Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and associated operating methods use performance maps created by evaluating robustness of a database operator, query plan, or query to analyze health of a currently-executing query. The computer-implemented system comprises logic that receives one or more robustness maps of measured database system performance acquired during database execution in a predetermined range of runtime conditions. The logic analyzes state of a currently-executing query by locating the query's performance on the robustness maps.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and associated operating methods use atomic query maps to identify and evaluate database query plan robustness landmarks. The computer-implemented system comprises logic that evaluates robustness of a selected atomic query by measuring performance of atomic query execution in a predetermined range of runtime conditions that include data characteristics. The logic produces a set of measurements that can be displayed as one or more performance maps and analyzes the measured performance to identify landmarks indicative of database atomic query performance degradation greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and associated operating methods take measurements and landmarks associated with robustness maps and perform tests evaluating the robustness of a database engine's operator implementations and/or query components. The illustrative computer-implemented system comprises logic that receives one or more robustness maps of measured database system performance acquired during database execution in a predetermined range of runtime conditions and uses information from the robustness map or maps to perform regression testing wherein landmarks in the robustness maps are operated upon as a robustness bugs describing conditions under which a predetermined implementation of a database operator or query component degrades in a manner different from a predetermined expected manner.

Abstract: Computer-implemented and associated operating methods evaluate robustness of a query plan by measuring performance with regard to a range of runtime conditions and producing a map of relative performance of the given query plan when compared with alternative plans for a range of conditions. The computer-implemented system comprises logic that evaluates the selected query plan in comparison to multiple alternative query plans in a predetermined range of runtime conditions that include data characteristics. The logic produces a set of performance measurements and analyzes the measured performance to map performance of the selected query plan in comparison to performance of one or more alternative query plans.

Abstract: A method of tracking an identification device includes storing data about the identification device in a register, the data to be stored including data relating to a forwarding location to which requests for information about the identification device should be forwarded. The identification device is attached to an item to be monitored. The method includes accessing the register when the identification device has been read and a request for information has been received. Details of the forwarding location are obtained from the register. The request is forwarded to the forwarding location and the requested information about the identification device is sent from the forwarding location to a requester of the information.

Abstract: A method for responding to search requests for stored documents. Each of the stored documents includes metadata, content, and a document type identifier for identifying a type of the document. A search request including document type criteria, metadata criteria, and content criteria, is received. A first set of documents based on the metadata criteria is identified. Documents in the first set that have a document type identifier that matches the document type criteria are identified. A search method is identified from a plurality of search methods for searching the content of the identified documents in the first set based on the document type identifier of the documents. The content of the identified documents in the first set is searched using the identified search method and the content criteria.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method of applying policies. The method may include identifying a first entity and a first relationship, the first relationship defining an attribute related to the first entity. Additionally, the method may include identifying a policy associated with the first entity and the first relationship and applying semantics to determine a degree of relatedness between the first entity and a second entity. Further, the method may include applying the policy to a second relationship that defines an attribute related to the second entity if the degree of relatedness between the entity and the second entity is within a range of values.

Abstract: Methods associated with a service are identified. Select ones of the methods are matched to generic methods of a conversation. A new service is established from the conversation that includes the select ones of the methods.

Abstract: A method and system comprising a processor and storage coupled to the processor are provided. The storage contains elements of metadata belonging to a plurality of schemas. Mappings between the elements of metadata that comprise functional expressions executable by the processor relate the elements of metadata. Methods for validating and updating the mappings when one of the plurality of schemas change are also provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus is disclosed for interfacing with a distributed computing service. A semantic interpretation specification can be accessed that describes a behavior used to interface with the distributed computing service. The semantic interpretation specification is entered into a rules engine. A set of procedures is obtained from the rules engine for interacting with the distributed service. An interface with the distributed computing service can be formed using the set of procedures.

Abstract: A method for responding to search requests for stored documents. Each of the stored documents includes metadata, content, and a document type identifier for identifying a type of the document. A search request including document type criteria, metadata criteria, and content criteria, is received. A first set of documents based on the metadata criteria is identified. Documents in the first set that have a document type identifier that matches the document type criteria are identified. A search method is identified from a plurality of search methods for searching the content of the identified documents in the first set based on the document type identifier of the documents. The content of the identified documents in the first set is searched using the identified search method and the content criteria.

Abstract: A mechanism provides for a conversation controller that enables services to carry out an entire conversation without the service developers having to implement code to manage conversation logic. The mechanism focuses on conversation functionality as opposed to business functionality of the service and enables service developers to delegate conversational responsibilities to the conversation controllers thus freeing the developers from having to implement explicit conversation control mechanisms and allowing the services to interact without having to explicitly support conversations. These distinctions help to provide an extremely lightweight conversation controller capable of directing a service's conversations with other services or clients.