A system and method for providing a computer component exchange in a network for executing buy orders for purchasing computer components is disclosed. A plurality of owner-processors are electrically connected to the network. At least a first owner-processor is adapted to transmit electronic buy orders through the network for purchasing computer components. At least a second owner-processor is adapted to receive buy orders from the network. The system comprises an exchange server complex that is electrically connected to the network having plurality of investment instruments comprising shares of ownership interests in the exchange server complex that are stored as data records in an accounting database. At least some of the owner-processors are capable of being associated with at least one of the shares, thereby defining an ownership interest in the exchange server complex for a proprietor of the respective owner-processor. Data stored in the accounting database represents allocation of net profits from fees charged for transactions in the exchange server complex among the owner-processors that are associated with the shares. The net-profits are represented as data records in the accounting database for tracking net profits earned in the exchange server complex. The system may use a standard data format for searching and exchanging buy orders and component specifications such as that described by ROSETTANET.