Abstract: A computer data storage management system includes a memory employing a hierarchical data structure comprising a plurality of nodes (root, branch and leaf), in particular a multi-dimensional information database. The branch nodes are index nodes and the leaf nodes are data nodes. The index nodes are arranged in an index tree structure. When extra information inserted into the memory results in index node overflow, the index node is split and, in certain specified circumstances, an index entry will become disposed at an index tree level higher than the hierarchical level to which it corresponds, i.e. is promoted. Whilst this makes the index tree unbalanced, it facilitates the addition of information to and the searching of such a database.

Abstract: A system and method for a computer system having a plurality of DBMS providing a coordinating and assisting function. If a DBMS performs a coordinating function, it is referred to as a coordinating DBMS. If a DBMS performs an assisting function, it is referred to as an assisting DBMS. Each coordinating DBMS receives a query from a user application, decomposes the query into multiple parallel tasks, and allocates the parallel tasks to all of the DBMSs in the system. Each assisting DBMS receives one or more parallel tasks from a coordinating DBMS, executes the parallel tasks and returns the results to the coordinating DBMS. The coordinating DBMSs and assisting DBMSs access one or more storage devices. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a system and method for dynamically disabling a parallel mode on the coordinating DBMSs and the assisting DBMSs.

Abstract: A technique for insuring the integrity of documents such as, for example, letters of credit, contracts, etc., wherein groups of possible entries are linked to one another. When an entry from a particular group is placed in a first field, it requires entry of an element from a particular other group in one or more other fields. By checking the entries in each field against entries in other fields, inconsistences are eliminated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for information organization, wherein atomic information can be both static and dynamic, but the compound information (e.g., associations, groupings, sets, etc.) of such atoms always remain dynamic. Unless otherwise directed, a compound information entity is always dynamically determined and generated. This determination is based on the processing of a defined condition, wherein all atoms qualifying the condition are included in the compound. This dynamic determination eliminates the need to "update" the compound, when atoms and/or compounds common to two or more compounds are changed. Further, each information compound can be dynamically generated based on an existing definition for that compound.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for controlling files at a local development site within a geographically distributed multisite software development project includes a storage device, a processor, a mastership enforcer and an exchanger. The storage device stores a local replica including a plurality of files. Each file comprises a plurality of branches, and each branch comprises a plurality of versions of the file. The processor executes instructions, and retrieves and stores versions of the files in the storage device. The mastership enforcer provides the processor with the exclusive capability to modify specific branches by adding new versions of target files as determined by multisite mastership rules. The processor can create new versions of the target files, which are stored in the local replica within the storage device.

Abstract: Database system and methods are described for improving execution speed of database queries (e.g., for decision support) by optimizing execution of nested queries or "subqueries," such as are commonly used in client/server database environments. In particular, a subquery cache is provided having a size which can be dynamically adjusted by the system during execution of the query, for achieving an optimal cache size. During execution of the subquery, the system keeps statistics on cache "hits" and "misses." Specifically, the system stores a count of the number of times a row is found in the cache (i.e., a "hit") as well as a count of the number of times a scan of the cache yields no "hit" (i.e., a "miss"). Also, a maximum LRU (least-recently used) depth of the deepest hit in the cache is also tracked. This tracks how deep (i.e., the deepest row) into the cache there has been a "hit.

Abstract: A method for storing information in an information retrieval system having a database for retrieval of the input information in response to a query. Text information representative of text is received for storing in the system. Image information representative of an image is also received for storing in the system. Additionally, image text information representative of text associated with the image information is received. The image information is stored in an image information format. The text information and the image text information are stored in a common text information format whereby the format of the stored text information is identical to the format of the stored image text information. The text information and image text information are searched in the common text format and the text information and image text information are retrieved in response to a single query.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for organizing timeline data includes a computer system having a software program associated therewith capable of receiving a plurality of data messages associated with a calendar date and organizing each of the plurality of data messages in a timeline in accordance with its corresponding calendar date. Each data message and corresponding calendar date is stored as a separate record in a database. Each data message may further include a time of day associated therewith so that the data messages may further be organized in the timeline in accordance with the time of day associated with each data message. Each data message may further include a number of filtering identifiers associated therewith such that subsets of the data messages may be generated having filtering identifiers in common with desired filtering criteria, wherein any data message subset generated is organized in a timeline by calendar date and time of day.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to shared resources in a distributed computer system. Access to shared resources is controlled by a local authorization token manager. Only computer processes holding authorization tokens for the requested operation may perform that operation. Each requested operation checks for the proper token. If the token is not held by the process, it is requested. The local token manager resolves token conflicts before granting tokens. A token manager of a distributed file system export protocol also is able to request authorization tokens from the local token manager. The export protocol token manager controls authorization tokens for that particular distributed file system protocol. Multiple different export protocols may request tokens from the local token manager. The shared resources may therefore be shared by multiple different export protocols without conflict.