolicited offer to sell at least one item to the buyer-agent.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to retrieve at least one price data set from one or more catalogs, price lists, or one or more programs pre-negotiated with a seller-agent.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, control at least one preprogrammed application, utility, or function that is running on the remotely-located server, the buyer-agent computing device, or another computing device in communication with the remotely-located server, and to execute movement of data in an integrated data exchange between the remotely-located server and the at least one preprogrammed application, utility, or function.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, enable a buyer-agent to predefine an item by a plurality of attributes including one or more parameter values and to preassociate the item with one or more evaluation services.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the buyer-agent and the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to use the one or more purchase processes continuously or at a predefined time to receive or retrieve one or more price data sets responsive to at least one item predefined by the buyer-agent and to automatically generate, in coordination with the metric server adapter, one or more evaluation metrics for the at least one predefined item, wherein the metrics application is further caused to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, communicate at least a subset of the price data sets and the evaluation metrics generated for the at least one predefined item, continuously or at the predefined time, via the network interface, to the buyer-agent computing-device of the buyer-agent that predefined the at least one item.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of one or more predefined instructions that pertain to the buyer-agent and the at least one evaluation service further causes the metrics application to limit the number of price data sets communicated to the buyer-agent computing device to a predefined number or a predefined portion of the sorted or ranked price data sets.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one item identified in at least one product specification data set or in a received or retrieved price data set is a bundled or combined item that represents a plurality of items in a packaged product or transaction, a tally, or an assembly of component parts, wherein each item or component part possesses a plurality of attributes having attribute data that differs by at least one parameter value.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to subdivide the plurality of items or component parts of the bundled or combined item into a plurality of segments, wherein the metrics application selectively uses a different purchase process to receive or retrieve one or more price data sets for at least one segment of the bundled or combined item.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to produce at least one composite market reference price data value for the respective item, wherein two or more transaction specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item are combined using at least one function or algorithm preassociated with the at least one evaluation service to produce the at least one composite market reference price data value.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the metric server adapter is programmed to coordinate a conditional execution of transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data by the metrics application, including:

one or more formulas operationally combining data values and using variables relating to a plurality of items, attributes, parameters, events, or metric data sources;

or

a combination of instructions, including validation rules and/or statistical criteria, relating to a plurality of items, attributes, parameters, vendors, events, metric data sources or obtained metric data, the conditional execution of which is priority weighted, sequential, recursive, or subject to another method of control defined by the metric server adapter;

or

a combined evaluation service that includes a plurality of transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data, wherein at least one transaction-specific instruction is further combined with at least one other transaction-specific instruction that specifies employing a process step, action, function, utility, or subroutine, or wherein at least one evaluation service is combined with at least one other evaluation service, wherein the conditional execution of the transaction-specific instructions of the combined evaluation service is priority weighted, sequential, recursive, or subject to another method of control defined by the metric server adapter.

