Abstract: A system (8) for synchronizing a user password between mainframe (10) and alternative (11, 12) computer operating environments includes a mainframe access module (20) that receives a current user password from an associated mainframe client computer (22) and provides a user with access to selected applications or data in the mainframe operating environment (10) according to the current user password. The mainframe access module (20) also receives a new user password in response to providing the access and communicates the new user password. A mainframe platform (14, 16, 18) coupled to the mainframe access module (20) receives the new user password, stores the new user password, and communicates the new user password. A messaging platform (24, 26, 28) coupled to the mainframe platform receives the new user password from the mainframe platform (14, 16, 18) and communicates a broadcast message containing the new user password.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling skills includes three main components: a definition of at least one object (40) specifying a subject matter, a definition of at least one action (42) which may be applied to the defined object (40), and a definition of at least one context (48) in which the defined object and action are used. The context may include tool/technique (72), hardware (74), condition (76), industry (78), current and/or past employer (80), and business rationale (82).

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product utilizing a default user ID, such as “help,” that has no assigned password. When the user logs into the computer using this ID, their login is “captured” and a crippled windows manager is started along with a web browser pointed to a specific URL. The user has no ability to manipulate the operating system, the local file system, or even the web browser. All the user is able to do is interact with the automated reset page(s) on the network authentication server. Once the user has completed her password reset and closed the browser, the user's web session is logged out and the user can now log in with her new password and her original userid.

Abstract: A method for application rationalization to assist clients in reducing the complexity of information technology (IT) and expedite the benefits of IT transformation. One exemplary application is described using the disclosed methodologies within the communications industry.

Abstract: A system for testing a clamping force includes a lever, a base, and a sensor, The lever is coupled to a pivot and moves about the pivot. The lever includes a first end and a second end on opposites sides of the pivot. The base receives a first tip of a clamp and maintains a fixed position relative to the pivot. The second end of the lever receive a second tip of the clamp and moves relative to the base and the pivot as the first tip and the second tip of the clamp move towards one another. The sensor measures a first force applied by the first end of the lever. The first force is proportional to a second force applied to the second end of the lever by the clamp.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for real-time content delivery in a communication system utilizing push-to-talk wireless capabilities for voice interaction with a wide range of data processing system applications. By utilizing a vocalizer voice-to-text translation system, various embodiments allow real-time, push-to-talk interaction with conventional voice-response systems, conventional data processing system applications, and other text-based applications such as instant-messaging applications.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying program applications of a legacy computer system to directly output data in XML format models the legacy computer system, maps the model to an XML schema and automatically modifies one or more applications to directly output XML formatted data in cooperation with a writer engine and a context table. A modeling engine lists the incidents within the applications that write data and generates a report data model. The report data model includes statically determined value or type of the data fields and is written in a formal grammar that describes how the write operations are combined. A modification specification is created to define modifications to the legacy computer system applications that relate applications that write data to the XML schema.

Abstract: A location of a vehicle is monitored using a predefined geo-fencing boundary within a coordinate system. An angle between a selected straight edge of the boundary and an axis of the coordinate system is determined, and the boundary is rotated by the angle such that the selected straight edge of the rotated boundary is parallel to the axis of the coordinate system. Subsequently, a set of coordinates associated with a particular location of a monitored device are identified and rotated by the previously determined angle. The rotated set of coordinates is then compared to the rotated boundary to determine a location of the monitored device with respect to the selected boundary. This information can be used to determine whether the vehicle remains within the predefined geo-fencing boundary.

Abstract: A method for distributing software is provided. The method includes configuring a first software system of a software suite, such as by installing it on a processor. A first set of configuration data associated with the first software system is then stored. A second software system of the software suite is then configured, and a second set of configuration data associated with the second software system is then stored. Conflict resolution rules are then applied to the first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data. The first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data are then compared to determine whether any conflicts exist, and the first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data are assembled for installation on one or more processors if no conflicts exist.

