Abstract: A system may include a server and a data store system. The server may include at least one storage device and at least one processor. The server may execute an application and may store an encrypted password. The data store system may include at least one persistent storage device configured to store a data store. The data store system may further include a plurality of processing nodes configured to operate on the data store. The data store system may receive the encrypted password from the application with one of the plurality of processing nodes and may decrypt the encrypted password with the one of the plurality of processing nodes. The data store system may authenticate the decrypted password with the one of the processing nodes and provide the decrypted password to other processing nodes. Each processing node that has the decrypted password may be accessible to the application to operate on the data store. A method and computer-readable medium may also be implemented.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive a designation of multiple rows to supply data to a single user defined function, which is made available in a structured query language SELECT statement. Further activities may include retrieving the data from at least one storage medium, packing each of the multiple rows having a common key into a single row, and transforming the data from a first state into a second state by applying the single function to the data using a single access module processor. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing inventory of a replaced or discontinued product from a warehouse or distribution center to a plurality of stores. The method optimally distributes the inventory of the replaced or discontinued product from the distribution center, keeping in mind the demand for a replacing product at the stores supported by the distribution center. The described system and method calculates replaced (old) and replacing (new) store product order quantities; rounds the replaced and replacing product order quantities if necessary due to product packaging; and ensures that the aggregate of the replaced product order quantity does not exceed distribution center on-hand inventory for the replaced product.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive a designation of multiple rows to supply data to a single user defined function, which is made available in a structured query language SELECT statement. Further activities may include retrieving the data from at least one storage medium, packing each of the multiple rows having a common key into a single row, and transforming the data from a first state into a second state by applying the single function to the data using a single access module processor. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand for a product. The forecasting methodology employs a causal methodology, based on multiple regression techniques, to model the effects of various factors on product demand, and hence better forecast future patterns and trends, improving the efficiency and reliability of the inventory management systems. The improved method identifies linear dependent causal factors and removes redundant causal factors from the regression analysis. A product demand forecast is generated by blending forecast or expected values of the non-redundant causal factors together with corresponding regression coefficients determined through the analysis of historical product demand and factor information.