32. The system of claim 1, wherein the transformation of the market reference price data occurs independent of unit-of-measure conversion of data in the metric data for responsive items that are defined by a unit-of-measure.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the buyer-agent computing device from which the one or more product specification data sets are received is a mobile computing device, and wherein at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the buyer-agent and the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to limit the number of price data sets communicated to the mobile computing device for visual display in a constrained display space to a predefined number or a predefined portion of the sorted and/or ranked price data sets.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare a plurality of seller-agents using at least one evaluation metric generated for the respective item as identified in one or more of the price data sets associated with each seller-agent.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage at least one user interface that, in operation, configures the remotely-located server to facilitate data communication in XML format, enabling the metrics application to dynamically change, dynamically route, and/or pre-configure data for movement of the data in an integrated data exchange.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the price data for at least one item identified in a received or retrieved price data set is specified as a formula, wherein the price of the at least one item is to be determined at one or more specified times in the future using, at least in part, one or more evaluation metrics generated by the remotely-located server or one or more market-reference prices reported by a specified data source, wherein, at the one or more specified times, the metrics application automatically obtains the one or more reported market-reference prices or generates the one or more evaluation metrics for the at least one item, wherein the metrics application automatically derives the price data for the at the least one item in accordance with the specified formula, and wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate the price data derived for the at least one item as identified in the received or retrieved data set, via the network interface, to at least the buyer-agent computing device from which the one or more product specification data sets were received.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, enable the remotely-located server to prompt the buyer-agent computing device to identify or select at least one data element or function to be added to or removed from a currently in-progress evaluation service, to identify or select at least one different parameter value for the at least one item identified in the product specification data set, or to provide additional information required by a currently in-progress evaluation service.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein identification or selection of at least one different parameter value for the at least one item identified in the product specification data set causes the metrics application to automatically generate one or more evaluation metrics for the respective item using the at least one different parameter value.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that, when executed, causes the metrics application to obtain metric data for an alternate item, wherein the alternate item is a substitute item and/or differs by at least one parameter value from the at least one item as identified in a received or retrieved price data set, and further causes the metrics application, in coordination with the metric server adapter, to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item identified in the price data set using, at least in part, metric data obtained for the alternate item.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to automatically query one or more databases or data sources accessible to the remotely-located server or to monitor one or more data streams to obtain market reference data for one or more responsive items having attributes corresponding to the attributes of at least one item identified in a received or retrieved price data set.

41. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to limit the metric data to market-reference data associated with at least one predefined seller-agent or metric data source, or to filter, for inclusion or exclusion, the one or more responsive items in the metric data using one or more predefined control values, criteria, or parameters, and to use only a limited or filtered segment of the metric data to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item identified in the price data set.

42. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to obtain only metric data resulting from a computer-based interaction and/or to use only electronically-created metric data to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item identified in the price data set, wherein the electronically-created metric data does not include human-reported transaction data or transaction data that was manually transcribed into a digital format, wherein the electronically-created metric data includes data comprising a timestamp that identifies a particular time or period of time.

43. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to evaluate each responsive item in the metric data for satisfaction of one or more predefined validation rules and/or statistical criteria and to only produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item identified in the product specification data set using metric data that satisfies the predefined validation rules and/or statistical criteria.

44. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one communication application automatically identifies the buyer-agent computing device initiating the at least evaluation service, wherein upon identification of the buyer-agent computing device initiating the at least one evaluation service, the metrics application is caused to manage one or more user interfaces customized for the buyer-agent, wherein the one or more customized user interfaces include one or more preconfigured dropdown menus preloaded with one or more items and/or one or more parameter values predefined by the buyer-agent.

45. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instructions that pertain to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage one or more user interfaces that incorporate predefined industry-specific terminology, industry-specific standards, and/or industry-specific practices.

46. The system of claim 1, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to, continuously or over a predetermined period of time, obtain more current metric data for at least one item as identified in a received or retrieved price data set, wherein the more current metric data represents market reference data for one or more items having attributes that are responsive to attributes of the at least one item as identified in the price data set and includes more-current market reference price data for the at least one item or excludes previously-obtained metric data that is no longer responsive to the at least one item or no longer represents market reference price data associated with the at least one item at the current time or period of time, and further causes the metrics application, in coordination with the metric server adapter, to produce one or more more-current transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item and to generate one or more more-current evaluation metrics for the at least one item as identified in the price data set, and wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate at least one of the one or more more-current evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item identified in at least one price data set, via the network interface, to at least to the buyer-agent computing device from which the one or more product specification data sets were previously received.

66. The system of claim 1, wherein the governing logic comprises a module or application or a separate application layer, wherein the governing logic cohesively manages a plurality of predefined instructions that pertain to the at least one evaluation service, wherein the predefined instructions identify rules or variables or criteria that were predefined for and preassociated with the at least one evaluation service, and wherein the predefined instructions serve to identify or modify features or elements that pertain to the at least one evaluation service or to limit at least one functionality of the at least one evaluation service or a feature or element identified therein.

