Abstract: An update management system provides access to software updates (patches and upgrades) and to an update catalog server. The catalog server includes a chronology generator. When a request for an update family tree for a target update is received, the chronology generator accesses an index to find the database and record number for the target update. The record is retrieved, indicating updates superseded by the target update and updates superseding the target update. Records for the superseded and superseding updates are, in turn, retrieved. The process is iterated until there are no further superseding and no superseded updates indicated. The succession relations indicated in the retrieved records are arranged into a family tree for the target patch. The family tree can be used (along with dependency data) to help determine an update for a given workstation that optimizes performance and compatibility.

Abstract: A method of assembling a source code module to form an object code module, said source code module including one or more assembler directives, wherein the assembler directives are used to generate relocation instructions in the object code module, the method comprising: reading a plurality of compound relocation sequence definitions stored in a memory, each compound relocation definition sequence comprising a compound relocation indicator and a first sequence of relocation instructions; reading assembler source code from said source code module, said source code generating an associated sequence of relocation instructions for executing the directive; determining if said associated sequence of relocations matches one of said stored sequence of relocation instructions; and if a match of relocation sequences is determined, inserting into said object code module a compound relocation including the compound relocation indicator of said matched compound relocation sequence definition instruction and said matched se

Abstract: A method for generating a workflow on a computer. Assessment data, e.g. defining a need, is obtained from a user. Based thereon, a workflow including a logical sequence of interdependent steps to be made is created using an assessment system. A number of workflow steps are presented to the user in a logical order, and results from the progress of one or more steps may be gathered. The workflow may be modified thereon, if needed, using sub-solutions, logic rules, inference rules and said results by adding and/or removing steps to/from said workflow based on a list of purposes and knowledge of the order in which some or all steps must be made. After modifying the workflow, the presentation thereof is started by the next or more unfinished steps which are not dependent on an unfinished step, thereby forming an adaptive procedure.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for platform-independent file system interaction that can abstract the system-level idiosyncrasies associated with multi-platform, multi-language, multi-encoding file system interactions. One embodiment of the method of this invention can comprise instantiating a string object via a development environment coded calling process and setting a file name and a file path, having an easily-identifiable format, for the string object with the calling process. The string object can determine the encoding of the file name and the file path and the calling process can forward the string object and an associated file operation to an operating system level file system interface handler. The operating system level file system interface handler can call an operating system naming function to format the string object. The string object naming function can be compiled along with an encoding marker indicating the target operating system for the desired file operation.

Abstract: Templates are multiplexed such that at least a part of a content description of a higher order parent template is represented by a lower order child template, and a desired source code is generated by performing instantiation from the lower order child template, and by inputting the generated lower order child instance into the higher order parent template to perform further instantiation. Accordingly, the pattern of the content description that is being expanded as a source code is made flexible, and it becomes possible to easily generate different source codes by merely changing the lower order child template without a need of changing the engine program used for instantiation.

Abstract: A software installation manager for use in a data network. The software installation manager exchanges messages with individual nodes of a set of nodes for directing the installation of a software product on the nodes of the set in parallel according to a non-blocking sequence. The non-blocking sequence is characterized in that the installation of a software product on one node of the set does not block the installation of the software product on another node of the set.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program product for optimizing code that contains dynamically-allocated memory. The aliasing behavior of internal pointers of dynamically-allocated memory is used to disambiguate memory accesses and to eliminate false data dependencies. It is determined whether a dynamically-allocated array will behave like a statically-allocated array throughout the entire program execution once it has been allocated. This determination is used to improve the instruction scheduling efficiency, which yields better performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for runtime code integrity validation. The method and system include providing a software tool for processing a software program, as well as instructions on how to modify the software program for submission to the tool. The modified software program executable generated for submission to the tool includes checksum information for use by the tool. The tool uses the checksum information to compute checksums on blocks specified by the checksum information, and stores the computed checksums in locations specified by the checksum information. Next, the tool strips the checksum information from the executable. The resulting executable code is delivered as a protected software application that generates a new checksum at runtime and compares it with the computed checksum, and determines that the software program has been modified if the checksums fail to match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the creating of a software tool, such as a Wizard, which is easily modifiable and which can simplify a complex procedure. Process steps, such as questions, are prompted and a plurality of potential selections associated with each of the process steps, such as answers to the questions, are also prompted. These process steps are questions and their corresponding answers are then stored and therefrom, a software tool is created.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically compiling byte codes associated with methods during idle periods in the execution of a computer program are disclosed. The described methods are particularly suitable for use in computer systems that are arranged to execute both interpreted and compiled byte codes. In some embodiments, methods to be dynamically compiled are referenced in one or more lists. The lists may be prioritized to facilitate the compilation of the highest priority methods first. In one embodiment, a pair of compilation lists are provided with a first one of the compilation lists being created prior to processing the computer program while the other is created during the processing of the computer program.

Abstract: A hash table dispatch mechanism for interface Methods. The mechanism reduces dispatch times during the execution of an object-oriented language program. An interface hash table having a pointer as an index for either a specific location in a corresponding dispatch table or an interface Method of the program is created for a dispatch table. The interface hash table has an address and a plurality of slots having a hash value related to an interface Method. The mechanism includes a recovery Method for resolving conflicts when two or more slots in the interface hash table contain clashing values.

