E-commerce system

This invention discloses a method for acquiring and providing e-commerce information, the method including the following steps: (a) retrieving a first web page from a first web site, (b) retrieving a first site profile preconfigured for the web site, the site profile indicating in the web page at least one data region adapted for placement therein of text or images indicating items for sale and web links associated with the items, (c) identifying, using the site profile, a data region of the web page containing text or images indicating at least one item for sale and at least one web link associated with the item, (d) acquiring information regarding said item from a source other than the web site, and (e) providing the item information acquired in step (d).