A buffer ring is utilized to track and control the distribution of information. Index variables that refer to storage locations or slots in the buffer ring are utilized to track the receipt and distribution of information. The variables initially point to the same slot. As information is received a status indicator associated the slot is checked and if the location is free either the product information elements or addresses of where the product information are entered in the slots. They are tracked by a producer variable that is incremented to indicate the next available slot. Slots between the consumer variable and the producer variable define a segment of the buffer associated with a particular thread. The information is forwarded to a thread based upon the variables. As product information elements are forwarded control of the buffer ring is obtained and the variables determine a buffer segment that is forwarded.