The purpose of the GetCatalog is to enable a business application module or system to request catalog information.

The Catalog information that is requested by the GetCatalog may include · Item Identifiers · Specifications · Pricing Information agreed on either · Purchase Agreements · Price Lists · Availability and Delivery Information · Related Items and accessories

There are many possible business applications in several environments that may use this capability. Some examples of usage scenarios are: · Manufacturer exchanging catalogs with distributors/ suppliers/e-marketplaces · Distributors/ Suppliers/ e-marketplaces exchanging catalogs with Buyers or other trading partners

It may also be necessary to support Component Supplier Management (CSM) scenarios. In this scenario a company will provide a service of sourcing and codifying the products of many companies and publishing a consolidated catalog.

The Catalog exchange scenario can be implemented either as a simple scenario using a single BOD, or in the case or large catalogs involving complex pricing scenarios or partner specific details, as multiple BODs.