Abstract: Providing content according to a distribution infrastructure. A content provider creates content and organizes the content into a channel. The content included in the channel is described by attributes associated with the channel. The channel is published to a processor and the processor hosts the published channel. A client computing device selectively subscribes to a plurality of published channels. The client computing device aggregates content form the plurality of subscribed channels and provides the aggregated content to a user in a single update experience.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) for administering the distribution of software updates on an update service node is presented. The API provides a plurality of interface calls through which an administrator can establish rules by which software updates available to the update service node are distributed.

Abstract: A tag-based structure for communicating software update metadata information to client computers and to update service nodes is presented. An update metadata file includes: an identifier tag including a software update identifier that uniquely identifies the software update; zero or more general properties tags that carry general property information relating the software update; zero or more localized properties tags that carry localized property information organized according to language; zero or more relationship tags that identify dependency relationships the current software update, as described in the update metadata, has with other software updates; zero or more applicability rules tags that carry information for determining the applicability of the software update to a client computer; zero or more files tags that carry information relating to the software update's payload files; and handler specific data tags that carry information directed to the software handler for installing the software update.

Abstract: Providing content according to a distribution infrastructure. A content provider creates content and organizes the content into a channel. The content included in the channel is described by attributes associated with the channel. The channel is published to a processor and the processor hosts the published channel. A client computing device selectively subscribes to a plurality of published channels. The client computing device aggregates content form the plurality of subscribed channels and provides the aggregated content to a user in a single update experience.

Abstract: Performing software installation activities. A method may be practiced for example in a network computing environment including one or more targetable entities organized into target groups. The method includes beginning a rollout including installation activities to a first set of one or more target groups. At least a portion of the installation activities are evaluated in the first set of one or more target groups. A rollout, including installation activities, to a second set of one or more target groups is begun if the installation activities in the first set of one or more target groups meet predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Sending installation information. A method may be performed, for example, in a network computing environment including one or more servers connected to one or more clients. The method includes signing a package including installation information. A hash of the package is created. A metadata data set is created. The metadata data set includes a description of the package, an identification for the package, applicability rules describing intended recipients of the installation information, the hash of the package, and installation instructions for the package. The metadata data set is sent to a target group of systems in the network computing environment.

Abstract: A method of inventorying software and/or hardware. The method may be practiced for example in a network computing environment including at least one client and at least one server. The method includes requesting a rule file from the server. The rule file is received from the server. Information is gathered about the software and/or hardware at the client based on rules in the rule file. The results of gathering information about the software and/or hardware at the client is sent to the server.

Abstract: A system management framework is described for use with a limited-resource client such as a hand-held device. The framework includes a client proxy implemented apart from the client device. The client proxy is configured to communicate with the client device and to emulate a full-functioned client computer on behalf of the client device.

Abstract: A system management framework is described for application delivery and configuration management of mobile devices. The framework includes a management server and a mobile computing device. The management server is configured to communicate download instructions for purposes of configuration management of mobile computing devices. The mobile computing device is configured to connect to the management server over a non-persistent connection. The mobile computing device requests download instructions from the management server to determine any offerings that may be available for download and installation by the mobile computing device. Any offerings presented by the management server represent one or more files that have been made available since a last successful download operation conducted by the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device allows a user to accept or reject download and installation of any one or more of the offerings.

Abstract: A system management framework is described for use with a limited-resource client such as a hand-held device. The framework includes a client proxy implemented apart from the client device. The client proxy is configured to communicate with the client device and to emulate a full-functioned client computer on behalf of the client device.