47. In a networked environment, a system comprising:

a remotely-located server comprising;

a network interface;

a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed, implement a plurality of components including;

a metric server adapter;

a metrics application; and

at least one communication application; and

a processor in communication with the network interface and the computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium;

wherein;

the metric server adapter includes governing logic programmed to manage at least one evaluation service and a plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data, and to dynamically define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data;

the metrics application is a production application programmed to manage one or more purchase and/or analysis processes and to invoke and execute the at least one evaluation service in coordination with the metric server adapter, and to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, facilitate interactions with the remotely located server;

the at least one communication application is programmed to manage one or more protocols that facilitate communications between one or more computing devices and the remotely-located server via the network interface; and

in operation, in response to receipt of a triggering request from a user-agent computing device, the at least one communication application identifies an applicable protocol for communicating with the user-agent computing device and the metrics application receives from the user-agent computing device at least one product specification data set, wherein each product specification data set identifies at least one item that is defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes two or more parameter values, or a plurality of items having a plurality of attributes that differ by at least one parameter value; and

using one or more purchase processes, the metrics application receives or retrieves at least one price data set that is responsive to at least one item identified in the at least one product specification data set, wherein the at least one price data set represents an offer to sell that includes price data for at least one item possessing a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

wherein receipt of at least one product specification data set and receipt or retrieval at least one responsive price data set triggers the metrics application to invoke the at least one evaluation service which causes the metrics application, for each received product specification data set and for each received or retrieved price data set, to;

obtain metric data from at least one data source accessible to the remotely-located server, wherein the obtained metric data represents market reference data for at least one responsive item having attributes that correspond to attributes of a respective item as identified in the product specification data set or the price data set and includes market reference price data of a current time or current period of time, wherein each responsive item in the metric data possesses a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

evaluate the plurality of attributes of each responsive item in the metric data relative to the plurality of attributes for the respective item as identified in the product specification data set or the price data set to dynamically discover a difference in the attribute data, wherein a discovered difference is disclosed to the metric server adapter which enables the metric server adapter to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item;

normalize the metric data by executing the transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item, wherein execution of at least one transaction-specific instruction causes one or more adjustment values to be generated and applied to the market reference price data for at least one responsive item that differs by at least one parameter value from the respective item, transforming the market reference price data for the at least one responsive item and automatically producing one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item; and

generate one or more evaluation metrics that pertain to the at least one evaluation service for the respective item as identified in the product specification data set or the price data set, wherein each evaluation metric is based, at least in part, on one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference data values produced for the respective item;

wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, the one or more evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item as identified in the at least one product specification data set and the at least one price data set to at least the user-agent computing device.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the metrics application is separate from the metric server adapter, and wherein coordinated operation of the metrics application with the metric server adapter enables the metrics application to algorithmically process the attribute data to dynamically identify at least one relationship comprising a difference within the attribute data, wherein the at least one relationship may include a new or previously unknown relationship.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the metric server adapter uses the at least one relationship comprising a difference to ascertain which of the predefined instructions for adapting metric data are applicable to the responsive item, wherein the metric server adapter uses the attributes and one or more parameter values of the respective item, in combination with the predefined instructions for adapting metric data ascertained to be applicable to the responsive item, to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item.

50. The system of claim 47, wherein the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data includes one or more industry-specific instructions or one or more instructions predefined by a user-agent, and wherein the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data are stored in a memory accessible to the remotely-located server.

51. The system of claim 47, wherein the one or more parameter values represent attributes or conditions that are variable for a specific item or transaction.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the one or more parameter values include at least one of a grade, a rating measure, a species, an item type, a brand, a quantity, a size, a unit of measure, a tally, a location, a method of delivery, a delivery date, a time of service, a warranty, a payment term, or a transaction type.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein delivery comprises a financial delivery.

54. The system of claim 52, wherein the delivery date or time of service specifies one or more fulfillment dates in the future, and comprises a forward price transaction type.

55. The system of claim 52, wherein delivery comprises an exchange of at least one item for at least one other item, wherein the at least one other item differs by at least one parameter value from the at least one item.

56. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one transaction specific instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare at least one evaluation metric generated for the respective item as identified in at least one product specification data set with price data associated with the respective item as identified in at least one received or retrieved price data set.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service further causes the metrics application to use the comparison to identify one or more seller-agents associated with price data sets that include at least one item with price data that is below one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item identified in the product specification data set or the corresponding price data set.

58. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one transaction specific instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare price data associated with the respective item in a price data set with one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in the price data set.

59. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one transaction specific instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in the product specification data set to one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in at least one received or retrieved price data set.

60. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to produce a composite market reference price data value for the respective item, wherein two or more transaction specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item as identified in the product specification data set or the price data set are combined using a function or algorithm preassociated with the at least one evaluation service.

61. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one transaction specific instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to generate at least one relative value metric, wherein price data associated with the respective item in a product specification data set or a price data set is divided by one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item, to generate a ratio or index value.

62. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare two or more purchase processes using one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in one or more of the price data sets received or retrieved via each purchase process.

63. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that, when executed by the metrics application, causes data expressed in units of measure to be consistently converted into standardized or common units of measure, or units of measure as specified for the at least one item identified in the product specification data set, and further causes the metrics application to only produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item as identified in the product specification data set or the price data set using data possessing consistent units of measure.

64. The system of claim 47, wherein execution of a predefined buy link preassociated with at least one price data set communicated to the user-agent computing device causes the metrics application, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, to automatically transmit a purchase notice or purchase order to a seller-agent computing device associated with the at least one price data set.

65. The system of claim 47, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to automatically update one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the at least one item in the price data set and/or the product specification data set, continuously, at a predefined time or interval of time, upon the occurrence of a predefined event, or upon user-agent instruction.

67. The system of claim 47, wherein the governing logic comprises a module or application or a separate application layer, wherein the governing logic cohesively manages a plurality of predefined instructions that pertain to the at least one evaluation service, wherein the predefined instructions identify rules or variables or criteria that were predefined and preassociated with the at least one evaluation service, and wherein the predefined instructions serve to identify or modify features or elements that pertain to the at least one evaluation service or to limit at least one functionality of the at least one evaluation service or a feature or element identified therein.

68. In a networked environment, a system comprising:

a remotely-located server comprising;

a network interface;

a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed, implement a plurality of components including;

a metric server adapter;

a metrics application; and

at least one communication application; and

a processor in communication with the network interface and the computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium;

wherein;

the metric server adapter includes governing logic programmed to manage at least one evaluation service and a plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data, and to dynamically define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data;

the metrics application is a production application programmed to manage one or more purchase and/or analysis processes and to invoke and execute the at least one evaluation service in coordination with the metric server adapter, and to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, facilitate interactions with the remotely located server;

the at least one communication application is programmed to manage one or more protocols that facilitate communications between one or more computing devices and the remotely-located server via the network interface; and

in operation, in response to receipt of a triggering request from a buyer-agent computing device, the at least one communication application identifies an applicable protocol for communicating with the buyer-agent computing device and the metrics application receives from the buyer-agent computing device one or more product specification data sets, wherein each product specification data set identifies at least one item that is defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes two or more parameter values, or a plurality of items having a plurality of attributes that differ by at least one parameter value; and

using a first purchase process, the metrics application receives or retrieves at least one price data set responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets, wherein each price data set comprises an offer to sell that includes price data for at least one item possessing a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

wherein receipt or retrieval of at least one price data set triggers the metrics application to invoke the at least one evaluation service which causes the metrics application, for each price data set, to;

obtain metric data from at least one data source accessible to the remotely-located server, wherein the obtained metric data represents market reference data for at least one responsive item having attributes corresponding to attributes of a respective item as identified in the price data set and includes market reference price data of a current time or current period of time, wherein each responsive item in the metric data possesses a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

evaluate the plurality of attributes of each responsive item in the metric data relative to the plurality of attributes for the respective item as identified in the price data set to dynamically discover a difference in the attribute data, wherein a discovered difference is disclosed to the metric server adapter which enables the metric server adapter to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item;

