Abstract: Methods and systems for using a compensable network messaging protocol are disclosed. A complete set of attributes and characteristics of a messaging protocol are broken down into independent pieces, or protocolettes. When a network application sends a message across the network, the network application selects the set of services that are needed for that specific message (e.g., reliability). A code generator composes a messaging protocol using the preconstructed protocolettes, based on the network application's needs and/or request. The message is forwarded to a router, which transmits the message using the uniquely composed messaging protocol for delivery to the recipient(s).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and data structures for communicating object metadata are provided. A generic metadata container is presented that allows object metadata to be described in an extensible manner using protocol-neutral and platform-independent methodologies. A metadata scope refers to a dynamic universe of targets to which the included metadata statements correspond. Metadata properties provide a mechanism to describe the metadata itself, and metadata security can be used to ensure authentic metadata is sent and received. Mechanisms are also provided to allow refinement and replacement of metadata statements. Communication of metadata is expedited using hash digests to confirm metadata versions, and by piggybacking policy metadata requests and responses on other substantive data communication messages, thereby dynamically altering future communications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and data structures for communicating object metadata are provided. A generic metadata container is presented that allows object metadata to be described in an extensible manner using protocol-neutral and platform-independent methodologies. A metadata scope refers to a dynamic universe of targets to which the included metadata statements correspond. Metadata properties provide a mechanism to describe the metadata itself, and metadata security can be used to ensure authentic metadata is sent and received. Mechanisms are also provided to allow refinement and replacement of metadata statements. The metadata container may be used to convey referral data to update routing tables in network nodes, and may also be used register referral statements and query a node for referral information.

Abstract: A distributed security system is provided. The distributed security system uses a security policy that is written in a policy language that is transport and security protocol independent as well as independent of cryptographic technologies. This security policy can be expressed using the language to create different security components allowing for greater scalability and flexibility. By abstracting underlying protocols and technologies, multiple environments and platforms can be supported.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the performance of a data processing system, particularly a distributed data processing system, provide a system user with tools for analyzing an application running thereon. Information about the flow and performance of the application can be specified, captured, and analyzed, without modifying it or degrading its performance or data security characteristics, even if it is distributed across multiple machines. The user interface permits the system user to filter the performance information, to set triggers which the performance analyzer is able to reduce and/or combine, to observe multiple time-synchronized displays of performance data either in real time or post mortem, and to play and re-play the operation of an automatically generated application model. The invention is implemented in part by providing suitable Application Program Interfaces (APIs) in the operating system of the data processing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the performance of a data processing system, particularly a distributed data processing system, provide a system user with tools for analyzing an application running thereon. Information about the flow and performance of the application can be specified, captured, and analyzed, without modifying it or degrading its performance or data security characteristics, even if it is distributed across multiple machines. The user interface permits the system user to filter the performance information, to set triggers which the performance analyzer is able to reduce and/or combine, to observe multiple time-synchronized displays of performance data either in real time or post mortem, and to play and re-play the operation of an automatically generated application model. The invention is implemented in part by providing suitable Application Program Interfaces (APIs) in the operating system of the data processing system.