The present invention is a method and apparatus for the automated exchange
of information, and more particularly the use of a hierarchical protocol
based upon an extensible markup language (XML) in order to enable
machine-to-machine communication of data related to the availability of
goods, services and information. The machine-to-machine communication
protocol and system having a predefined destination (universal resource
locator (URL)) for bootstrapping the communication process, and a
structured content protocol using XML. The system is preferably
closed-ended, and employs a rule-based syntax with conditional data
interaction. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes GUI-based
design and programming tools that enable the set up of host and/or visitor
machines in accordance with the protocol.