normalize the metric data by executing the transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item, wherein execution of at least one transaction-specific instruction causes one or more adjustment values to be generated and applied to the market reference price data for at least one responsive item that differs by at least one parameter value from the respective item, transforming the market reference price data for the at least one responsive item and automatically producing one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item; and

generate one or more evaluation metrics that pertain to the at least one evaluation service for the respective item as identified in each price data set received or retrieved via the first purchase process, wherein each evaluation metric is based, at least in part, on one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference data values produced for the respective item as identified in the price data set, wherein at least one evaluation metric comprises a ratio or index value in which price data for the respective item is divided by one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item, to generate a relative value metric;

wherein if no price data set has a relative value metric of less than one, the metrics application is programmed to retrieve or receive at least one price data set having a respective item responsive to the same at least one item using a second, different purchase process, and to produce, in coordination with the metric server adapter, one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values and generate one or more evaluation metrics, including a relative value metric, for the respective item as identified in each price data set received or retrieved via the second purchase process; and

compare the price data sets received or retrieved via the first and second purchase processes using at least the relative value metric generated for the respective item as identified in each price data set;

wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, a result of the comparison to at least the buyer-agent computing device.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter provides a common platform that, in operation, enables the metric server adapter to consistently define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data without regard to the purchase process used by the metrics application.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein the metrics application is separate from the metric server adapter, and wherein coordinated operation of the metrics application with the metric server adapter enables the metrics application to algorithmically process the attribute data to dynamically identify at least one relationship comprising a difference within the attribute data, wherein the at least one relationship may include a new or previously unknown relationship.

71. The system of claim 70, wherein the metric server adapter uses the at least one relationship comprising a difference to ascertain which of the predefined instructions for adapting metric data are applicable to the responsive item, wherein the metric server adapter uses the attributes and one or more parameter values of the respective item, in combination with the predefined instructions for adapting metric data ascertained to be applicable to the responsive item, to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item.

72. The system of claim 68, wherein the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data include one or more industry-specific instructions or one or more instructions predefined by a buyer-agent, and wherein the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data are stored in a memory accessible to the remotely-located server.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter enables the metric server adapter to autonomously manage the at least one evaluation service and the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data, to define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data, and wherein execution of the transaction-specific instructions by the metrics application provides an evaluation service that is customized for the buyer-agent or the industry without custom-coding the computer-executable instructions that comprise the metrics application.

74. The system of claim 68, wherein the one or more parameter values represent attributes or conditions that are variable for a specific item or transaction.

75. The system of claim 68, wherein the comparison provides an objective measure that enables a buyer-agent to identify an optimal purchase process with which to procure the at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets.

76. The system of claim 68, wherein a price data set with a lowest relative value metric represents an optimal market value for the at least one item among the plurality of price data sets.

77. The system of claim 68, wherein at least one received or retrieved price data set identifies at least one item that is not a perfect substitute for an item as identified in another received or retrieved price data set in that the at least one item is an alternate item or an item that differs by one or more parameter values from the item as identified in the other received or retrieved price data set, and wherein the at least one relative value metric generated for the at least one item as identified in each of the plurality of price data sets provides an objective measure with which to compare the item or items across the plurality of received or retrieved price data sets, including the at least one price data set that identifies an alternate item or an item that differs by one or more parameter values.

78. The system of claim 68, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, communicate the result of the comparison for visual display on at least the buyer-agent computing device, wherein the one or more user interfaces facilitate interactions that enable the buyer-agent to expose underlying data in one or more layers of detail, to display additional data in one or more simultaneously displayed pop-up windows, to display linked information, or to display the same data in a different form or representing one or more different purchase processes or from one or more different sources of metric data or as determined at a different period of time.

79. The system of claim 68, wherein execution of a predefined buy link preassociated with at least one price data set in the comparison communicated to the buyer-agent computing device causes the metrics application, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, to automatically transmit a purchase notice or purchase order to a seller-agent computing device associated with the at least one price data set.