Abstract: A system and method employing a combination of long-range and short-range asset location systems, preferable a GPS-based system combined with an RFID-based system. The short-range system regularly activates itself, or is remotely polled, to determine if the asset is within range of the short-range transceivers, and the long-range system is activated to determine the location of the asset when it is outside the range of the short-range transceivers. In at least some embodiments, the asset is an automobile equipped with both RFID and GPS-based transceivers.

Abstract: A system and method employing a combination of long-range and short-range asset location systems, preferable a GPS-based system combined with an RFID-based system. The short-range system regularly activates itself, or is remotely polled, to determine if the asset is within range of the short-range transceivers, and the long-range system is activated to determine the location of the asset when it is outside the range of the short-range transceivers. In at least some embodiments, the asset is an automobile equipped with both RFID and GPS-based transceivers.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining the complexity of a computing environment. The techniques include developing a model for the complexity of a computing environment based on the quantity of particular elements of the computing environment. The model includes two statistical weights for each element in the complexity model. One statistical weight is applied to each element to provide a complexity rating of the element. Another statistical weight is applied to each element to provide a complexity rating across all elements.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the proximity of a bus or other transportation. Each bus is equipped with a transmitter, typically radio-frequency (RF), that broadcasts as the bus travels. As the bus and transmitter come within range of corresponding receivers, the receivers will detect the transmitter and will indicate that the bus is approaching. The receivers can be placed at the bus stop, and can also be carried by passengers so that they can be notified of the approaching bus before actually having to go to the bus stop. In various embodiments, the transmitters are implemented using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, Bluetooth, and other known RF technologies. Preferably, the transmitters will transmit an identifier that indicates the bus route or specific bus, and the receivers are programmed to only indicate the presence of selected buses.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes: receiving, by a framework, a request communicated by a source, the request including an associated functionality. The method also includes integrating, by an abstraction layer, a java object into the request such that a generic term associated with the request is generated. The generic term is insulated from the functionality of the request. The generic term is processed within the framework and a response associated with the request is returned to the source.

Abstract: A system and method for healthcare process re-engineering including a managed care non-hospital referral process. One embodiment includes a healthcare workflow manager, which manages the healthcare process and management of relevant healthcare data. Further, various embodiments utilize an electronic identifier “smartcard” for healthcare management or other electronic identifier fulfilling the same purpose of patient identification and access to appropriate database records.

Abstract: A method for improving the development of embedded systems. A preferred process includes a taxonomy for embedded systems that serves as the unified communications standard for all development activities, a digital repository of historical solutions (frameworks), and an expert system to select/configure/generate the initial framework based on a knowledge-base (rules) of configuration best-practices and using an inference engine.

Abstract: In one aspect, an automated method is provided for updating cost data for a software application in a maintenance environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data and determining a composite index. A maintainability index is calculated, and an average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded. A maintenance unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, and the average cost per full-time equivalent. In another aspect, an automated method is provided for computing cost of a software application in an enhancement environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data, determining a composite, and calculating a maintainability index. An average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded, and a size of the application in function points is estimated. An enhancement unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, the average cost per full-time equivalent, and the estimated function point size.

Abstract: Monitoring performance data includes establishing a reporting period during which a performance update is scheduled to be received at a database. The performance update includes provider data gathered from a provider, and describes a service provided to a client by the provider. The database is accessed to determine whether the database has received the performance update during the reporting period. A provider data rating is generated from the performance update. Performance data including client data gathered from the client is received, where the performance data describes the service, and a client data rating is generated from the performance data. The client data rating and the provider data rating are reported.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product that accepts raw polygon geometry and view parameters from the visualization API, sorts the polygons in back-to-front order, and then supplies the sorted triangles to graphics API such as OpenGL.

Abstract: The data structure of data removed from a database may be stored with the removed data. The removed data may be restored to the same or different data structure. Identifying information about the removed data may be stored. An attribute tag that identifies the collection of the data within the database may be associated with each removed data element. A removed data element may be restored to the database by comparing the attribute tag of the removed data element with the attribute tags in the current data structure and adding the data element to the database as indicated by the corresponding attribute tag.