Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a subscription service for documenting, verifying, administering, and auditing use of entitled software products in third-party networked computing environments (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, aspects of the invention provide an Entitlement Brokering System (EBS) (also referred to as an entitlement broker) that reduces the risk associated with clients improperly running licensed software products on their computing infrastructure, thus increasing the reliability and auditability of the software product's entitlement status and accelerating intake of new or existing clients through automation of the entitlement verification process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) to be dynamic in nature in that it may automatically be resized based on current/predicted workload and current/predicted resource availability. For example, when a workload is received, a data structure (e.g., a mapping) will be created on a computer storage device and populated with data related to a set of current resources of the networked computing environment that are allocated to the workload. It will then be determined whether a mismatch (e.g., a shortfall) exists between the set of current resources and resources required for processing the workload. If so, a set of peripheral resources will be identified to rectify the mismatch. The networked computing environment will then be resized to accommodate the set of peripheral resources, and the workload will be processed using the resized networked computing environment.

Abstract: Automated processes generate optimization options in response to collecting inventory data relevant to components installed within an implemented information technology system. An interactive graphical user interface dashboard displays different selectable primary analysis criteria elements and analytics modules. A collected data type (geographic location, hardware or software identity indicia, operating or energy costs) is specified as a root organizing data type, and another as a branch organizing data type depending from the root organizing data type, based on a primary analysis criteria element and analytic module selection. The components having common collected root organizing data type values are grouped into root subsets, and the root subsets are further split into branch subsets of components having common collected data values of the specified branch organizing type or another collected data type, and the subsets are displayed with respective aggregate numbers of the components within the subsets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for forecasting a capacity available for processing a workload in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, aspects of the present invention provide service availability for cloud subscribers by forecasting the capacity available for running or scheduled applications in a networked computing environment. In one embodiment, capacity data may be collected and analyzed in real-time from a set of cloud service providers and/or peer cloud-based systems. In order to further increase forecast accuracy, historical data and forecast output may be post-processed. Data may be post-processed in a substantially continuous manner so as to assess the accuracy of previous forecasts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for forecasting a capacity available for processing a workload in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, aspects of the present invention provide service availability for cloud subscribers by forecasting the capacity available for running or scheduled applications in a networked computing environment. In one embodiment, capacity data may be collected and analyzed in real-time from a set of cloud service providers and/or peer cloud-based systems. In order to further increase forecast accuracy, historical data and forecast output may be post-processed. Data may be post-processed in a substantially continuous manner so as to assess the accuracy of previous forecasts.

Abstract: In a method for processing a telephone call, a telephone call originating from a first telephone number and being placed to a second telephone number is intercepted, the second telephone number being previously associated with a telephone service account of a first customer and currently associated with a telephone service account of a second customer. A determination that the first customer is more likely the intended recipient of the telephone call than the second customer is made. Making the determination includes determining that the first telephone number is included at a point in time in a call history of the second telephone number when the second phone number was associated with the telephone service account of the first customer. An action relating to the call is performed in response to the determination that the first customer is more likely the intended recipient of the telephone call than the second customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for optimizing energy consumption utilized for workload processing in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, when a workload is received, an energy profile (e.g., contained in a computerized data structure) associated with the workload is identified. Typically, the energy profile identifies a set of computing resources needed to process the workload (e.g., storage requirements, server requirements, processing requirements, network bandwidth requirements, etc.), energy consumption attributes of the set of computing resources, and a proposed duration of the workload. Based on the information contained in the energy profile (and resource availability) a schedule (e.g., time, location, etc.) for processing the workload will be determined so as to optimize energy consumption associated with the processing of the workload.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for forecasting a capacity available for processing a workload in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, aspects of the present invention provide service availability for cloud subscribers by forecasting the capacity available for running or scheduled applications in a networked computing environment. In one embodiment, capacity data may be collected and analyzed in real-time from a set of cloud service providers and/or peer cloud-based systems. In order to further increase forecast accuracy, historical data and forecast output may be post-processed. Data may be post-processed in a substantially continuous manner so as to assess the accuracy of previous forecasts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a subscription service for documenting, verifying, administering, and auditing use of entitled software products in third-party networked computing environments (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, aspects of the invention provide an Entitlement Brokering System (EBS) (also referred to as an entitlement broker) that reduces the risk associated with clients improperly running licensed software products on their computing infrastructure, thus increasing the reliability and auditability of the software product's entitlement status and accelerating intake of new or existing clients through automation of the entitlement verification process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) to be dynamic in nature in that it may automatically be resized based on current/predicted workload and current/predicted resource availability. For example, when a workload is received, a data structure (e.g., a mapping) will be created on a computer storage device and populated with data related to a set of current resources of the networked computing environment that are allocated to the workload. It will then be determined whether a mismatch (e.g., a shortfall) exists between the set of current resources and resources required for processing the workload. If so, a set of peripheral resources will be identified to rectify the mismatch. The networked computing environment will then be resized to accommodate the set of peripheral resources, and the workload will be processed using the resized networked computing environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for optimizing energy consumption utilized for workload processing in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, when a workload is received, an energy profile (e.g., contained in a computerized data structure) associated with the workload is identified. Typically, the energy profile identifies a set of computing resources needed to process the workload (e.g., storage requirements, server requirements, processing requirements, network bandwidth requirements, etc.), energy consumption attributes of the set of computing resources, and a proposed duration of the workload. Based on the information contained in the energy profile (and resource availability) a schedule (e.g., time, location, etc.) for processing the workload will be determined so as to optimize energy consumption associated with the processing of the workload.

Abstract: A method in a computer network for downloading digital data from one of a plurality of servers to a client computer using a hierarchical algorithm that determines a group of candidate servers based on the ability of the servers to deliver the required digital data and network considerations such as proximity to the client.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating an activation script of commands that create a connection between the host system and the Internet. A user at a remote computer system initiates a request over the Internet to a intermediary computer system associated with a host system for a remote connection thereto. The intermediary computer system is geographically located in the local telephone calling area of the host computer system and has a continuous connection to the Internet. The intermediary computer system initiates an asynchronous call to the host computer system via modem to transmit the request. The host computer system receives this request to connect to the Internet from the intermediary computer system. This request contains the remote requestor's identity for the purposes of feedback. Authentication of the remote requestor is performed and the host computer system acknowledges the request.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine including a mainframe, a subframe pivotally attached to and selectively tiltable with respect to said mainframe, and a bracket pivotally attached to and selectively pivotable with respect to said subframe. The subframe supports a drive and attached drive wheel while the bracket supports a radially aligned pressure wheel. The bracket includes an A-frame member and the pressure wheel is rotatably supported at its apex. A guide tube having a discharge end disposed intermediate the drive wheel and the pressure wheel directs a ball in contact with the rotating drive wheel. The machine can pitch balls of various diameters such as baseballs and softballs since the spacing between the drive wheel and the pressure wheel is selectively adjustable by pivoting the bracket with respect to the subframe. Also, the amount of pressure applied by the pressure wheel determines the speed at which the ball is ejected from the machine.