Abstract: A system and method of providing highly scalable optimization of keyword bids are disclosed. In some embodiments, for each keyword in a plurality of keywords associated with a user, an initialization operation can be performed to initialize a corresponding bid for the keyword at a corresponding initialization value using a cluster of nodes. Each node in the cluster of nodes can correspond to a different keyword in the plurality of keywords. The corresponding bids for the keywords can be initialized in parallel by the cluster of nodes. For each keyword in the plurality of keywords, an update operation can be performed to update the corresponding bid for the keyword to a corresponding updated value different from the corresponding initialization value using the cluster of nodes. The corresponding bids can be updated in parallel by the cluster of nodes.

Abstract: Various embodiments pertain to techniques for forecasting and providing guaranteed delivery of ad impression opportunities using real-time bidded platform inventories. In various embodiments, bid landscape data, such as information regarding a number of impression requests by a particular supply unit, a time of the impression requests, and an amount of a winning bid for the impression requests, is recorded for use in forecasting an available impression volume as a function of cost. The forecasted available impression volume represents a number of ad impression requests likely to be obtained through real-time bidding channels. In various embodiments, an advertiser can place an order for a number of ad impressions at a particular price, and the ad impressions ordered can be specifically allocated for that advertiser. The number of ad impressions ordered by an advertiser that are guaranteed vary depending on the price and the available volume forecasted at that price.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating candidate orders relative to available inventory, such as evaluating candidate orders of advertising impressions relative to an estimated available inventor of advertising impressions. The evaluation can include matching orders with available inventors based on linear programs that include objective functions and constraints. At least one objective function can include multiple slack variables.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to backup up data. In aspects, a backup target determines a degree to which a data set included on the backup target is not backed up on a backup facility. The degree can represent more than just that the data set is completely backed up or is not backed up at all. If the degree satisfies a condition, the backup target utilizes information derived from a backup history of one or more attempted or successfully completed backup sessions between the backup target and the backup facility to determine whether to provide a notification regarding backup state. The backup target also may send the degree and other backup information to a backup facility which may use this information in determining a backup scheme to employ with the backup target.

Abstract: Computer-readable media for determining whether to accept a candidate order from an advertiser, to display a particular number of advertisements within a specified time segment are provided. Initially, the content provider may include placement criteria that, among other things, identify a leaf supply node at which impressions of the advertisement are expected to be rendered. Generally, the leaf supply node refers to a location within a topic graph that describes inventory that is permissible to allocate to satisfy the candidate order. To perform the determination, the inventory of impressions available for accommodating the candidate order and a log of booked orders scheduled to be placed within the time segment are identified. Linear programs are then utilized to determine whether the estimated inventory that satisfies the placement criteria is available by predictively placing the booked orders at the estimated inventory. If estimated inventory remains available, the candidate order is accepted.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to backup up data. In aspects, a backup target determines a degree to which a data set included on the backup target is not backed up on a backup facility. The degree can represent more than just that the data set is completely backed up or is not backed up at all. If the degree satisfies a condition, the backup target utilizes information derived from a backup history of one or more attempted or successfully completed backup sessions between the backup target and the backup facility to determine whether to provide a notification regarding backup state. The backup target also may send the degree and other backup information to a backup facility which may use this information in determining a backup scheme to employ with the backup target.