Abstract: In a data processing system having multiple logically coupled branch systems that share interdependent products and services, a system for providing enhanced cross-team change request management. In one embodiment, the system includes a consumer branch system that generates a consumer change request. A trunk system manages cross-team change requests between the branch systems in a shared database and stores a first cross-team change request that associates the consumer change request with a first provider branch system. In response to the first provider branch system determining that a supplemental consumer change request is required to address the first consumer change request, the first provider branch system generates a second cross-team change request within the trunk system. The second cross-team change request associates the supplemental consumer change request with a second provider branch system.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling skills includes three main components: a definition of at least one object (40) specifying a subject matter, a definition of at least one action (42) which may be applied to the defined object (40), and a definition of at least one context (48) in which the defined object and action are used. The context may include tool/technique (72), hardware (74), condition (76), industry (78), current and/or past employer (80), and business rationale (82).

Abstract: Interface object classes providing a template class (402) for list boxes (500) and a template class (410) for combo boxes (506) which encapsulates a linkage mechanism to associate the items listed in the list box and combo box to objects (614) in a business object (612). When an item is selected in a list box or combo box, the object associated with the selected item is referenced automatically without explicit coding.

Abstract: An object-oriented memory management framework (10) and method therefor provide for a foreign pointer class (14, 400) and a foreign object class (12) each having a plurality of encapsulated methods and variables for memory management. The foreign pointer class (14) provides one or more instances of active, passive, and restrictive foreign pointers (274, 284, 292). The framework (10) further includes a foreign object class (12) for providing one or more instances of foreign objects (16), where each foreign object (16) encapsulated an active list variable (32), a passive list variable (36), and a restrictive list variable (34) for recording therein any foreign pointer pointing thereto.

Abstract: A method of modeling an enterprise so that its policy changes as well as its current components and operations are represented in a database (11), and a method of using a computer to query the database. The enterprise is modeled using classes of objects and associated methods. During operation, a query about data in the database (11) is received from a user, with the query calling for the use of at least one method to answer the query. The database (11) is accessed to determine whether the method is affected by a policy change, where different policies are represented by policy objects. If so, the user is provided with policy choices. A policy selection is received, and the query is answered, using an implementation of the method based on the policy selection (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An object oriented system for accessing an external relational database from within the object oriented system. The system creates an object and fills it with data values retrieved from the database. References from the object to other objects include pointers to preexisting objects or pointers to placeholder objects. Later retrieves fill in the placeholder objects, eliminating the need to reset the pointers. Caching, utilizing static data and static functions, is performed by each class of objects. Sub-objects are used to create different logical views of data from the database, and query access to the database is provided by a query engine which builds query language statements on demand.

Abstract: A method and a system (10) are provided for generating source code (28) for relating a dialog interface with a business object in a computing application. The system (10) includes a memory (14, 18) operable to store an attribute definition file (16). An interface (12) is coupled to the memory (14, 18). The interface (12) allows a user of the system (10) to create an application configuration file (19) from the attribute definition file (16). A processor (24), which is coupled to the memory (14, 18) and the interface (12), automatically generates source code (28) in response to the application configuration file (19) to relate the dialog interface with the business object. The method is performed on a computer system, such as the system (10) of the present invention. The method includes receiving configuration information specifying a relationship between at least one interface object and at least one business object which is represented by the interface object.

Abstract: A communication system (10) has a first computer (20), central controller (16) and controlled equipment (18). An operator may enter a desired performance by equipment (18) on first computer (20) which is placed in a communications packet with a device number, channel number, and one or more parameters and then sent to central controller (16) for processing. Central controller (16) loads the parameters into memory (270) and calls an appropriate function that uses the parameters to carry out the desired performance of the equipment (18). The receipt and processing of the communication packet may be acknowledged by the central controller (16) to computer (20).