Abstract: A secure simplified transaction processing method and apparatus for a palmtop computer. Sensitive personal information is stored in a secure personal information database. A site map database contains information which maps the fields of the personal information database to frames of a Web page. On request of a palmtop computer, a robot program correlates the personal information fields with the frames of the Web page and sends the personal information back to the palmtop computer. The palmtop computer uses this information to automatically populate the frames of a Web clipping representing a Web page. This has the advantage that the user does not have to manually fill in the frames of the web clipping while providing security for sensitive information.

Abstract: A method and system to manipulate network objects by using Internet authoring, collaboration and versioning tools is described. The method includes: receiving a request for a manipulation of a first network object from a requesting user; verifying a first set of authorization information; translating a logical address of the first network object to a physical file system path; checking a local file system for validity and authorization for the requesting user including determining whether the first network object is a first network object; verifying a username and a password for the requesting user; returning a first error message if requesting user is unauthorized to access the first network object; determining an object type for the first network object; and sending a response to the requesting user. The method can also include verifying that the first network object is found and returning a second error message if the first network object is not found.

Abstract: A data structure has a list of event objects, one or more producers creating the event objects for the list, and a finite set of consumers accessing the object list. The structure is characterized in that the event objects are each associated with a first reference number indicating the number of consumers currently accessing the event object, and in that, as each consumer completes access the reference number is decremented, and when the reference number for an event object is zero, and the event object is at the head of the list, indicating that all consumers have accessed the object, that event object is removed from the list. A use of the structure for propagating route changes to nodes in a multiple-processor router, and to peer routers in a network is also taught.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: A method of bandwidth allocation for delivery of stored digital content from at least one server device to at least one client device by way of a network is disclosed. The method begins by prescribing a control variable which represents a target flow rate from the server device to each client device. Next, time-varying constraints on the flow rate of the content are determined. A cost function of the control variable for each client is determined. The cost function corresponds to a maximized value of the control variable. Finally, bandwidth is prescribed to each client based upon the value of the control variable maximized by the cost function. In this respect, the method achieves optimal allocation of bandwidth between the server and the respective clients.

Abstract: A system for processing Internet requests that permits multiple binds to the same socket number at the same time on the same computer. A separate domain processing shell may be provided for each domain being hosted on a particular platform, and each domain may be mapped to a unique IP address. When a request for a service is received with a first IP address, that request may be routed to the associated shell, where it is bound to the designated socket number. When a request with a second IP address is received for the same service, it may be routed to another shell and be bound to the same socket number.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize subgroup-specific leader members to exchange group data between group members during the handling of a request to organize members into a group in a clustered computer system, e.g., when handling a membership change operation such as a merge or join. Such subgroup leaders may be determined locally within individual subgroup members, and moreover, the subgroup members may locally track the transmission status of group data for the various subgroups. Each subgroup includes one or more members that are known to store group data that is coherent among all subgroup members.

Abstract: An enhancement to computer network maintenance technology which reduces redundant and inaccurate fault reporting and alerting based upon implementation of logic which determines the most likely single point of failure. In modern computer and telephone networks, certain single points of failure result in the false appearance of multiple failures. However, by analyzing the pattern of apparent failures in view of the known network topology, a single point of failure can be determined as the root cause of the multiple failure indications. An enhancement to the currently-available network maintenance technology, including software applications executing on network server platforms, provides this fault determination logic, filters spurious and incorrect failure reports, and posts failure reports only for the single point failure.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a host for a client in a client-server network, such as the Internet. The method includes initiating a plurality of responses, such as domain name system (DNS) responses, in a race to the local server and/or client. The method determines the most suitable host or server based on its shortest latency with the client.