Abstract: Evaluation of a plurality of activities comprising a service includes, for each of the plurality of activities, identification of a network service path of the activity from the source to the user, wherein a network service path of a first activity of the plurality of activities is different from a network service path of at least one other of the plurality of activities, measurement of a service quality metric for each respective network segment of each identified network service path, and, for each of the plurality of activities, determination of a service quality metric based on the service quality metrics measured for each of the network segments of the network service path of the activity.

Abstract: Evaluation of a plurality of activities comprising a service includes, for each of the plurality of activities, identification of a network service path of the activity from the source to the user, wherein a network service path of a first activity of the plurality of activities is different from a network service path of at least one other of the plurality of activities, measurement of a service quality metric for each respective network segment of each identified network service path, and, for each of the plurality of activities, determination of a service quality metric based on the service quality metrics measured for each of the network segments of the network service path of the activity.

Abstract: Many services measure quality of service (QoS) according to abstract metrics based on general heuristics of QoS determinants (e.g., VoIP service providers may presume that QoS is predominantly determined by network performance). However, users' QoS perceptions are often based on their experiences with particular activities of the service, which may utilize different service paths having different QoS determinants. Therefore, QoS may be measured by identifying the activities of the service, and the dependencies among the components of such services; for respective activities and dependencies, identifying a service path from the source to the user, and the segments comprising the service path; measuring the quality of the segments of the service path; and calculating the QoS of the activity according to the QoS of the segments of the service path providing the activity. This approach may yield QoS information of greater relevance to the users' experience and with greater analytic value.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searches. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a message while simultaneously promoting a brand in a trusted online environment. The system may include a sponsor selection mechanism for allowing a communicating user to select at least one sponsor from a list of provided sponsors. The system may additionally include a text input area for allowing the communicating user to input text for display in conjunction with the selected sponsor and a target user selection mechanism for allowing the advertising user to select at least one target user for receipt of the selected sponsor display and the input text in a billboard advertisement.

Abstract: Many services measure quality of service (QoS) according to abstract metrics based on general heuristics of QoS determinants (e.g., VoIP service providers may presume that QoS is predominantly determined by network performance). However, users' QoS perceptions are often based on their experiences with particular activities of the service, which may utilize different service paths having different QoS determinants. Therefore, QoS may be measured by identifying the activities of the service, and the dependencies among the components of such services; for respective activities and dependencies, identifying a service path from the source to the user, and the segments comprising the service path; measuring the quality of the segments of the service path; and calculating the QoS of the activity according to the QoS of the segments of the service path providing the activity. This approach may yield QoS information of greater relevance to the users' experience and with greater analytic value.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searched. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searches. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searched. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a message while simultaneously promoting a brand in a trusted online environment. The system may include a sponsor selection mechanism for allowing a communicating user to select at least one sponsor from a list of provided sponsors. The system may additionally include a text input area for allowing the communicating user to input text for display in conjunction with the selected sponsor and a target user selection mechanism for allowing the advertising user to select at least one target user for receipt of the selected sponsor display and the input text in a billboard advertisement.