Abstract: A knowledge worker productivity assessment system (10) includes a database (12, 14, 16) containing survey data (15) generated using a knowledge worker productivity assessment framework (2). A benchmark database (18) contains benchmark values. A retriever (20) is coupled to the databases (12, 14, 16, 18) to retrieve selected survey data (15) and benchmark values. A calculator (38) is coupled to the retriever (20) and generates a comparison value (39) using the selected survey data (15). A relator (40) compares the comparison value (39) to a selected benchmark value to generate a knowledge worker productivity assessment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system (10) for confirming authorization for the allocation of an item of business property is coupled to a business database (44) containing business data for the item. A translate module (30) receives allocation data (14) for the item and generates query data that represents a first portion of the allocation data (14). A query module (32) coupled to the translate module (30) generates a query using the query data for submission to the business database (44). A transaction database (34) coupled to the translate module (30) and the query module (32) stores at least a portion of the allocation data (14) and a query response received from the business database (44). A confirm module (100) accesses the query response and the stored allocation data (14) to confirm authorization for the allocation.

Abstract: An automated system (10) for matching an item of business property to a recipient includes an inventory database (32) containing inventory data (34) concerning the item. A match module (30) is coupled to the inventory database (32) and receives allocation data (14) for the item. The match module (30) generates match data (180) for the item and associates the match data (180) with the inventory data (34). The match module (30) receives an item request (33) containing request data (152) and matches the item to the recipient associated with the item request (33) using the match data.

Abstract: An automated system (10) for providing access data (42) concerning an item of business property includes a master database (34) containing master data (36) concerning the item and an accesser (16) that provides an access request. A manager (14) coupled to the master database (34) retrieves selected master data (36) from the master database (34) and generates access data (42) for the item using the master data (36). The manager (14) receives the access request and, in response, provides the accesser (16) with access data (42) concerning the item.

Abstract: In a system (10) for communicating information using the Internet, a client (12) establishes a first connection with a session server (24) using the Internet (18) to initiate a communications session. The session server (24) receives information from a data source (26) in response to the first connection, generates session data (32) using the received information, and conveys the session data (32) to the client (12). The session server (24) maintains the session data (32) after termination of the first connection to convey the session data (32) to the client (12) in response to the client (12) establishing a second connection with the session server (24) during the communications session.

Abstract: A benchmarking application for testing the performance of a database server (14) includes a plurality of execution parameters (82) and a program (78) operable to read the execution parameters (82). Processes (56, 58, 60) are generated by the program (78) in accordance with the execution parameters (82). Each process (56, 58, 60) represents a user (16, 18, 20) of the database server (14) and generates benchmark transactions (108) for submission to the database server (14).