Abstract: A software and/or hardware facility that identifies and characterizes web feeds and web feed content for purposes of populating a resource with targeted content. The facility identifies web feeds and characterizes the web feeds and/or content in the web feeds using attributes from an attribute taxonomy. The characterization may be based on metadata associated with the web feed and/or on content in the web feed. Once the web feeds and/or content of the web feeds have been characterized, the web feeds and content may be appropriately selected for inclusion in a resource. The resource may be targeted to recipients based on identified characteristics of the resource or recipients.

Abstract: A system and method for rewarding sellers of computing devices involves receiving information that authorization to use a software product on a computing device has been obtained by a user of the computing device. The received information includes a unique identifier of the computing device. An identity of a seller of the computing device is then determined based at least in part on the received unique identifier. Remuneration is then provided to the seller of the computing device.

Abstract: A virtual applications architecture is provided according to the present invention. The architecture includes a topology manager for managing applications across a plurality of members, and a virtual applications manager for defining a plurality of resources comprising the applications. The topology manager communicates with the plurality of members to initiate scaling of the applications associated with the virtual applications manager to the members. The architecture may also include a replication system for deploying the applications to the members.

Abstract: An information server adapted to service requests for information has an integral database containing configuration information, application information, and/or content information. The information in the database is stored in a hierarchical fashion with elements that correspond, in some degree, with physical storage structure or individual information objects on the information server. Path names received in information requests are broken into constituent components and are used to retrieve configuration information, application information, and/or content information from the database and information objects from physical storage. In the database properties stored at one hierarchical level may be inherited by lower hierarchical levels. The database is preferably provided with a programmatic interface that allows concurrent access to and administration of the database. Mechanisms to notify registered users of changes or events that occur with respect to the database are implemented.