Abstract: This invention describes the use of a Chip Conversion Factor (CCF) to scale offers for EBRs. The CCFs are a multiplier that will be applied to offers received for the EBRs. In general, the CCF can be computed based on any number of factors such as the cost of the EBRs, the worth of an EBR to a potential buyer (e.g., at a particular time), a customer status (e.g., preferred customer) of a potential buyer, etc. The invention helps to take into account any differences between EBRs that meet a potential buyer's requirements but that may affect the value of the EBRs relative to one another.

Abstract: A computer program product and/or system for determining storage requirements includes means for receiving a plurality of files to be stored, means for classifying the plurality of files based on business value, means for classifying the plurality of files based on contractual obligations, means for classifying the plurality of files based on empirical characteristics, and determining a storage medium based on the classified business value, classified contractual obligation, and classified empirical characteristics. The system further includes means for determining storage requirements based on the determined storage mediums, means for determining a normalization factor, means for determining a product of the determined normalization factor and summed individual used storage capacity, means for determining at least one secondary information class based on the product, and means for storing at least one of the received plurality of files based on the determined storage medium.

Abstract: Disclosure is related to idea tracking and management. The disclosure invokes a method and system for displaying and tracking ideas from a database. The invention accesses a data repository via a data connection, displays the data from the data repository, and allows the displayed data to be characterized as scheduling data, statistical data, action items, current status, and listing of individuals.

Abstract: This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of performance characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the performance characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a set (e.g., one or more) of requests (e.g., from a single bidder or multiple bidders) for an elemental bidding resource (EBR) is received. Market conditions for the EBR are evaluated from historical data. It is then determined whether a demand for the desired EBR exceeds a supply of the EBR. Based on the market conditions, the supply, and the demand, a brokering strategy (e.g., auction versus non-auction) and associated method are selected to allocate the EBR. A resource unit broker (RUB) will then determine an outcome of the brokering method to fulfill at least one of the set of requests. The outcome and associated metrics can then be logged, it can be determined whether a sales contract was created, the EBR can be allocated, and reports/data can be updated accordingly.

Abstract: This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of scalability characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the scalability characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.

Abstract: The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool replaces dedicated VIO server LPARs by distributing the virtual I/O functions across several application LPARs connected by a high-speed communication channel. The physical I/O devices are distributed across available LPARs. The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool assigns each I/O request to an appropriate I/O device. The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool monitors each I/O request and reassigns I/O devices when performance drops on a specific device or when a device is no longer available.

Abstract: Disclosure is related to idea tracking and management. The disclosure invokes a method and system for displaying and tracking ideas from a database. The invention accesses a data repository via a data connection, displays the data from the data repository, and allows the displayed data to be characterized as scheduling data, statistical data, action items, current status, and listing of individuals.

Abstract: A method for digital rights management includes receiving a selection input from a user, associating a customer number with a file based on the selection input, embedding the customer number and a file identifier associated with the file in the file, and sending the file with the embedded customer number and file identifier to the user. One embodiment includes receiving a customer number change request, revising the central database in response to the customer number change request, determining a new customer number responsive to the customer number change request, and embedding the determined new customer number in the file. Another embodiment includes receiving an authorization request associated with a file, determining an authorization based on the central database and authorization request, and sending an authorization notice response to the determined authorization.

Abstract: A method for digital rights management includes receiving a selection input from a user, associating a customer number with a file based on the selection input, embedding the customer number and a file identifier associated with the file in the file, and sending the file with the embedded customer number and file identifier to the user. One embodiment includes receiving a customer number change request, revising the central database in response to the customer number change request, determining a new customer number responsive to the customer number change request, and embedding the determined new customer number in the file. Another embodiment includes receiving an authorization request associated with a file, determining an authorization based on the central database and authorization request, and sending an authorization notice response to the determined authorization.

Abstract: This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of recoverability characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the recoverability characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.

Abstract: This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of security characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the security characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.

Abstract: A metal face seal assembly for sealing between machine components includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly rotatable relative to the first subassembly. Compressible seals positioned between inner and outer seal members of the subassemblies provide a non-axial sealing load, whereas at least one metallic biaser provides an axial face load to bias inner seal members of each subassembly together at a rotatable interface.

Abstract: A computing device including a first computer portion pivotally connected to a second computer portion by a hinge. The computing device further includes an element moveable between a first position, in which the hinge is free to rotate, and a second position, in which the hinge is substantially prevented from rotating. A lock selectively controls movement of the element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The “identity authentication program” (IAP) creates a custom set of authentication questions in response to a user request to have a user password reset. The IAP accesses a record located in a data source containing information related to the user's recent computer activity and generates an authentication question and a corresponding answer based on the record. In order to reset a user password, the user must correctly answer a designated number of questions from the custom set of authentication questions. In a preferred embodiment, the IAP bases authentication questions on recent e-mail messages sent by the user. Because the questions are generated at the time of the user's request, the answers are unique and can not be memorized. Because the questions are based on recent activities of the user, the questions are hard to guess by an unauthorized person.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for storing information in a common information store of a global file storage system are disclosed. Embodiments may include a common information store including a communications module to send and receive information to and from one or more servers in the global file storage system and a pattern database to store a plurality of subfiles for the global file storage system, where each subfile may include an indication of a recognizable pattern. The common information store may also include a common information store manager to analyze newly stored files and to reconstruct stored files of the global file storage system. In a further embodiment, the common information store manager may further comprise a pattern analyzer sub-module to analyze a file for recognizable patterns and to compare the recognizable patterns to the subfiles stored in the pattern database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual database as well as a method, system, and program product for generating a virtual database. Specifically, under the present invention, Service Data Objects (SDOs) corresponding to a plurality of database tables are provided within a virtual container. Once provided, two or more of the SDOs are interrelated to yield the virtual database (having a Virtual Bounded Persistent Memory). In accordance with the present invention, the database tables can be stored within a single (e.g., conventional) database, or databases. In addition, the virtual database can be generated and removed on-demand. Still yet, the virtual database of the present invention can be queried using standard Structured Query Language (SQL) queries.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluid, depleting chips for allocating computational resources for obtaining desired service level characteristics, wherein fluid chips deplete from a maximum allocated amount but may, in an optional implementation, be allowed to be replenished through the purchase of additional chips. A number of chips are assigned to the requestor/party, known as the business unit (BU), which could be a department, or group providing like-functionality services. In one implementation, the chips themselves could represent base monetary units integrated over time.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling and adjusting the audio profile of pervasive devices, like cellular phones, within controlled zones. The system and method utilizes RFID and sensors to geographically control and adjust the audio profiles based on set criteria, such as default settings and hierarchy. The audio profiles may be controlled or adjusted based on a control zone profile settings or based on the profile settings of other individual devices within the same control zone. The zones may be adjusted due to the hierarchy or rank of devices present within the zone.

Abstract: An RFID Probe comprises a pole with a plurality of sensors that indicate RF signal strength attached at regular intervals and marked to indicate distance from an end of the pole. A user employs the RFID Probe by placing the probe between densely packed materials, such as cases on a pallet, and exposing the RFID Probe and packaging to a signal from a RIFD transceiver. After exposing the RFID Probe to the RFID transceiver signal, the user removes the RFID Probe from the packed materials and observes the sensors on the probe. By noting the location on the probe of the sensors indicating low or no RF signal, the user can identify locations where RF signal strength is insufficient to activate an RFID tag.