Tablor -
Having worked at an airline, I agree with you on your statement about making a few calls and finding what I want.
Our purchasing folks had a set list on who to call for what (ie Boeing for MS hardware, etc). If it wasn't on the list and they couldn't find it, it didn't and never did exist. They would throw up their hands and give up.
After much grief, I had them add one thing to their list - GOOGLE.