Abstract: System and method for visually indicating deployment of programs in a system. A client system includes a plurality of devices coupled together, where at least one of the devices includes one or more programs, e.g., graphical, text-based, and/or hardware configuration programs. A configuration diagram is displayed which visually represents the client system. The diagram includes device icons representing the devices, including a first device icon corresponding to a first device. A first program is deployed onto the first device. The configuration diagram is programmatically animated to visually indicate the deployment, e.g., a first program icon corresponding to the first program, or one or more other icons, may be propagated from a first location on the display, e.g., from a second device icon representing a second device initially storing the program, to the first device icon, possibly along link icons indicating coupling between the devices. The deployment may be performed programmatically.

Abstract: System and method for configuring a client system, e.g., a measurement system. First input is received from a client system over a network requesting access to a plurality of configuration diagrams comprising respective solutions to respective tasks. At least a subset of the plurality of configuration diagrams is displayed on a display device of the client system for viewing by a user. Second input is received from the client system selecting one of the displayed configuration diagrams indicating a solution for a task to be performed by the client system. The solution is provided to the client system over the network, and may include the selected configuration diagram and/or pricing information for proposed products. The configuration diagrams are stored in a configuration diagram database. The stored configuration diagrams may be pre-defined solutions for pre-defined tasks, generated in response to received user requirements, and/or received from client systems and/or vendors.

Abstract: System and method for characterizing a system. Electronic communication is established between a server computer and a client system over a network. The client system includes a plurality of devices coupled together, where at least one of the devices includes one or more programs, e.g., graphical, text-based, and/or hardware configuration programs. The server programmatically determines presence of the devices and programs of the client system, and programmatically generates a diagram which visually represents the client system. The diagram includes device icons representing the devices, link icons indicating coupling between the devices, and program icons representing the programs. The program icons are displayed proximate to the device icons representing the devices which store and/or execute the respective programs. The server transmits the diagram to the client system. The diagram is displayed on a display of the client system.

Abstract: System and method for generating a configuration diagram based on user specification of a task. A server computer communicates with a client system, e.g., a measurement system, including a client computer system, over a network. The server receives requirements, e.g., a task specification, for a task, e.g., a measurement task, where the requirements are provided in response to user input. A plurality of products operable to perform the task are determined in response to the requirements, e.g., by programmatically analyzing the requirements. A diagram is displayed on the client computer system iconically representing the plurality of products, including icons representing at least a subset of the products to the user as proposed hardware and/or software products for the client system. Pricing information for the proposed products may be displayed. User input indicating purchase of at least one of the products is received and the purchased products provided to the user.

Abstract: System and method for receiving purchase information for a client system, e.g., a measurement system. A configuration diagram visually representing a current configuration of the client system is displayed. Multiple product icons are displayed representing products (hardware and/or programs) available for use in the client system. User input is received graphically associating at least one first product icon with the configuration diagram, where the first product icon represents a first product, and the user input indicates a desire to purchase the first product. An updated configuration diagram is displayed representing the configuration of the client system after receiving the user input, including the first product icon. Pricing information for the first product is displayed in response to receiving the user input. User input initiating purchase of the first product may be received in response to displaying the pricing information, and the product may be provided to the user.