Abstract: A method for implementing a software installation process so as to install, modify or uninstall a software program. The software installation process has a plurality of sequential steps, and the method comprises recording, for each sequential step commenced, step metadata identifying the sequential step so that the step metadata is associated with the software program. The step metadata is recorded in recoverable storage.

Abstract: A system, method and program product is provided for establishment of a referential interface between business entities such as manufacturers and distributors in a computerized marketplace. The interface allows commercial interaction between two potentially geographically and technologically disparate systems. The interface is established through definition and then deployment of a distributor profile document, interrelated with a set of referential interface terms and conditions and a referential interface business policy. The profile document has associated terms and conditions representing business rules and processes referring to the business policies which then have business logic implementations. The contract prescribes the business rules that will be followed between a manufacturer and a distributor with the business policies providing mapping to units of business logic in the implementation of the distributor.

Abstract: A system, method and program product is provided for establishment of a referential interface between business entities such as manufacturers and distributors in a computerized marketplace. The interface allows commercial interaction between two potentially geographically and technologically disparate systems. The interface is established through definition and then deployment of a distributor profile document, interrelated with a set of referential interface terms and conditions and a referential interface business policy. The profile document has associated terms and conditions representing business rules and processes referring to the business policies which then have business logic implementations. The contract prescribes the business rules that will be followed between a manufacturer and a distributor with the business policies providing mapping to units of business logic in the implementation of the distributor.

Abstract: A system, method and program product is provided for establishment of a referential interface between business entities such as manufacturers and distributors in a computerized marketplace. The interface allows commercial interaction between two potentially geographically and technologically disparate systems. The interface is established through definition and then deployment of a distributor profile document, interrelated with a set of referential interface terms and conditions and a referential interface business policy. The profile document has associated terms and conditions representing business rules and processes referring to the business policies which then have business logic implementations. The contract prescribes the business rules that will be followed between a manufacturer and a distributor with the business policies providing mapping to units of business logic in the implementation of the distributor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to software installation and provide a method, system and computer program product for merger driven software installation. In one embodiment of the invention, an application installation method can be provided. The method can include specifying an installation package for a software product as a source repository and specifying a target repository in a target platform hosted by at least one computing system. Thereafter, a merge operation can be executed with each of the source repository and the target repository so that the target repository is updated according to the source repository.

Abstract: A method for implementing a software installation process so as to install, modify or uninstall a software program. The software installation process has a plurality of sequential steps, and the method comprises recording, for each sequential step commenced, step metadata identifying the sequential step so that the step metadata is associated with the software program. The step metadata is recorded in recoverable storage.

Abstract: A method for managing tree representations in graphical user interfaces. Tree representations used in this method have a plurality of nodes. Each node has a first and second node setting. Decision points in the tree representation are identified and a first visual indicator is displayed near decision points in the tree representation.

Abstract: A system, method and program product is provided for establishment of a referential interface between business entities such as manufacturers and distributors in a computerized marketplace. The interface allows commercial interaction between two potentially geographically and technologically disparate systems. The interface is established through definition and then deployment of a distributor profile document, interrelated with a set of referential interface terms and conditions and a referential interface business policy. The profile document has associated terms and conditions representing business rules and processes referring to the business policies which then have business logic implementations. The contract prescribes the business rules that will be followed between a manufacturer and a distributor with the business policies providing mapping to units of business logic in the implementation of the distributor.

Abstract: A method for hosting an electronic store in an electronic commerce system, including deploying a hosting contract to create the electronic store; the hosting contract specifying terms and conditions for the electronic store; and, the hosting contract having a selectable contract state.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a method, apparatus, and software for implementing a unified trading structure for use in a computerized trading system that implements trading relationship mechanisms for participant roles, including: selecting a set of characteristics which are common to a plurality of trading relationship mechanisms; the characteristics including: identifying participants for each participant role, terms and conditions that apply to all or selected participants, a description of the relationship, storing the characteristics. Preferably the method may include at least one attachment, which is stored, storing the characteristics, and the at least one attachment. The characteristics of the attachment may include Uniform Resource Information: mime type; and optional content.