Abstract: A microfluidically-controlled transmission mode nanoscal surface plasmonics sensor device comprises one or more arrays of aligned nanochannels in fluid communication with inflowing and outflowing fluid handling manifolds that control the flow of fluid through the array(s). Fluid comprising a sample for analysis is moved from an inlet manifold, through the nanochannel array, and out through an exit manifold. The fluid may also contain a reagent used to modify the interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and/or a reagent required for the detection of an analyte.

Abstract: A hierarchical software update distribution system and method for distributing software updates is presented. The update distribution system includes a root update service node and at least one update service node. In an update distribution system, each update service node, except the root update service node, has one parent update service node. Each update service node may function as a parent update service node to child update service nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically updating software on one or more installation media for installation on at least one destination machine. The invention obtains update content from one or more update media and merges the update content with the software on the installation media prior to installing the software on the destination machine. The software to be installed includes application programs and operating system software.

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 system and method for dynamically updating software on one or more installation media for installation on at least one destination machine. The invention obtains update content from one or more update media and merges the update content with the software on the installation media prior to installing the software on the destination machine. The software to be installed includes application programs and operating system software.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically updating software on one or more installation media for installation on at least one destination machine. The invention obtains update content from one or more update media and merges the update content with the software on the installation media prior to installing the software on the destination machine. The software to be installed includes application programs and operating system software.

Abstract: A method for controlling the update installation behavior of a computing device according to installation attributes is presented. When present, a mandatory installation attribute associated with a software update causes the installation process executed on the computing device to disallow a user to selectively not install the software update. A priority installation attribute causes the computing device to request a higher amount of network bandwidth for obtaining the software update's content for installation on the client computing device. A deadline installation attribute associated with the software update causes the computing device to permit a user to selectively not install the software update until an associated deadline passes, at which time the software update is installed without further user interaction.