80. The system of claim 68, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, expose at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets to one or more trading venues, and to receive, from at least one seller-agent computing device, via the network interface, one or more price data sets responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets.

81. The system of claim 68, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, communicate a request for quotation (RFQ) for at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets to at least one seller-agent computing device on behalf of the buyer-agent, and to receive, from the at least one seller-agent computing device, via the network interface, one or more price data sets responsive to at least one item as identified in the RFQ.

82. The system of claim 68, wherein at least one purchase process causes the metrics application to query one or more databases or data sources accessible to the service provider server or to monitor one or more data streams for at least one exposed price data set that is responsive to at least one item identified in the one or more product specification data sets.

83. The system of claim 68, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, enable the remotely-located server to receive, from at least one seller-agent, an unsolicited offer to sell at least one item to the buyer-agent.

84. The system of claim 68, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to retrieve at least one price data set from one or more catalogs, price lists, or one or more programs pre-negotiated with a seller-agent.

85. The system of claim 68, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to compare a catalog purchase process to a market purchase process, wherein at least one relative value metric generated for the respective item as identified in each price data set retrieved via the catalog process is compared to at least one relative value metric generated for the respective item as identified in each price data set received via the market purchase process.

86. The system of claim 68, wherein at least one price data set identifies a bundle of items defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that differs by at least one parameter value or wherein at least one item identified in at least one received or retrieved price data set is a combined item that represents a packaged product or transaction, a tally, or an assembly of one or more component parts, wherein each component part is defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that differs by at least one parameter value, wherein at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to subdivide the plurality of items or component parts of the bundle or combined item into a plurality of segments, wherein the metrics application selectively uses a different purchase process to receive or retrieve one or more price data sets for at least one segment of the bundle or combined item.

87. The system of claim 68, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to limit the metric data to market-reference data associated with at least one predefined seller-agent or metric data source or to filter, for inclusion or exclusion, the one or more responsive items in the metric data using one or more predefined control values, criteria, or parameters, and to use only a limited or filtered segment of the metric data to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the at least one item identified in the price data set.

88. The system of claim 68, wherein the governing logic comprises a module or application or a separate application layer, wherein the governing logic cohesively manages a plurality of predefined instructions that pertain to the at least one evaluation service, wherein the predefined instructions identify rules or variables or criteria that were predefined and preassociated with the at least one evaluation service, and wherein the predefined instructions serve to identify or modify features or elements that pertain to the at least one evaluation service or to limit at least one functionality of the at least one evaluation service or a feature or element identified therein.

89. In a networked environment, a system comprising:

a remotely-located server comprising;

a network interface;

a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed, implement a plurality of components including;

a metric server adapter;

a metrics application; and

at least one communication application; and

a processor in communication with the network interface and the computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium;

wherein;

the metric server adapter includes governing logic programmed to manage at least one evaluation service and a plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data, including industry-specific instructions or a buyer-agent'"'"'s customized instructions, and to dynamically define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data;

the metrics application is a production application programmed to manage one or more purchase and/or analysis processes and to invoke and execute the at least one evaluation service in coordination with the metric server adapter, and to manage one or more user interfaces that, in operation, facilitate interactions with the remotely located server;

the at least one communication application is programmed to manage one or more protocols that facilitate communications between one or more computing devices and the remotely-located server via the network interface; and

in operation, in response to receipt of a triggering request from a buyer-agent computing device, the at least one communication application identifies an applicable protocol for communicating with the buyer-agent computing device and triggers the metrics application receives from the buyer-agent computing device at least one evaluation scenario for analysis, the at least one evaluation scenario identifying two or more different purchase processes, at least one product specification data set, and at least one particular time or period of time, wherein each product specification data set identifies at least one item that is defined by a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes two or more parameter values, or a plurality of items having a plurality of attributes that differ by at least one parameter value;

wherein receipt of at least one evaluation scenario triggers the metrics application to invoke the at least one evaluation service, which causes the metrics application, for each purchase process identified in the at least one evaluation scenario, to;

