Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.

Abstract: A method and system for transparently encrypting (and decrypting) sensitive data stored in a directory (or other database) is provided. Sensitive data, a password for example, may be required by a client in a distributed data processing environment. When the database entry is created, the sensitive data received from a user, or more generally, a client, may be encrypted, and saved in the directory entry in encrypted form. Encryption of sensitive data may be performed in accordance with a predetermined set of policies. When the sensitive information is needed, it may be selectively delivered in encrypted or unencrypted form based on a policy in the set. Policies may include criteria external to the database, and interfaced to the database via a policy engine.

Abstract: A method and system for transparently encrypting (and decrypting) sensitive data stored in a directory (or other database) is provided. Sensitive data, a password for example, may be required by a client in a distributed data processing environment. When the database entry is created, the sensitive data received from a user, or more generally, a client, may be encrypted, and saved in the directory entry in encrypted form. Encryption of sensitive data may be performed in accordance with a predetermined set of policies. When the sensitive information is needed, it may be selectively delivered in encrypted or unencrypted form based on a policy in the set. Policies may include criteria external to the database, and interfaced to the database via a policy engine.

Abstract: An automated method, system and computer instructions for users to visually navigate telephone call trees are disclosed. A caller can connect to an automated telephone answering service, and download the service's call tree. The caller can view a display with the call tree, and modify or rearrange the order in which the menu options of the call tree are displayed. The user can then store the modified call tree for use in the future. Responsive to the selection of a specified node in the displayed call tree, an automated process can create a macro or similar set of software instructions, which can be invoked by the calling device during a subsequent connection to the automated telephone answering system associated with the subject call tree, in order to enter a queue associated with the selected node that enables the user to interact with the selected node.

Abstract: A method and system for transparently encrypting (and decrypting) sensitive data stored in a directory (or other database) is provided. Sensitive data, a password for example, may be required by a client in a distributed data processing environment. When the database entry is created, the sensitive data received from a user, or more generally, a client, may be encrypted, and saved in the directory entry in encrypted form. Encryption of sensitive data may be performed in accordance with a predetermined set of policies. When the sensitive information is needed, it may be selectively delivered in encrypted or unencrypted form based on a policy in the set. Policies may include criteria external to the database, and interfaced to the database via a policy engine.

Abstract: A process is presented for publishing privacy codes for an instant messaging system that processes instant messages in accordance with restrictions associated with the privacy codes. An electronic distribution method is associated with a privacy code, which is required by a recipient system from a sender system before delivering an instant message that has been received at the recipient system from the sender system. Possibly based on a triggered condition, the privacy code is published in accordance with its associated electronic distribution method. The electronic distribution method may comprise Web-based distribution, email distribution, or instant message distribution; the distribution may involve pushing the privacy code from a first system to a second system or may involve pulling the privacy code from the first system by the second system. The privacy code and its associated electronic distribution method may be managed in accordance with a privacy policy.

Abstract: Instant messages are processed in accordance with restrictions associated with privacy codes. A privacy code is obtained from a sender system prior to acceptance or delivery of any instant messages from the sender system. If a privacy code is received from the sender system, then a recipient system accepts or delivers instant messages from the sender system.

Abstract: One application of clustered computer systems is to support failover of applications and shared resources. Another is to support scalable or fault-tolerant distributed applications. The present invention utilizes a higher-level clustering mechanism (a multi-cluster) overlayed on top of multiple underlying clusters (subclusters) to extend their capabilities. In the described embodiment, subclusters supporting application and shared resource failover across a smaller number of nodes is overlayed with a multi-cluster supporting a larger number of nodes. The multi-cluster manages cluster-level communication among nodes, and the subclusters directly manage only the shared device and application resources which they are permitted to control. It is possible to move resources between nodes which reside in different subclusters. The multi-cluster layer also externalizes interfaces similar to those of the subclusters, providing application compatibility.

Abstract: A clustered computer system provides both speed and reliability advantages. However, when communications between the clustered computers is compromised those same computers can become confused and corrupt database files. The present method and apparatus are used to improve the management of clustered computer systems. Specifically, the system expands the number of nodes available for failover conditions.

Abstract: A method in a computer for handling a network partition of a clustered computer system, wherein the computer is part of a number of computers located within the cluster. Data is periodically written into a data structure in a shared resource, wherein the data provides a status of the computer and wherein a data structure is associated with each cluster node. Monitoring for a partition of the cluster is performed. All data structures located in the shared resource are read in response to detecting a network partition of the cluster. A determination is made as to whether the computer is in the preferred partition, one containing the largest number of computers or is otherwise determined to be viable for continued operation. Should the computer determine that it is not a member of a preferred or otherwise viable partition, it must relinquish access to shared cluster resources requiring mutually exclusive access, such as a database on a shared disk volume.