Abstract: A system and method for virtualizing a new network storage additionally installed and an existing network storage as a single file system by inheriting a directories tree structure from the existing network storage, wherein a virtualizing system of the new network storage has the function of reading out setup information of the existing network storage according to an expansion request from the administrator, registering the existing network storage as a member of the virtualizing system, copying a directories tree structure of the existing network storage, and swapping setup information of the existing network storage and that of he new network storage with each other.

Abstract: A flowchart-based tool can be used to build a logical structure. In the context of a customer relationship management (CRM) system, the logical structure can comprise an ordered set of questions and branching logic that are presented to a customer of the business when the customer contacts the business with an inquiry, such as for a sale or service inquiry or other interaction. A session can be conducted with the customer based on the logical structure. Information associated with the session, such as run-time state information, can be saved in the event of an involuntary or voluntary disconnection, or a time-out of the session. The saved run-time state information can be restored or attached into the session to subsequently resume the session.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and system are presented for providing a data storage service. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first server coupled to a network and adapted to receive a request for storage from a client computer via the network, and a storage system coupled to the network and adapted to provide a data storage area corresponding to the request for storage, wherein the first server is further adapted to transmit access information associated with the storage area to the client computer, wherein the storage system is further adapted to directly receive an I/O command from the client program for at least one operation relating to the storage area.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transfering electronic information from one location to another such that only one original work exists at a given time. The methods and systems of the present invention allow distribution of originals without requiring a registration authority or other entity to vouch for what constitutes an “original” piece of information, thus reducing (or eliminating entirely) the need to centrally record changes in ownership each time originals change hands.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for accessing content secured according to differing digital rights management protocols. The system comprises a device that presents the content and a client component loaded on the device that uses and requests content according to a first digital rights management protocol. The system includes a first content server that receives a request for and provides content according to the first digital rights management protocol and a second content server that receives a request for and provides content according to a second digital rights management protocol. A mediation component maps requests and responses between the client component and the second content server, mediating between the first and second digital rights management protocols. The disclosure contemplates mediating between open digital rights language (ODRL) and extensible right markup language (XrML) digital rights management protocols as well as other digital rights management protocols.

Abstract: A distributed report processing system. The system includes a management server and a queue server in communication with the management server. The system also includes a plurality of report generators in communication with the management server and the queue server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing storage virtualization on a network device of a storage area network are disclosed. A virtual enclosure is created that has one or more virtual enclosure ports and is adapted for representing one or more virtual storage units. Each of the virtual storage units represents one or more physical storage locations on one or more physical storage units of the storage area network. Each of the virtual enclosure ports of the virtual enclosure is associated with a port of a network device within the storage area network. An address or identifier is then assigned to each of the virtual enclosure ports.

Abstract: Internet-based software and associated database provide group analysis overlay to monitor client-server web traffic and provide direct marketing to client group. Client car, patient, office or school sensor and interface provides overlay attribute for database comparison to classify usage pattern, location, timing, or family for targeted messaging for enhanced service from server source. Database group registry tracks client classification and provides adaptive context mapping according to set attribute relative to targeted on-line transaction.

Abstract: A method for verifying the identity of users connected to a computer network comprises providing fractional information queries to users, wherein responses to these individual queries are not sufficient to identify the user. This method further comprises receiving responses to these fractional information queries and comparing these responses to data available from within a computer network. A set of potential matches to the user is generated according to these responses and is used in determining whether the set of potential matches is sufficient to identify the user.

