Abstract: An improved method and system for interfacing two distributed computing systems each implemented using different frameworks and different protocols. A gateway service provides some of the other services operating on a first system with software proxies capable of translating commands from clients in a second system. The gateway service also registers the first system's services with the registry service of the second system. Clients in the second system are thereby able to locate services in the first system and send commands in their native protocols to the first system services. Services in the first system are capable of, by use of the proxies, receiving, processing and responding to commands from the second system clients.

Abstract: An improved method and system for interfacing two distributed computing systems each implemented using different frameworks and different protocols. A gateway service provides some of the other services operating on a first system with software proxies capable of translating commands from clients in a second system. The gateway service also registers the first system's services with the registry service of the second system. Clients in the second system are thereby able to locate services in the first system and send commands in their native protocols to the first system services. Services in the first system are capable of, by use of the proxies, receiving, processing and responding to commands from the second system clients.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for improved garbage collection in a distributed computing system. Garbage collection is the process of releasing resources that are no longer being utilized by the objects to which those resources are allocated. Specifically, a garbage collection system and method are described that allow for different types of garbage collection to be used at different times and/or on different objects or resources in the system. In the preferred embodiment, the garbage collection routines are contained in separate mobile code module that can be changed dynamically interchanged to provide different garbage collection algorithms.

Abstract: The invention is a method of handling groups of services where the makeup of the groups can be determined and changed while the application is running. In one embodiment a group of services switches from peer mode to coordinator cohort mode to perform a task and then switches back. This is mainly accomplished through a group proxy, which is generated at run time, and which handles interactions with groups of services on behalf of one or more clients. The group proxy, buffers calls from a client to a group when the group is unavailable because it is in transition. When the transition is complete the group proxy transmits the stored client commands to the group.

Abstract: The invention is a method of handling groups of services where the makeup and structure of the groups can be determined and changed while the application is running. In one embodiment a group of services is grouped as a coordinator cohort group with respect to one client and, at the same time, as a peer group with respect to another client. This is accomplished by registering with a lookup service a coordinator cohort group proxy and a peer group proxy. Clients may download from the lookup service either group proxy in order to use the group of services in the desired mode.

Abstract: The invention is a method of handling groups of services where the makeup of the groups can be determined and changed while the application is running. This is mainly accomplished through a group proxy, which is generated at run time, and which handles interactions with groups of services on behalf of one or more clients. The group proxy consists of a group logic shell which contains all the group-aware logic, and a service proxy for each service in the group which contains the necessary logic to interact with the particular service. The group proxy, which is given to a client for all of its interactions with the group of services, buffers calls from that client to its group when the group is unavailable because it is in transition. When the transition is complete the group proxy transmits the stored client commands to the group.

Abstract: A system and method allows multiple remote devices to form ad hoc groups over a network to participate in an activity. Each remote device is represented by a software surrogate, that is usually specific to the activity, device and communication channel. Where the remote device has limited computational power its surrogate can handle much of the computation necessary to participate in the activity. The surrogate can also queue communication to and from a remote device to make up for communication lapses common in wireless networks. The surrogate can also track usage information and persist the state of the activity. One embodiment is for multi-player gaming over cellular data networks using telephones, PDAs or the like. Another embodiment is for communication between emergency first responders.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for automating the establishment of generator-listener communication within a distributed environment. A software module known as an event router monitors objects present in the distributed environment and registers listeners with generators according to a set of rules established within, or accessible to, the event router. In one embodiment the event router registers listeners with generators. In another embodiment the event router directs events to a Tuple Space.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for improved garbage collection in a distributed computing system. Garbage collection is the process of releasing resources that are no longer being utilized by the objects to which those resources are allocated. Specifically, a garbage collection system and method are described that allow for different types of garbage collection to be used at different times and/or on different objects or resources in the system. In the preferred embodiment, the garbage collection routines are contained in separate mobile code module that can be changed dynamically interchanged to provide different garbage collection algorithms.

Abstract: A novel method, system and service for delivering and instantiating resources and services in a distributed system is described. The invention removes dependencies on location, and the need for location-awareness that are present in existing products and practices. Instead of a lookup service pointing to a specific resource base, the invention returns a proxy that uses a resource service to locate and access resources. The present invention provides a highly-available resource base, allows for load balancing resource bases, admits of any other policy-based decisions (such as cost, speed, or quality of service) on where to retrieve a resource from. For service proxy writers, the invention does not require them to commit in advance to an specific code base servers. Using this method, a priori knowledge of specific resource bases is not required, allowing applications to be constructed dynamically and from the most appropriate resources.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of handling a wide range of dynamic groups of services where the makeup of the groups can be determined and changed while the application is running. This is mainly accomplished through a group proxy, which is generated at run time, and which handles interactions with groups of services on behalf of one or more clients. The group proxy consists of a group logic shell which contains all the group-aware logic, and a service proxy for each service in the group which contains the necessary logic to interact with the particular service. The group proxy, which is given to a client for all of its interactions with the group of services, buffers calls from that client to its group when the group is unavailable because it is in transition. When the transition is complete the group proxy transmits the stored client commands to the group.

Abstract: A distributed computing system with an improved architecture and methodology which is capable of handling a wide range of dynamic groups of services where the makeup of the groups can be determined and changed while the application is running. This is mainly accomplished through a group proxy, which is generated at run time, and which handles interactions with groups of services on behalf of one or more clients. The group proxy consists of a group logic shell which contains all the group-aware logic, and a service proxy for each service in the group which contains the necessary logic to interact with the particular service. A grouping agent is also described which provides the group-aware logic for each service that participates in a group, as well as a group service which generates and updates the group proxy.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and service for storing data wherein objects of varying class or class structure may be stored, searched and retrieved. In addition to storing objects which are comprised of flat data such as text and numbers, the service is capable of storing and running objects that are executable methods. By making use of the ability to store and run executable methods within some or all of the records, the service can implement a number of functions in a way that is customizable to each record. Examples of such functions include security, archiving, purging and notification.