retrieve the buyer-agent'"'"'s historical purchase data associated with the purchase process for the at least one particular time or period of time, wherein the retrieved purchase data includes one or more price data sets responsive to at least one item identified in the at least one product specification data set, each price data set including price data for at least one item, and each item possessing a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

for each price data set, obtain metric data from at least one data source accessible to the remotely-located server, wherein the obtained metric data represents market reference data for at least one responsive item having attributes corresponding to attributes of a respective item as identified in the price data set and includes market reference price data for the at least one particular time or period of time, wherein each responsive item in the metric data possesses a plurality of attributes having attribute data that includes at least one parameter value;

evaluate the plurality of attributes of each responsive item in the metric data relative to the plurality of attributes for the respective item as identified in the price data set to dynamically discover a difference in the attribute data, wherein a discovered difference is disclosed to the metric server adapter which enables the metric server adapter to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item;

normalize the metric data by executing the transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data for the respective item, wherein execution of at least one transaction-specific instruction causes one or more adjustment values to be generated and applied to the market reference price data for at least one responsive item that differs by at least one parameter value from the respective item, transforming the market reference price data for the at least one responsive item and automatically producing one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item;

generate one or more evaluation metrics that pertain to the at least one evaluation service for at least one item identified in the at least one product specification data set for the at least one particular time or period of time, wherein each evaluation metric is based, at least in part, on one or a combination of the transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item as identified in the price data sets associated with each purchase process; and

compare the two or more purchase processes identified in the at least one evaluation scenario using one or more of the evaluation metrics generated for the respective item as identified in the price data sets associated with each purchase process;

wherein the metrics application is further programmed to communicate, in coordination with the at least one communication application, a result of the comparison to at least the buyer-agent controlled computing device.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter provides a common platform that, in operation, enables the metric server adapter to consistently define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data without regard to the one or more purchase processes being analyzed by the metrics application.

91. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to generate a relative value metric for each of the two or more purchase processes identified in the evaluation scenario, wherein price data associated with the respective item as identified in each of the price data set associated with a particular purchase process is combined to determine an average price paid by the buyer-agent for the at least one item over the identified at least one period of time using the particular purchase process and further to combine the corresponding transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item as identified in each retrieved price data set to determine an average market-reference price data value for the at least one item over the same period of time, wherein the average price paid by the buyer-agent is divided by the average market-reference price data value produced for the at least one item in the price data sets to generate the relative value metric, comprising a ratio or index value, for each of the two or more identified purchase processes.

92. The system of claim 89, wherein a purchase process with a lowest relative value metric represents an optimal purchase process with which to procure the at least one item identified in the at least one product specification data set over the at least one period of time identified in the evaluation scenario.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein the metrics application is programmed to manage, in cooperation with the at least one communications application, at least one interface that enables the buyer-agent to predefine at least one instruction that preassociates the optimal purchase process with the at least one item, wherein upon receiving a product specification data set from a computing device under the control of the buyer-agent that identifies the at least one item, the metrics application is caused to automatically use the preassociated purchase process to receive or retrieve at least one price data set responsive to the at least one item as identified in the product specification data set.

94. The system of claim 89, wherein the metrics application is separate from the metric server adapter, and wherein coordinated operation of the metrics application with the metric server adapter enables the metrics application to algorithmically process the attribute data to dynamically identify at least one relationship comprising a difference within the attribute data, wherein the at least one relationship may include a new or previously unknown relationship.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein the metric server adapter uses the at least one relationship comprising a difference to ascertain which of the predefined instructions for adapting metric data are applicable to the responsive item, wherein the metric server adapter uses the attributes and one or more parameter values of the respective item, in combination with the predefined instructions for adapting metric data ascertained to be applicable to the responsive item, to contextually define transaction-specific instructions for adapting the metric data for the respective item.

