The purpose of the ShowCatalog is to supply a business application module or system with requested catalog information. In communicating Catalog information, the ShowCatalogmay cause other information to be coordinated including, but not limited to · 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.