Abstract: Technologies are described for performing database updates in a database environment where the database remains accessible during the updates. For example, a number of database clients may utilize a database environment for running queries or performing transactions. When an update to the database environment needs to be performed (e.g., a change to the database schema), instead of taking the database offline or queueing requests, the database can remain accessible to the database clients throughout the update process. The update process can include switching database connections between a first copy of the database and a second copy of the database that are being replicated. Technologies are also described for performing updates to application code used to interact with the database environment (e.g., alone or in combination with database system updates).

Abstract: A system and method for determining a set of visualization points from any given two-dimensional dataset to best describe a given visual analytic. A first user selection is received in a data processing apparatus for a chart. A chart type associated with the first user selection is identified for the chart. One or more visualization strategies are accessed from a strategy pool database based on the chart type. A second user selection is received in the data processing apparatus for a two-dimensional dataset from a data provider in communication with the data processing apparatus. The two-dimensional dataset is analyzed to determine a best strategy from the one or more visualization strategies accessed from the strategy pool database. Metadata representing the two-dimensional dataset is generated based on the best strategy, and a display representing the metadata is generated to visualize the two-dimensional dataset according to the best strategy.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a set of visualization points from any given two-dimensional dataset to best describe a given visual analytic. A first user selection is received in a data processing apparatus for a chart. A chart type associated with the first user selection is identified for the chart. One or more visualization strategies are accessed from a strategy pool database based on the chart type. A second user selection is received in the data processing apparatus for a two-dimensional dataset from a data provider in communication with the data processing apparatus. The two-dimensional dataset is analyzed to determine a best strategy from the one or more visualization strategies accessed from the strategy pool database. Metadata representing the two-dimensional dataset is generated based on the best strategy, and a display representing the metadata is generated to visualize the two-dimensional dataset according to the best strategy.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for displaying data arrays in a graphical user interface. In this method, a first data array and a second data array are accessed. Here, the second data array is nested in the first data array. The first data array comprises first data elements and the second data array comprises second data elements. A hierarchical tree structure of the first and second data arrays is constructed where the first data array is ranked higher than the second data array in the hierarchical tree structure based on the nesting of the second data array in the first data array. An arrangement of the first and second data elements is displayed in the graphical user interface, where the arrangement is based on the hierarchical tree structure.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a set of visualization points from any given two-dimensional dataset to best describe a given visual analytic. A first user selection is received in a data processing apparatus for a chart. A chart type associated with the first user selection is identified for the chart. One or more visualization strategies are accessed from a strategy pool database based on the chart type. A second user selection is received in the data processing apparatus for a two-dimensional dataset from a data provider in communication with the data processing apparatus. The two-dimensional dataset is analyzed to determine a best strategy from the one or more visualization strategies accessed from the strategy pool database. Metadata representing the two-dimensional dataset is generated based on the best strategy, and a display representing the metadata is generated to visualize the two-dimensional dataset according to the best strategy.

Abstract: A render engine for a spreadsheet application is described. The render engine facilitates the rendering of cell regions containing data that are maintained by both a spreadsheet application (user-defined cell region) and/or a third-party application (application-defined cell region). In particular, an embodiment of the render engine facilitates the repositioning of one or more existing cell regions within a spreadsheet interface, when the insertion of a new cell region is determined to cause a layout conflict with one or more existing cell regions. Repositioning of the existing cell regions is achieved without overwriting any cell information, and without breaking any formulas contained within an affected cell.

Abstract: A dashboard evaluator is disclosed. The dashboard evaluator evaluates a dashboard design for its effectiveness in providing the information. The dashboard evaluator determines a compliance score to indicate a level of compliance with dashboard design principles. The design principles may be tailored to a specific purpose and/or user.

Abstract: A dashboard evaluator is disclosed. The dashboard evaluator evaluates a dashboard design for its effectiveness in providing the information. The dashboard evaluator determines a level of compliance with dashboard design principles. The design principles may be tailored to a specific purpose and/or user.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for displaying data arrays in a graphical user interface. In this method, a first data array and a second data array are accessed. Here, the second data array is nested in the first data array. The first data array comprises first data elements and the second data array comprises second data elements. A hierarchical tree structure of the first and second data arrays is constructed where the first data array is ranked higher than the second data array in the hierarchical tree structure based on the nesting of the second data array in the first data array. An arrangement of the first and second data elements is displayed in the graphical user interface, where the arrangement is based on the hierarchical tree structure.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a set of visualization points from any given two-dimensional dataset to best describe a given visual analytic. A first user selection is received in a data processing apparatus for a chart. A chart type associated with the first user selection is identified for the chart. One or more visualization strategies are accessed from a strategy pool database based on the chart type. A second user selection is received in the data processing apparatus for a two-dimensional dataset from a data provider in communication with the data processing apparatus. The two-dimensional dataset is analyzed to determine a best strategy from the one or more visualization strategies accessed from the strategy pool database. Metadata representing the two-dimensional dataset is generated based on the best strategy, and a display representing the metadata is generated to visualize the two-dimensional dataset according to the best strategy.

Abstract: A render engine for a spreadsheet application is described. The render engine facilitates the rendering of cell regions containing data that are maintained by both a spreadsheet application (user-defined cell region) and/or a third-party application (application-defined cell region). In particular, an embodiment of the render engine facilitates the repositioning of one or more existing cell regions within a spreadsheet interface, when the insertion of a new cell region is determined to cause a layout conflict with one or more existing cell regions. Repositioning of the existing cell regions is achieved without overwriting any cell information, and without breaking any formulas contained within an affected cell.

Abstract: A mechanism for associating a remote document with an email based on user behaviors is described herein. According to one embodiment, an email context is extracted from a current email being accessed by a user, the email context including one or more attributes representing certain characteristics of the current email. A related context having a list of one or more documents is automatically presented that are related to the current email based on at least one attribute of the email context. The one or more documents are associated with a prior email having certain characteristics that are similar to those represented by at least one attribute of the email context. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.