96. The system of claim 89, wherein the coordinated operation of the metrics application and the metric server adapter enables the metric server adapter to autonomously manage the at least one evaluation service and the plurality of predefined instructions for managing metric data to define transaction-specific instructions for adapting metric data, and wherein execution of the transaction-specific instructions by the metrics application provides an evaluation service that is customized for the buyer-agent or the industry without custom-coding the computer-executable instructions that comprise the metrics application.

97. The system of claim 89, wherein the metrics application is further programmed to manage, in coordination with the at least one communication application, one or more user interfaces that, in operation, communicate, via the network interface, a result of the comparison for display on at least the buyer-agent computing device which identified the at least one evaluation scenario, wherein the one or more user interfaces facilitate interactions that enable the buyer-agent to expose underlying data in one or more layers of detail, to display additional data in one or more simultaneously displayed pop-up windows, to display linked information, or to display the same data in a different form or representing one or more different purchase processes or from one or more different sources of metric data or as determined at a different period of time.

98. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to obtain metric data for an alternate item, wherein the alternate item is a substitute item and/or differs by at least one parameter value from the at least one item as identified in the at least one product specification data set, and further causes the metrics application, in coordination with the metric server adapter, to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values using, at least in part, metric data obtained for the alternate item.

99. The system of claim 89, wherein a plurality of evaluation scenarios are received from the buyer-agent computing device for analysis, wherein at least one evaluation scenario specifies the use of an alternate item, alternate parameter, alternate time or period of time, alternate metric data source, or combination thereof.

100. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to generate at least one evaluation metric that comprises a range of values for each purchase process, wherein each value in the range of values is based, at least in part, on one or a combination of transaction-specific market reference price data values produced for the respective item as identified in the at least one price data set retrieved from the historical purchase data for each of the two or more different purchase processes identified in the at least one evaluation scenario.

101. The system of claim 89, wherein the one or more parameter values represent attributes or conditions that are variable for a specific item or transaction.

102. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instructions that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to filter the buyer-agent'"'"'s historic purchase data using one or more predefined control values, criteria, or parameters, and to only retrieve price data sets that satisfy the specified control values, criteria, or parameters.

103. The system of claim 89, wherein at least one evaluation scenario identified by the buyer-agent causes the metrics application to filter the buyer-agent'"'"'s historic purchase data and to only retrieve price data sets associated with a particular seller-agent, type of seller-agent, a particular transaction type, or purchase data resulting from an executed purchase or contract.

104. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to automatically query one or more databases or data sources accessible to the remotely-located server or to monitor one or more data streams to obtain metric data for one or more items responsive to the attributes of at least one item identified in at least one retrieved price data set.

105. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to evaluate each responsive item in the metric data for satisfaction of one or more predefined validation rules and/or statistical criteria and to only produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item using metric data that satisfies the predefined validation rules and/or statistical criteria.

106. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metric server adapter to define at least one transaction-specific instruction that causes the metrics application to limit the metric data to market-reference data associated with at least one predefined seller-agent or metric data source, or to filter, for inclusion or exclusion, the one or more responsive items in the metric data using one or more predefined control values, criteria, or parameters, and to use only a limited or filtered segment of the metric data to produce the one or more transaction-specific market reference price data values for the respective item.

107. The system of claim 89, wherein invocation of the at least one evaluation service and/or execution of at least one predefined instruction that pertains to the at least one evaluation service causes the metrics application to limit the obtained metric data to market-reference price data representing the same time or period of time as that of the price data set.

108. The system of claim 89, wherein the transformation of the market reference price data occurs independent of unit-of-measure conversion of data in the metric data for responsive items that are defined by a unit-of-measure.

109. The system of claim 89, wherein the governing logic comprises a module or application or a separate application layer, wherein the governing logic cohesively manages a plurality of predefined instructions that pertain to the at least one evaluation service, wherein the predefined instructions identify rules or variables or criteria that were predefined and preassociated with the at least one evaluation service, and wherein the predefined instructions serve to identify or modify features or elements that pertain to the at least one evaluation service or to limit at least one functionality of the at least one evaluation service or a feature or element identified therein.