Abstract: A method includes associating, for each one of a plurality of answer definitions, at least one or more pattern-form questions, wherein each answer definition has an associated jump target that defines a respective entry point into the workspace analytics system to provide information responsive to the associated one or more pattern-form questions. The method further includes receiving a user input including capturing input text defining a natural language user query, matching the received input text to one of the pattern-form questions thereby selecting the jump target associated with the matched pattern-form question, and generating a response to the natural language user query by retrieving information from the workspace analytics system by referencing a link based on the selected jump target and zero or more parameters values.

Abstract: A distributed computing system has a plurality of computers each having a respective image that is defined by a pairing of an operating system and a respective collection of associated software packages. Original data associated with the computers includes, for each computer, an operating system identification and an identification of a collection of software packages where the original data is stored as a plurality of records for each computer. An apparatus for analysis of the images and for image distribution planning includes image identification logic configured to compress the original data into a respective, single record for each computer, providing for efficient and scalable processing. The image identification logic is configured to identify the number of images associated with the computers that are distinct. The apparatus further includes image reducing logic that is configured to reduce the number of distinct images through manual and automatic retargeting and deprovisioning.

Abstract: A method includes associating, for each one of a plurality of answer definitions, at least one or more pattern-form questions, wherein each answer definition has an associated jump target that defines a respective entry point into the workspace analytics system to provide information responsive to the associated one or more pattern-form questions. The method further includes receiving a user input including capturing input text defining a natural language user query, matching the received input text to one of the pattern-form questions thereby selecting the jump target associated with the matched pattern-form question, and generating a response to the natural language user query by retrieving information from the workspace analytics system by referencing a link based on the selected jump target and zero or more parameters values.

Abstract: The system for selectively blocking execution of applications on a computer system includes an interface that allows an administrator to set configuration settings and which includes tools that assist the administrator in establishing an application list. The application list specifies zero or more applications that are to be either blocked or that are to be allowed to run (i.e., all others to be blocked), depending on the selected configuration settings. The tools include a mechanism that automatically creates a historical database of applications that have been executed in the past on the computer system. The interface allows easy selection of applications from the historical database for inclusion on the application list.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting memory leaks includes a monitoring agent, a user interface for configuring operating parameters and a reporting mechanism. The monitoring agent determines allocated memory levels of a monitored application at a sampling frequency and determines when a then-existing “peak” memory level has increased. The monitored application is determined to be leaking memory when a determined number of increases in the peak allocated memory level are detected. The determined number may be fixed ahead of time or may be calculated dynamically based on user specified parameters. When a given memory leakage rate is exceeded, an alarm response is taken, which may be either a specified notification of the alarm or an action. Certain increases in the peak allocated memory levels are ignored as not necessarily being indicative of a memory leak condition, such as during startup of the program or between rapidly, closely-occurring increases in the peak allocated memory level.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.