Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for operating a terminal having at least one resource. The terminal is configured to execute at least one application in real-time. The execution of the application requires execution of at least two tasks. The method comprises selecting operating points for each of the tasks from a predetermined set without knowing all implementation details. The method further comprises determining at least one implementation parameter for the selected quality-resource utilization operating point, wherein the determining is performed for each of the tasks, and wherein the determined implementation parameter is different than the quality and resource utilization, and executing the tasks with their determined implementation parameter.

Abstract: Service items at a central authority are scheduled as to their selective availability upon user request at remote stations. These are bidirectionally connected to the central authority. Each service item is assigned to one or more structures of items. Each structure of items is assigned to one or more of a set of navigation contexts. One unique start instant in absolute time is assigned to each respective navigation context. Upon attaining of any such start instant, all service items assigned to the associated navigation context are rendered available unto a detected request.