The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on the data storage device. The search software returns a list of product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can interact with the 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing the 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce software communicates with the user software allowing the user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or subassemblies depicted in the 3D model of the selected product.