Abstract: In response to a user request, an Identity System generates an Output XML containing raw identity information organized in accordance with a set of XML templates. The Identity System dynamically determines the desired response type and prepares the response from the Output XML. One response type is server-side processing—the Identity System combines the Output XML with XSL stylesheets to generate a HTML response. An alternative response type is client-side processing—the Identity System supplies the user with the Output XML. In further client-side embodiments, the Identity System provides XSL stylesheet references along with the Output XML. Additional embodiments provide for the Identity System to perform customized post-processing on the Output XML.

Abstract: An Identity System delivers customized request responses that integrate the results of multiple programs. The Identity System receives and translates a user request. The Identity Systems employs a program service to identify all the programs required to complete the request. The Identity System uses a XML data registry to retrieve a XML template and XSL stylesheet for each program. The Identity System executes all of the programs for the request and organizes their results into a single data structure, based on the templates for each program. The Identity System then applies attribute display characteristics to convert the data structure into a single Output XML. The Output XML can be provided directly to the user or receive further processing using the retrieved XSL stylesheets.

Abstract: A request, such as those embedded in URLs and XML documents, is assigned to a thread of execution in a server that is in communication with a data store. The thread of execution includes a thread local storage with a pointer to a cache object. The cache object maintains copies of data store entries frequently accessed by the assigned request. The cache object is accessed in response to data store access commands arising from the request. When a data store access command specifies a data store entry not found in the cache object, the server creates and loads a corresponding cache object entry. The cache object is not updated when other requests alter data store entries, and memory access commands arising from other requests cannot cause the cache object to be accessed. When the request causes the server to write data to the data store, the cache object also maintains a copy of the written data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a corporate directory and service center is described. The method includes and the apparatus performs querying for common characteristics, displaying information in a varied manner of displays and switching between the manners of displaying, maintaining data integrity and changing data, and defining types of data with forms of display or treatments for handling the data. The method may be embodied in various media as instructions which a machine may execute to perform the method.