Abstract: A service provider system adapted for distributing services, including patch selection and delivery, in a distributed computing environment. The system includes a service manager linked to the communications network that functions to obtain and store client system information from the client systems during performance of the services. A service deployment tool registers service providers by storing service proxies from the service providers that are executable code and include an interface defining the methods implemented by the service. The tool functions to transfer service proxies to the client system in response to service requests. A service selection tool processes service requests to match service proxies to select appropriate available services for the client system. The client system includes a virtual service mechanism for registering as a recipient with the service manager, transmitting the service requests, and executing the service proxies received in response to the service requests.

Abstract: A method for secure network communications. The method includes receiving at the service provider a request from a client that includes an identifier (e.g., a digital certificate) for the client. The identity is authenticated by the service provider by retrieving a stored copy of a digital certificate for the client sending the request and comparing the copy of the digital certificate included with the request to the stored copy. If authenticated, access to the service provider is granted and typically, a response is generated and transmitted to the client that includes an identifier or a digital certificate for the service provider. The client then authenticates the service provider by comparing the certificate with a stored copy prior to transmitting further messages. The method includes encrypting and decrypting the requests and the responses using private and public key pairs associated with the stored digital certificates.

Abstract: A service provider system adapted for distributing services, including patch selection and delivery, in a distributed computing environment. The system includes a service manager linked to the communications network that functions to obtain and store client system information from the client systems during performance of the services. A service deployment tool registers service providers by storing service proxies from the service providers that are executable code and include an interface defining the methods implemented by the service. The tool functions to transfer service proxies to the client system in response to service requests. A service selection tool processes service requests to match service proxies to select appropriate available services for the client system. The client system includes a virtual service mechanism for registering as a recipient with the service manager, transmitting the service requests, and executing the service proxies received in response to the service requests.