Abstract: An application program for use in a hybrid computing environment comprising standalone, client-server, or Internet use is described. The application is written in a single code base and installed on a client computer that is configured for use as either a standalone or networked computer. Server side components of the application program are installed on a server computer configured to be coupled to client computers over a local or wide area network or over the Internet. Data and file resources utilized by the application program are installed locally on the client computer or on the server computer, or on a device remotely coupled to the network coupling the client and server computers. The application program is installed on the client computer for use as a standalone, client-server, or Internet application, or any combination thereof. At runtime, the user selects the mode of use in which the application program is to be executed.

Abstract: An automated software update method for distributed client/server computers is described. A server process is executed a program on either a standalone computer or a server computer in a distributed client/server network environment. The program updates are either programmed into the server process directly or downloaded to the server in the background. When there is an update to the program, the server forces all client computers executing client-side processes of the server process to shutdown the client process. Alternatively, the server process notifies all clients that an update or maintenance procedure needs to be performed and schedules a disconnect request for all clients. When all clients are disconnected, the server downloads the program updates and performs an automated process to update itself. After the server program is updated, the server allows reconnection of the client computers.

Abstract: A hierarchical security model for networked computer users is described. Files and resources are controlled or created by users within the network. Each user within the network has an account that is managed by a network administrator. The account specifies the user identifier and password. Users are grouped into organizations depending upon function or other organizational parameter. The groups within the network are organized hierarchically in terms of access and control privileges. Users within a higher level group may exercise access and control privileges over files or resources owned by users in a lower level group. The account for each user further specifies the group that the owner belongs to and an identifier for any higher level groups that have access privileges over the user's group. All users within a group inherit the rights and restrictions of the group.

Abstract: A method of conducting an interactive design conference over the Internet, comprises: selectively admitting clients communicating through web browsers over the Internet to an interactive design conference; receiving a graphics file indicative of a design from one of the clients; and transmitting the graphics file to the other clients so as to be viewable as a graphics image through graphics file readers in the client web browsers. The graphics file is generated by a snapshot program previously transmitted to a client initiating the design conference and controlling the design database. Java applets are transmitted to each of the design conference participants to facilitate communicating annotations of the graphics image and messages between clients through their web browsers.