Abstract: A computer network has storage devices organized into X levels and storing element-group information. To determine whether an element is a member of any target groups, each target group is validated by searching the storage devices to find a target group item and, if found, placing the target group in a validated target bin (V). Also, the element is validated by searching the storage devices to find an element item, and if found, determining from the item all groups that the element is listed as being a member of and placing such member-of groups in a search bin (S). If (S) intersects (V), the element is a member of a target group. If not, all groups in (S) are moved to a queue (Q1) corresponding to the storage device at level 1 and an iterative process searches for a membership path from the element to any target group.

Abstract: A system and method enable processing and displaying of test results in accordance with information and specifications provided by the client requiring such services. Skills examined by a test are identified, and skill-by-skill analysis of test results is provided. Performance within constituent skill categories are compared to applicable standards, thereby providing criterion-referenced conclusions about a student's performance within each skill category tested. Evaluation and recommendation statements are generated for students or groups of students based on their test performance and procedures for automatically generating such statements are provided. Test results are also used to identify skills in which individual students and groups have the greatest potential for growth. Test reports are produced in print and electronically using the same electronic document structures and data source files to ensure consistency between the two display mechanisms.

Abstract: An organization maintains a computer network comprising at least a forest A and a forest B, where forest A has a directory A and a querying entity A capable of querying directory A, and forest B has a directory B and a querying entity B capable of querying directory B. Querying entity A receives a request from the user and decides whether to grant the request based at least in part on whether the user is a member of the group. Thus, querying entity A queries directory A to return information on the group, is directed to forest B, contacts querying entity B, requests querying entity B to query directory B whether the user is a member of the group, receives a response, and grants the request from the user based at least in part on whether the user is a member of the group.

Abstract: A computer network has storage devices organized into X levels and storing element-group information. To determine whether an element is a member of any target groups, each target group is validated by searching the storage devices to find a target group item and, if found, placing the target group in a validated target bin (V). Also,, the element is validated by searching the storage devices to find an element item, and if found, determining from the item all groups that the element is listed as being a member of and placing such member-of groups in a search bin (S). If (S) intersects (V), the element is a member of a target group. If not, all groups in (S) are moved to a queue (Q1) corresponding to the storage device at level 1 and an iterative process searches for a membership path from the element to any target group.

Abstract: A licensor receives a request from a requestor including an identifier identifying the requestor and rights data associated with digital content, where the rights data lists at least one identifier and rights associated therewith. The licensor thereafter locates the identifier of the requestor in a directory, and locates in the directory based thereon an identifier of each group which the requestor is a member of. Each of the located requestor identifier and each located group identifier is compared to each identifier listed in the rights data to find a match, and a digital license to render the content is issued to the requestor with the rights associated with the matching identifier.

Abstract: A licensor receives a request from the requestor, where the request includes rights data associated with digital content, and where the rights data lists at least one identifier and a set of rights associated therewith. The licensor selects the identifier and the set of rights associated therewith, where such rights are expected to be set forth in a corresponding digital license, and also selects based on the identifier an alternate set of rights. The alternate set of rights are substituted for the set of rights from the rights data, and the license is issued to the requestor with the alternate set of rights, whereby the alternate set of rights in the issued license sets forth terms and conditions that the requestor must adhere to in connection with rendering the corresponding content.

Abstract: A method for managing rights in digital content includes generating rights data for a piece of digital content and forming a piece of rights managed digital content by associating the rights data with the piece of digital content. The rights data includes parameters that govern the terms on which the content may be licensed, and may include a list of entities to which the content may be licensed, a respective set of one or more rights that each such entity has in the digital content, and any conditions that may be placed on those rights. A method for licensing rights managed digital content includes receiving a license request for a license to use the piece of rights managed digital content, where the license request includes such a signed rights label. The digital signature on the signed rights label is validated to determine whether a trusted entity issued the signed rights label.

Abstract: In a system for distributing and licensing rights-managed digital content, the way in which content is distributed and licensed can be affected by the trust relationships that are established between the various servers that participate in the system. In a typical system, a license server licenses content to particular identities, and an identity server defines those identities by issuing certificates for those identities. The license server issues licenses to identities that have been issued by trusted identity servers. Also, the license server can issue a license on behalf of any entity whose private key it holds. Thus, in one embodiment, the universe of people to whom the license server can issue licenses can be expanded by adding new identity servers to the list of trusted identity servers. In another embodiment, exceptions to the general trust of an identity server can be carved out by creating an exclusion list, which excludes particular identity certificate (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing digital rights management services are disclosed. Such a system includes a service program that provides a processing framework for performing a digital rights management service, such as publishing or licensing rights managed digital content. A plurality of plug-in components are provided, each of which performs a respective task associated with the digital rights management service. The plug-in components are integrated into the processing framework according to predefined sets of interface rules.

Abstract: A digital license corresponds to encrypted digital content and includes a content key for decrypting same. The content key is encrypted and is decryptable by a decryption key available only to the first persona, the license thereby being tied to the first persona. The license is a first license and further includes referral information specifying a first location at which a second persona may obtain a second license for the content tied thereto. The second persona requests to render the content by way of the first license and the request is denied because the first license is not tied to the second persona. The referral information is obtained from the first license and employed to initiate contact with the specified first location and obtain the second license tied to the second persona.