Abstract: A method and apparatus for progressively processing data is described. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for using multiple processing nodes to perform data processing. Each node may perform part or all the steps involved in data processing. Processing nodes use progress indicators to communicate the status of the processing progress. An embodiment of the invention use progressive processing and progress indicators to perform incremental processing where data processing is performed in sequence by multiple processing nodes. Another embodiment uses progressive processing and progress indicators to delegate processing by one processing node to another processing node dedicated to providing a specific service. This method provides for efficient usage and management of data processing resources, and allows single intermediate processing node to share the processing load with other processing nodes.

Abstract: A system for secure multicast including a plurality of participants that can send and receive multicast messages. A traffic distribution component is coupled to the participating entities, where the traffic distribution component supports multiple receiver communication. A participant key management component operates within each participant entity where the participant key management component uses a first key that is shared with all of the other participants, and a second key that is shared with a subgroup of participants. A group key management component is implemented using a flat data structure having a size that is logarithmically proportional to the number of participants.

Abstract: A system for secure multicast including at least one sending entity operating on a sending computer system, the sending entity with a sending multicast application running on the sending computer system. A number of receiving entities each running on a receiving computer system, the receiving entities having a receiving multicast application running. A traffic distribution component coupled to the sending entity and each of the receiving entities, where the traffic distribution component supports a connectionless datagram protocol. A participant key management component operates within each receiver entity where the participant key management component holds a first key that is shared with the sender and all of the receiving entities, and a second key that is shared with the sender and at least one but less than all of the receiving entities. A group key management component is coupled to the traffic distribution component and includes a data structure for storing all of the participant first and second keys.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing communications to a target host on a network to be upgraded from a non-secured session to a secured session. The apparatus including a processor; a memory coupled to the processor and storing an access control list; and a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface communicating with a target host; wherein the memory is configured to cause the processor to: (1) create an access control entry for the target host in the access control list; (2) exchange security information with the target host; (3) update the entry for the target host to include the security information; and, (4) communicate with said target host using said security information.