Abstract: A system for authenticating the location of a client system accessing a web server system associated with a physical entity includes a location beacon adjacent to the physical entity. The location beacon transmits a first beacon signal containing a web address of the web server system and a token that expires within a predetermined time period. A beacon receiver in the client system receives the first beacon signal, and sends a first request having the token and a key generated by a random number generator in the client system to the web server system. A location authentication module in the web server system retrieves the key from the first request if the token has not expired. A location authentication beacon adjacent to the physical entity transmits a second beacon signal containing the web address and a customized token encrypted using the key. The beacon receiver receives the second beacon signal and uses the key to decrypt the customized token.

Abstract: A method and system of modeling a selected service within a network environment includes forming a service model template that is not specific to the network environment, but identifies anticipated network elements and network services that cooperate to enable the selected service. The service model template includes specifications related to linking the anticipated network elements and network services. When the service model template is combined with discovered instance information that is specific to actual network elements and actual network services, a service model instance is generated for the selected service. The service model instance includes identifications of dependencies among the elements and services. Preferably, the service model instance also includes identification of the “health” of the different elements and services.

Abstract: A method for identifying services, service elements and dependencies among the services and service elements includes executing first and second phases of discovery. In the first phase, the services and service elements are detected, as well as a first set of dependencies. The second phase is based on results of the first phase and is focused upon detecting inter-service dependencies, i.e., conditions in which proper operation of one service relies upon at least one other service. Various techniques may be used in executing the first phase, including accessing information in a domain name service (DNS) of the network to identify dependencies, as well as services and service elements. Discovery within the first phase may also be based upon recognizing naming conventions. Regarding the second phase, one approach to discovering inter-service dependencies is to deploy discovery agents implemented in computer software to access content of configuration files of applications detected in the first phase.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling services available via a network include selecting a core service that is to be modeled, forming a discovery template that is specific to the selected core service, and automatically discovering the elements which cooperate to provide the core service. The discovery template includes instructions for implementing automated techniques for discovering service elements, and preferably services, which are anticipated as being cooperative in executing the core service. The system includes a number of discovery modules for generating outputs indicative of the services and service elements. A discovery engine is responsive to the discovery template to invoke the modules that are identified in the template as being relevant to discovering specified services and service elements. The template also identifies dependencies among the modules, so that the proper sequence of processing can be determined.

Abstract: The dependancies of a computer service are modeled. The modeling hierarchically defines the relationships between the computer service and the hardware and software services which the computer service depends. These relationships may be contained in data structures defining a directed acyclic graph. The model also defines which measurements need to be taken to determine health and performance of the computer service and the health and performance of all the computer services upon which the computer service depends. Software agents that take these measurements may be deployed using the model to determine the measurement locations and functions. Data from measurement agents may be propagated up the model hierarchy. The model may also be visualized by a graphical interface to communicate the dependancies and the health and status of the services upon which the modeled service depends.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a data access networked system (e.g., an Internet/Intranet access networked system) is described. The data access networked system includes a number of data service systems coupled together. Each of the data service systems is independently administrated. The diagnostic system includes a number of diagnostic modules, each running a number of diagnostic tests within one of the data service systems upon receiving a diagnostic request. The diagnostic modules also transmit the diagnostic request and diagnostic results to one another using an open standard communication protocol. The diagnostic system also includes a diagnostic terminal that is coupled to a first diagnostic module of the diagnostic modules to generate the diagnostic request to the first diagnostic module and to display the diagnostic results received from the first diagnostic module. A diagnostic system for a data service system of a data access networked system is also described.