Abstract: In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure, systems, methods and devices for providing cross-domain access to calendar availability are presented. A request to schedule an event may be received. The request may comprise an identity of an organizer user account, the organizer user account associated with a first domain, and an identity of an invitee user account, the invitee user account associated with a second domain. An importance level of the organizer user account to the invitee user account may be determined. A determination may be made as to whether the organizer user account has access to events in an electronic calendar associated with the invitee user account based on the importance level. One or more events that the organizer account has access to may be surfaced in an event scheduling assistant user interface associated with the organizer user account.

Abstract: In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure, systems, methods and devices for providing cross-domain access to calendar availability are presented. A request to schedule an event may be received. The request may comprise an identity of an organizer user account, the organizer user account associated with a first domain, and an identity of an invitee user account, the invitee user account associated with a second domain. An importance level of the organizer user account to the invitee user account may be determined. A determination may be made as to whether the organizer user account has access to events in an electronic calendar associated with the invitee user account based on the importance level. One or more events that the organizer account has access to may be surfaced in an event scheduling assistant user interface associated with the organizer user account.

Abstract: Controlling notifications based on an importance of the notifications to users is described. A service provider can receive notifications. The service provider can determine an order for sending the notifications based partly on priority levels assigned to the notifications and positions associated with presentations of the notifications. The service provider can send a first notification to at least one device in a first period of time. The service provider can determine that sending a second notification causes a conflict with a presentation policy. Accordingly, the service provider can determine a second period of time subsequent to the first period of time to send the second notification to the at least one device based partly on a lapse of a predetermined amount of time and/or an occurrence of an event, and can send the second notification to the at least one device in the second period of time.

Abstract: Techniques and technologies for smart support systems are described. In at least some embodiments, a method comprises: receiving an indication of a user invoking a support facility due to a problem experienced with a software application; obtaining user-related information including at least one of an age of the user or at least one indication of proficiency of the user with operation of the software application; obtaining problem-related information related to the problem experienced with the software application; and selecting a starting point of a support path based at least partially on the problem-related information and the user-related including at least one of an age of the user or at least one indication of proficiency of the user with operation of the software application, the support path defining one or more operations intended to address the problem experienced with the software application.

Abstract: Variety of approaches to optimize performance based on behavioral and situational signals are described. A productivity service initiates operations to optimize performance upon receiving a behavioral signal and/or a situational signal associated with a user. The behavioral signal and/or the situational signal are analyzed to infer a usage pattern associated with a component of an application. Next, a failure of the usage pattern is detected in a comparison to an utility threshold. In response, the application is instructed to interrupt an execution of the component.

Abstract: Techniques and technologies for smart support systems are described. In at least some embodiments, a method comprises: receiving an indication of a user invoking a support facility due to a problem experienced with a software application; obtaining user-related information including at least one of an age of the user or at least one indication of proficiency of the user with operation of the software application; obtaining problem-related information related to the problem experienced with the software application; and selecting a starting point of a support path based at least partially on the problem-related information and the user-related including at least one of an age of the user or at least one indication of proficiency of the user with operation of the software application, the support path defining one or more operations intended to address the problem experienced with the software application.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein for customizing user experience on a per-user basis. In some implementations, the technique involves: collecting feedback information from a user pertaining to the user's interaction with a program feature; determining a modification to be made to the program feature based on the feedback information; making the modification; notifying the user of the modification; and receiving the user's post-modification assessment of the modification. The technique enables a program provider to quickly modify program features in an automated manner, with no (or reduced) effort by human developers, and at consequent reduced cost. In addition, the technique improves the users' experience with the program features since the program modifications are tailored to each user's preferences.

Abstract: Variety of approaches to optimize performance based on behavioral and situational signals are described. A productivity service initiates operations to optimize performance upon receiving a behavioral signal and/or a situational signal associated with a user. The behavioral signal and/or the situational signal are analyzed to infer a usage pattern associated with a component of an application. Next, a failure of the usage pattern is detected in a comparison to an utility threshold. In response, the application is instructed to interrupt an execution of the component.

Abstract: Customer type detection and customization and/or configuration of services based on detected customer type is provided in an online service environment. In some examples, a small business customer signing up for an email account or similar (e.g., more complex services such as a productivity suite) way be detected as a small business based on a choice of their email alias, domain name, signature, and other factors. A type of business may also be detected/inferred. Based on the detection inference, the services such as initial teaching user experiences, configuration of services, and other customizations may be automatically provided or suggested to the customer. Subsequently, usage may be monitored and further services and/or configurations (configuration changes) may be suggested based on additionally gathered information and changes in usage.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein for customizing user experience on a per-user basis. In some implementations, the technique involves: collecting feedback information from a user pertaining to the user's interaction with a program feature; determining a modification to be made to the program feature based on the feedback information; making the modification; notifying the user of the modification; and receiving the user's post-modification assessment of the modification. The technique enables a program provider to quickly modify program features in an automated manner, with no (or reduced) effort by human developers, and at consequent reduced cost. In addition, the technique improves the users' experience with the program features since the program modifications are tailored to each user's preferences.

Abstract: Controlling notifications based on an importance of the notifications to users is described. A service provider can receive notifications. The service provider can determine an order for sending the notifications based partly on priority levels assigned to the notifications and positions associated with presentations of the notifications. The service provider can send a first notification to at least one device in a first period of time. The service provider can determine that sending a second notification causes a conflict with a presentation policy. Accordingly, the service provider can determine a second period of time subsequent to the first period of time to send the second notification to the at least one device based partly on a lapse of a predetermined amount of time and/or an occurrence of an event, and can send the second notification to the at least one device in the second period of time.

Abstract: Network disconnections are automatically detected between a client application and a server When a disconnection is detected by either the client or server, a determination is made as to whether the disconnection is a temporary disconnection or a longer-lasting disconnection. While disconnected, attempts are made to automatically reconnect the client and server. During the disconnected period, a subset of communication functions remain operable. When the connection is restored, presence/availability information is automatically delivered to the client.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.

Abstract: Network disconnections are automatically detected between a client application and a server When a disconnection is detected by either the client or server, a determination is made as to whether the disconnection is a temporary disconnection or a longer-lasting disconnection. While disconnected, attempts are made to automatically reconnect the client and server. During the disconnected period, a subset of communication functions remain operable. When the connection is restored, presence/availability information is automatically delivered to the client.