Method and apparatus for generating a web site using a multi-dimensional description of the web site

A computer-implemented method that generates a website accessible over a network, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving from a user a first data entry that include a selection of at least one business category for presentation on the website;
• retrieving site data that includes pre-created content that is based at least in part on the first data entry, and a framework for presenting the pre-created content on the website;
• receiving a second data entry that includes a selection of one or more images for presentation on the website, wherein an appearance of the one or more images is automatically adjusted for display based on the framework;
• presenting the user with input selections to select one or more external components that can retrieve additional content, where retrieving the additional content is a function of a remotely executed application associated with the external component;
• publishing the website based on the framework, the pre-created content, the one or more images, and the additional content, wherein the website allows for one or more applications allowing for purchases and for calculating transaction fees based on the purchases, and further having at least one application for storing information about a customer of the website, including products selected by the customer for purchase.