Abstract: A method (and system) for electronically approving a blueprint file on a centralized repository. The centralized repository receives or retrieves a blueprint file and extracts from one or more libraries, one or more applicable rules. Each rule is comprised of at least one function and of at least one parameter. An order for evaluating the one or more applicable rules is determined based on a hierarchical score associated with each applicable rule. The one or more applicable rules are evaluated in the determined order and each applicable rule is evaluated using data from the blueprint file. Based on the evaluated one or more applicable rules, the centralized repository determines a recommendation for the blueprint file comprising at least one of rejection, approval, and conditional approval.

Abstract: Techniques for representing criteria for blueprints as computer-readable expressions, and evaluating blueprints based on computer-storable (or readable) expressions are disclosed. A computer-storable expression can be constructed based on one or more functions, parameters and operators stored in respective libraries. A dynamic blueprint-evaluator can interactively evaluate a blueprint as the blueprint is generated (e.g., drawn) and/or altered. The dynamic blueprint-evaluator evaluates computer-storable expressions that represent various criteria for the blueprint and can indicate when a criterion has not been meet (e.g., highlight a plan or a drawing). The dynamic blueprint-evaluator can be implemented as or as a part of software used to generated blueprints (e.g., CAD), thereby allowing blueprints to be automatically and dynamically evaluated using a computer.

Abstract: A digital signature service generates digital signatures for documents independent of the program used to transmit the documents. The digital signature service may operate as a Web server application, or as a client application on a user's computer. The digital signature service imports a certificate specific to a user. To digitally sign a document, the user identifies a document, and the digital signature service generates a single signature file that includes the user's certificate, the document, and the digital signature. With the signature file, the user may now store and/or transmit the file using any program while maintaining the integrity and authenticity capabilities associated with digital signatures. The digital signature service also permits multiple digital signatories to a single document. A secure document repository, implemented on a Web Site, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital signature service integrates digital signature functions on data, for storage in a database. The digital signature service is integrated within a remote database management system (“RDBMS”). A database client generates a command to the RDBMS to execute a stored procedure or stored function that digitally signs the data and that saves the data in a persistent datastore. In response to the command, the RDBMS, using a digital certificate for the user, generates a signature from the data. In addition, the RDBMS generates a digital signature object for the data that includes the data, certificate and signature. The digital signature object is stored in the database. The digital signature service verifies digital signatures through execution of a query command.