Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating dynamic zero-downtime updating of formats of software applications in an on-demand services environment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving a request to facilitate a format change to a current version of a software application at a computing device, and retrieving a trigger corresponding to the format change, where a trigger may include a version indicator to indicate a past version of the software application relating to the format change. The method may further include comparing the current version and the indicated past version of the software application, and invoking the format change to the current version of the software application based on the retrieved trigger and the version indicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for creating a custom index in a multi-tenant database environment. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining query for a multi-tenant database that is recommended as a candidate for creating an additional filter, evaluating the query against criteria to determine whether to select the query for creating the additional filter, and creating the additional filter for the query, if the query is selected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with set transparent network communication are described. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a listen signal from a listen requestor, where the listen signal contains a handle identifying a set of interfaces from which the listen requestor is configured to receive incoming network communications: a set of listening endpoints are opened, where a member of the set of listening endpoints is associated with a member of the set of interfaces. The handle is modified to produce a modified handle that identifies the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle facilitates set transparent communication between the listen requester and a member of the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle is provided to the listen requester.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with set transparent network communication are described. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a listen signal from a listen requestor, where the listen signal contains a handle identifying a set of interfaces from which the listen requestor is configured to receive incoming network communications: a set of listening endpoints are opened, where a member of the set of listening endpoints is associated with a member of the set of interfaces. The handle is modified to produce a modified handle that identifies the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle facilitates set transparent communication between the listen requester and a member of the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle is provided to the listen requester.

Abstract: An improved approach is described for sharing resources such as sessions and connections in database systems. Conduits and templates in shared memory can be employed to facilitate the transfer of network sessions. This provides a very efficient way to share processing entities across multiple users or clients.