Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program of instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus of a computer system to perform operations concerning at least two virtual machines operative in the computer system, the operations comprising: detecting computer system resources associated with each of the at least two virtual machines; displaying an interactive, integrated graphical user interface (GUI) on a display device associated with the computer system, whereby the GUI simultaneously displays graphical elements representing the detected computer system resources associated with the virtual machines; receiving commands entered, at least in part, using the GUI to perform actions on the detected computer system resources associated with the virtual machines; and executing actions corresponding to the commands entered using the GUI on the detected computer system resources associated with the virtual machines while maintaining the independence of the operating environments of the virt

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for performing computer system management on an activity basis. In one embodiment, computer-system-related items are associated with at least one activity to be performed using the computer system. Then, management procedures are established for the at least one activity. Next, when the computer system is used to perform the at least one activity, the computer-system-related items associated with the at least one activity are managed in accordance with the management procedures established for the at least one activity. In another embodiment, apparatus and methods monitor patterns of use of a computer system. Using information gathered during monitoring operations, activity models are formulated, and for each activity model a management plan is devised. After management plans have been devised for each activity model, the use of the computer system is monitored to identify actions being performed with the computer system.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for managing proficiency information about a degree holder. An active degree in a degree field is issued to a degree holder. The active degree includes a certification that the degree holder has completed at least one degree process, a strength value associated with the certification indicating a proficiency in the degree field, and a strength evaluator configured to adjust the strength value such that the strength value reflects the degree holder's proficiency in the degree field over time.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture are disclosed for transforming a service process definition. This service process definition is comprised of computer readable code. The method comprises the steps of expressing a given set of assumptions in a computer readable code; and transforming said process definition by using a processing unit to apply said assumptions to said process definition to change the configuration of the process definition. The process definition may be transformed by using factors relating to the specific context in or for which the process definition is executed. Also, the process definition may be transformed by identifying, in a flow diagram for the service process definition, flows to which the assumptions apply, and applying program rewriting techniques to those identified flows.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and computer program for handing over a communication from a first party to a second party. The method comprises the steps of analyzing an audio communication with said first party for quality; and transcribing to text said audio communication with either a speech recognition function or a shadow or a human transcription service, based on said analyzing. The method comprises the further steps of editing the transcribed text; aligning said text with visual information viewed during said audio communication; and sending said transcribed text along with said visual information to said second party. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tool that can be used to great effect in the “Call Handover” scenario.

Abstract: A virtual workspace is provided for a user with a number of electronic devices, in which information can be exchanged among the electronic devices through a number of connections between the electronic devices. The virtual workspace is provided by determining where services are located and the type of the services, determining one or more data formats associated with data accessible by one or more of the electronic devices. A portion of the data has a given one of one or more data formats. An electronic device is selected based at least in part on predetermined criteria and the given data format. A route through the connections to the selected electronic device is determined, where the route may comprise a given one or more of the connections. At least the portion of the data associated with the given data format is routed to the selected electronic device. The portion of the data is utilizable for presentation by the selected electronic device when received by the selected electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously operative in a computing environment provide an integrated work environment—for example, a desktop—which incorporates graphical and control elements from multiple virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, application programs and resources available in multiple virtual machines can be accessed from a single desktop. Visual cues are provided for associating control elements and resources with particular virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, multiple virtual machines operative in a computing environment can comprise a plurality of collaborative virtual machines, or a private virtual machine and one or more collaborative virtual machines.

Abstract: A method (which can be computer implemented) for assisted remediation of at least one problem with a computer system includes the steps of obtaining data from the computer system, the data being indicative of the at least one problem; hypothesizing at least a first candidate remediation process for the problem from among a plurality of annotated remediation process descriptions, based at least in part on the data; associating at least a first attribute with the at least first candidate remediation process; and facilitating presentation of the at least first candidate remediation process with the associated attribute to a remediation agent.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus implement graphical user interfaces for interactively specifying service level agreements used to regulate delivery of services to, for example, computer systems. An interactive graphical user interface allows a user to see the effects of varying values of service delivery variables on the level of service achievable in a particular service delivery context. In a second aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention provision resources required for service delivery. In the second aspect, the methods and apparatus of the present invention select a service delivery model dependent on context. The selected service delivery model is used to provision resources that will be required during service delivery. In a third aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention monitor compliance with a service level agreement during a service delivery event.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus implement graphical user interfaces for interactively specifying service level agreements used to regulate delivery of services to, for example, computer systems. An interactive graphical user interface allows a user to see the effects of varying values of service delivery variables on the level of service achievable in a particular service delivery context. In a second aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention provision resources required for service delivery. In the second aspect, the methods and apparatus of the present invention select a service delivery model dependent on context. The selected service delivery model is used to provision resources that will be required during service delivery. In a third aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention monitor compliance with a service level agreement during a service delivery event.

