Abstract: A protected execution agent installs itself within a file system manager on the computer to control modifications to a protected execution environment by intercepting I/O requests from applications. If an unauthorized application attempts to modify the protected execution environment, the protected execution agent terminates the original I/O request and creates a redirected I/O request that specifies a corresponding directory path within an alternate environment. The requested I/O operation is a carried out by the file system against the alternate environment. A configuration utility is responsible for determining which installed applications are authorized to change the protected execution environment. The configuration utility also establishes a parent-child relationship between an unauthorized application that invokes or “spawns” an authorized application, with the authorized child application being considered unauthorized when performing processes on behalf of the unauthorized parent application.

Abstract: A protected execution agent installs itself within a file system manager on the computer to control modifications to a protected execution environment by intercepting I/O requests from applications. If an unauthorized application attempts to modify the protected execution environment, the protected execution agent terminates the original I/O request and creates a redirected I/O request that specifies a corresponding directory path within an alternate environment. The requested I/O operation is a carried out by the file system against the alternate environment. A configuration utility is responsible for determining which installed applications are authorized to change the protected execution environment. The configuration utility also establishes a parent-child relationship between an unauthorized application that invokes or “spawns” an authorized application, with the authorized child application being considered unauthorized when performing processes on behalf of the unauthorized parent application.

Abstract: A method to facilitate provision of services to a managed system (e.g., a PC, PDA, cell phone) includes causing installation of an agent application on the managed system, the agent application including an install component to install at least one of a plurality of service applications on the managed system. Each of the plurality of service applications is to facilitate provision of a service provided by a respective service provider of a number of service providers to the managed system. A service input (e.g., from an IT administrator) is received at the management system. The service input identifies a subset of a number of service applications to be installed on the managed system. The subset of service applications is distributed to the managed system for installation by the agent application on the managed system.

Abstract: A layered message architecture has been described that communicates status data from a client computer to a server through a remote support network. A database interface layers isolate the remaining layers of the architecture from the underlying client and server database systems. A mapping layer allows the exchange of data and instructions between the client and server without reference to the underlying data structures particular to each computer.

Abstract: A client computer is described that may send application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system. The application information about the software application comprises version information of the software applications and is stored in a database in the client system.

Abstract: A protected execution agent installs itself within a file system manager on the computer to control modifications to a protected execution environment by intercepting I/O requests from applications. If an unauthorized application attempts to modify the protected execution environment, the protected execution agent terminates the original I/O request and creates a redirected I/O request that specifies a corresponding directory path within an alternate environment. The requested I/O operation is a carried out by the file system against the alternate environment. A configuration utility is responsible for determining which installed applications are authorized to change the protected execution environment. The configuration utility also establishes a parent-child relationship between an unauthorized application that invokes or “spawns” an authorized application, with the authorized child application being considered unauthorized when performing processes on behalf of the unauthorized parent application.

Abstract: A method to remotely update software for a plurality of client system is disclosed. A client system sends a request for an upgrade to a server system. The request includes a unique identification that is recognized by the server system as belonging to the client system. In response, the server system sends an instruction to the client system that directs the client system to collect application information about the software application installed on the client system. The client system sends the application information to the server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The server system sends the most-updated upgrade package for the software application to the client system.

Abstract: A system, method and related apparatus are described for reducing channel conflict between a manufacturer's direct sales channel and an indirect sales channel of independent sellers. The method generally includes receiving customer orders from the sellers or on behalf of the sellers through the indirect sales channel and receiving customer orders directly through the direct sales channel. A defined portion of the revenue derived through the direct sales channel is allocated into a compensation pool. At the end of a distribution cycle, the compensation pool is distributed among a plurality of sellers in the indirect sales channel based on each seller's sales contribution.