Abstract: A protocol interface is provided for an active message protocol of a computing environment and a client process employing the active message protocol. The protocol interface includes an interface to a header handler function associated with the client process. The interface to the header handler function has parameters to be passed by and a parameter to be returned to the active message protocol when processing a message received through the active message protocol. The parameters to be passed include current message state information and current message type information for the received message. These parameters facilitate message-specific decisions by the header handler function about processing data of the message by the active message protocol. The parameter to be returned to the active message protocol instructs the active message protocol how to process the received message other than just where to store the message.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for efficiently and reliably handling DNS (domain name service) PTR (pointer) queries and replies across IPv4 and IPv6 networks. In general terms, an IPv4 DNS PTR query which is sent by an IPv4 device to an IPv6 DNS Server is intercepted or received, for example, by a network device configured with NAT-PT and DNS-ALG. The received IPv4 DNS PTR query is then translated into two different types of IPv6 DNS PTR queries: a query having an “IP6.INT” string and a query having an “IP6.ARPA” string. Both types of IPv6 queries are then sent to the IPv6 destination DNS Server. Whether the DNS sends an IP6.ARPA or an IP6.INT type reply or both types of replies back, a valid reply is identified (if present) and then translated before reaching the IPv4 device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a server apparatus which can prevent direct reference to information that should be referred to only after a predetermined procedure, and a control method for the apparatus. The server apparatus of this invention analyzes address information contained in an information reference request and checks whether the address information contains system time added by the information server. If the system time is contained, it is compared with the current system time. Only when the difference between them has a predetermined value or less, the address information is determined as valid.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for updating first and second parameters of a recipient computer console from first and second donor computer consoles. The recipient console registers with the first donor console to receive notification when the first donor console has an update to the first parameter. The recipient console registers with the second donor console to receive notification when the second donor console has an update to the second parameter. After registering the recipient console with the first donor console, the recipient console receives the notification from the first donor console and updates the first parameter from the first donor console accordingly. After registering the recipient console with the second donor console, the recipient console receives notification from the second donor console and updates the second parameter from the second donor console accordingly. The parameters can be a help desk phone number, an identity of an authorized user or an authorization of a user.

Abstract: A router obtains a network address generated by a PC connected to a LAN, and the identification data (MAC address) unique to the PC. When the obtained network address does not match the network address (EUI-64) generated from the obtained identification data unique to the PC according to a predetermined rule, the router sends a collision message.

Abstract: A network based management system enables network devices installed at a customer's premises to be automatically monitored and managed for automated support services. Each network device includes a monitoring agent configured for generating a notification message based upon an event where device operations exceed prescribed monitored parameters. A troubleshooting resource at the customer premises requests selected device state attributes from the network device and that are forwarded to a data collection resource that serves as an interface to the manufacturer's back-end infrastructure. The troubleshooting system accesses databases that store the configuration information for the affected network device, and uses the configuration information for accessing problem/resolution information.

Abstract: A syndicator for disseminating Web services and other resources from service and content providers to service consumers and for establishing and implementing subscription agreements specifying the terms upon which digital assets are provided to subscribers. A registration database stores a service description for each of a plurality of different Web services and other resources. Each stored service description contains an input processing specification, an output processing specification, and the specification of the business terms upon which the described service or resource is offered by its provider to subscribers. A subscription manager conducts a negotiation with a prospective subscriber and receives from the subscriber an acceptance of the business terms upon which a specified Web service or resource is offered to establish a subscription agreement. Event tracking records information describing the performance of each service on behalf of each subscriber to perform subscription accounting functions.

Abstract: A system and method for path saturation in a storage area network so that the throughput of the storage area network may be determined. The system and method includes a software utility suite that uses either a system administration scripting language, e.g., Perl or Korn shell, or by compiled or machine language software. The software utility suite includes a set of software tools to be installed on one or more computer systems sharing access to a data storage system, such as a storage area network (SAN). The software tools running on these separate computer systems communicate and collaborate in a peer-to-peer fashion in order to coordinate loading, testing and measurement of storage throughput on the shared data storage system. The software tools further coordinate the collection, storage and presentation of results data obtained through such loading, testing and measurement of the storage throughput of the shared data storage system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory based services is provided. The directory service may process an ambiguous destination identifier from a call-session request to multiple database entries in a directory server, and return an appropriately constructed response that can be interpreted by a user as a prompt for additional input to refine the destination identifier. The possible matches could be sent as a list of possible choices. The user can then select the desired match from the list and send a follow-on request including the selection to the directory server. Based on the selection, the directory server will then either send additional possible matches to the user or obtain a contact address corresponding to the selection. After resolving the ambiguous match to a unique destination identifier, a call can then be established.

Abstract: A method that iteratively determines which web pages and web sites are of interest to a particular user in accordance with that user's geographic location or country. The described embodiment of the present invention determines zero or more countrytags for each web page or site considered. The described embodiment makes two passes (iterations) to arrive at these countrytags.

Abstract: Undoing a function requested by a first client station on a computer object stored on a server station of a communication network is provided. The execution of the function is adapted to manipulate the object from an earlier state to a manipulated state. The undoing is performed by receiving a request to undo the execution of the function. The earlier state of the manipulated object is obtained. Then, a response is sent to the first client station via the communication network, the response comprising a sum of money less than or equal to an execution cost associated with the function.