Abstract: A secure object manager obtains, from an authorized person, a specification for disposition of at least one object, and creates first instructions, pertaining to the disposition, for a remote secure-object agent on a remote system. A copy of the object and the first instructions are sent to a remote secure-object agent on a remote system, which controls the copy based on the first instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, dynamic switching between first and second service providers each capable of providing a service for users over a communications network. The method includes steps of: establishing switching criterion for deciding when to switch service provision between the first service provider and second service provider; maintaining state information associated with a user's use of the service provided by a first service provider; switching between the first and second service provided over the communications network based on satisfaction of the switching criterion; and, migrating any state information maintained up to the time of switching to the second service. Preferably, the dynamic switching occurs in a manner substantially transparent to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for protecting information in a computing device. For instance, a location of the computing device is detected. It is determined whether the location is an unauthorized location. Access to the information is restricted in response to the location being an unauthorized location. As another example, information in a computing device may be protected by detecting location of the computing device. It is determined whether the location is an unauthorized location. One or more decoy files are created in the information in response to the location being an unauthorized location.

Abstract: A computer system having at least one CPU has as its only interface with the Internet and other external sources a virtual machine that contains a browser and/or other communications programs, so that e-mail and other external communications are opened within the virtual machine and stored within a virtual storage. The virtual machine is erased at frequent intervals, taking with it any changes made by virus or other hostile programs.

Abstract: A system accesses a log of events on more than one computing system and scans these logs in an effort to determine the likely cause of various items of interest, events, or problems. These items of interest often include improper or frustrating behavior of a computer system, but may also include delightful or beneficial behaviors for which a user, group of users, company, service, or help desk seeks a cause. Once the likely source of the item of interest is found, a test may be performed to confirm the source of the problem and warning or corrective action taken.

Abstract: The authenticity of a website is tested with software that runs on a personal computing device and a service that is provided via the Internet. The software on the personal computing device is in the form of a proxy, or transparent component in the Internet Protocol implementation. The proxy receives all outbound messages, analyzes them and forwards or modifies them without the user's intervention. The service tests the IP address and/or the behavior of the target website.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, a system and a computer program that is embodied on at least one computer readable medium for service provisioning a customer with at least one software application from a service provider.

Abstract: A method (which can be computer implemented) for assisted remediation of at least one problem with a computer system includes the steps of obtaining data from the computer system, the data being indicative of the at least one problem; hypothesizing at least a first candidate remediation process for the problem from among a plurality of annotated remediation process descriptions, based at least in part on the data; associating at least a first attribute with the at least first candidate remediation process; and facilitating presentation of the at least first candidate remediation process with the associated attribute to a remediation agent.

Abstract: A system accesses a log of events on more than one computing system and scans these logs in an effort to determine the likely cause of various items of interest, events, or problems. These items of interest often include improper or frustrating behavior of a computer system, but may also include delightful or beneficial behaviors for which a user, group of users, company, service, or help desk seeks a cause. Once the likely source of the item of interest is found, a test may be performed to confirm the source of the problem and warning or corrective action taken.

Abstract: A virtual workspace is provided for a user with a number of electronic devices, in which information can be exchanged among the electronic devices through a number of connections between the electronic devices. The virtual workspace is provided by determining where services are located and the type of the services, determining one or more data formats associated with data accessible by one or more of the electronic devices. A portion of the data has a given one of one or more data formats. An electronic device is selected based at least in part on predetermined criteria and the given data format. A route through the connections to the selected electronic device is determined, where the route may comprise a given one or more of the connections. At least the portion of the data associated with the given data format is routed to the selected electronic device. The portion of the data is utilizable for presentation by the selected electronic device when received by the selected electronic device.