Abstract: Disclosed are methods usable by non-experts for altering a configuration of a data warehouse. The initial configuration of the data warehouse is represented in terms of metadata, and that metadata configuration is presented to a user. The user can choose to alter the metadata configuration. If alterations are made to the metadata, then the underlying configuration of the data warehouse is altered accordingly. Because there may be multiple users wishing to alter aspects of the data warehouse, some embodiments of the present invention enforce approval guidelines so that proposed changes to the data warehouse configuration are only implemented after the appropriate approvals have been secured. By presenting a metadata representation of the data warehouse configuration, the present invention both allows non-experts to have a hand in converting a data warehouse and prevents user errors from corrupting the data warehouse conversion process.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods usable by non-experts for altering a configuration of a data warehouse. The initial configuration of the data warehouse is represented in terms of metadata, and that metadata configuration is presented to a user. The user can choose to alter the metadata configuration. If alterations are made to the metadata, then the underlying configuration of the data warehouse is altered accordingly. Because there may be multiple users wishing to alter aspects of the data warehouse, some embodiments of the present invention enforce approval guidelines so that proposed changes to the data warehouse configuration are only implemented after the appropriate approvals have been secured. By presenting a metadata representation of the data warehouse configuration, the present invention both allows non-experts to have a hand in converting a data warehouse and prevents user errors from corrupting the data warehouse conversion process.

Abstract: A system for sampling raw data from a reporting application and segmenting portions of the sampled data into at least one of a set of raw data stores. The system enables ad hoc querying to be done against a data warehouse using the set of raw data stores and in conjunction with an aggregate store. A reporting aspect of the system is responsible for locating the appropriate store when responding to a query. The system also segments data based on anticipated usage of the raw data and appropriately places them into a raw data store having an access speed that corresponds to the anticipated usage level of the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates it directed to configurable collection of computer related metric data. A computer system generates computer related metric data related to an application. The application accesses a manifest that indicates a portion of the generated computer related metric data (e.g., a subset) is to be packaged for delivery. The application sends schema-based package start data to cause the portion of generated computer related metric data to be packaged. A quality metric module receives the schema-based package start data and accesses the indicated portion of computer related metric data. The quality metric module packages the portion of computer related metric data according to a packaging schema. The application sends a package send command to cause the packaged portion of computer related metric data to be delivered. The quality metric module receives the package send command and sends the packaged portion of computer related metric data in response to the package send command.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a hybrid list view of display objects are provided. A screen display includes a number of display objects that can be selected for manipulation and selected to initiate an action. Each display object can include a graphical selection control to toggle a selection status, a foreground portion to an action and a background portion to toggle a selection status and initiate an action. Software applications generate list view screen displays incorporating display objects and can process an additional variety of user inputs.

Abstract: A method and system for downloading software update data for installing a revised software product on a client computer minimizes the amount of update data to be transmitted over the network by downloading only those files needed to put the client computer in the state for installing the product. In the beginning of the downloading process, the client computer obtains from a setup server an initial setup package that includes a setup program and a list of files required for installing the software product. The setup program running on the client computer then determines whether some current or earlier versions of those files required for installation already exist on the client computer, and compiles a request list of files needed for updating the client computer. The client computer sends the request list to a download server, which maintains a collection of update files and patches. In response to the request list, the download server downloads updating files to the client.