Abstract: A method and system for declarative user interface dependency-based object property system are provided. A source object property change is obtained. Steady-state values for all dependent properties are obtained. Any dependent properties whose value is not affected by the source property change are eliminated or which are duplicate properties are eliminated. The remaining steady-state post modification dependent object property changes are implemented.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically modifying behavior of a compiled application include receiving a first set of compiled instructions for the application. The first set of compiled instructions is modified to generate a modified set of compiled instructions. Modifying the first set of compiled instructions includes inserting a new set of one or more instructions for invoking a first routine that provides new behavior. The first routine is not part of the first set of compiled instructions. These techniques allow an administrator to automatically instrument compiled code of an application to provide new behavior for the application without taking the application offline for substantial periods of time. In particular, the techniques allow a service provider to automatically instrument existing applications, components, and sub-components to measure and respond to server-side performance without taking the applications offline.

Abstract: A system and a method for installing and configurating a package including an operating system, software products, and applications on end-user computers connected to server computers in a network. The method is based on a pull deployment model where installation is triggered and performed on site by the end-user, using tools provided by an administrator. Based on a predefined machine function, a generation process generates a source file having required parameters to make the installation, those parameters being stored in a centralized configuration database. Response files needed for the installation are generated in turn. The system allows tracking the installation process and reporting its success or failure to the central database.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for updating an executing executable file. Client executes a first executable file in a first location and makes a request. Server receives the request and transfers a configuration file to client. The configuration file comprises an executable file name, and a file address corresponding to a storage apparatus. Second executable file corresponds to the executable file name, stored in storage apparatus. First executable file receives the configuration file and links to storage apparatus corresponding to the file address, downloads second executable file and stores second executable file in a second location. First executable file activates second executable file and terminates first executable file. Second executable file duplicates itself to the first location. Second executable file in the second location activates second executable file in the first location and terminates second executable file in the second location.

Abstract: The present invention increases efficiency of a binary translation process by correlating selected foreign code to previously translated binary host code. This approach eliminates repetitive translation of foreign code when the foreign code is executed on a host computer system. During the translation process, a database of translated foreign code is populated and thereafter a software layer checks for correspondence between the foreign code and binary code stored in the database. If the database contains corresponding code, that code is transferred to system memory for execution and there is no need to retranslate the foreign code. Minimizing the time spent translating the foreign code results in improved execution speed on the host computer system. The software layer creates an index into the database by hashing the foreign code or by using the storage location of the foreign code. By way of example, the sector of a disk drive where the foreign code is stored determines the index into the database.

Abstract: When a call to a call center is enqueued to await an agent or placed on hold by an agent, an applet customized to satisfy an in-queue experience selected by the caller is downloaded to and executed on the caller's terminal. The applet presents information to the caller, and may also interact with the caller by, for example, gathering information from the caller. The time needed for execution of the selected applet is within a wait time negotiated with the caller. Preferably, the caller is identified (e.g., via the caller's address or identifier), and the applet is further customized for that caller's preferences, e.g., based on previously-gathered and stored information about that caller. When the agent is about ready to take the call, the caller is alerted. When an agent dequeues the call or takes the call off hold, connection of the agent with the client is (re)established.

Abstract: An optimization method and apparatus for converting source code for a program written in a programming language into machine language. The program includes a basic block as a unit to estimate an execution time for the program to be processed, generating a nested tree that represents the connections of the basic blocks using a nesting structure, when a conditional branch is accompanied by a node in the nested tree, employing the execution time estimated by using the basic blocks as units to obtain an execution time at the node of the program when a conditional branching portion of a program is directly executed and when the conditional branching portion is executed in parallel, and defining the node as a parallel execution area group when the execution time required for the parallel execution is shorter or dividing multiple child nodes of the nodes into multiple parallel execution areas.

Abstract: A microcontroller has a nonvolatile memory that originally stores program code and has free space. When part of the program code needs to be modified, that part is disabled, and modified program code is stored in the free space. The modified program code is executed in place of the disabled program code. Program code can be disabled by changing instructions to a designated instruction, by storing the address of the disabled program code in the nonvolatile memory and loading this address into a disabled code detector, or by deleting the address of the disabled program code from an address list in the nonvolatile memory and adding the address of the modified program code to the list. In this way, the program stored in even a one-time-programmable microcontroller can be changed to meet altered specifications or correct program bugs.

Abstract: A system that isolates all of the information that determines the look and feel of status displays of a GUI into one file is described. This file can be quickly edited to change the appearance when needed. In one embodiment, a user requests that an object border should be yellow instead of green for a particular situation. This modification is achieved without code recompilation, by editing a few lines in a file. Similarly, if another visual indicator needs to be added, file editing is all that is required. The application source code utilizes a class schema which defines the visual components of the GUI that should be modifiable file. A modifiable file comprising class instances corresponding to the class schema is read in and processed when the application is launched. Further changes require the application to be restarted to read in the modified file.