Abstract: A system, signal and method for data backup. The method, comprising the steps of: identifying at least one data increment which was previously provided to a subscriber server or generated by a subscriber server and which is to be backed up; checking at least one service provider access server to determine if it has a copy of at least a portion of the identified data increment or can regenerate or replicate at least a portion of the identified data increment; and backing up the data increment using the copy or regenerated or replicated portion from the access server if it is found and otherwise using a copy sent from the subscriber server after the checking step.

Abstract: A system, signal and method for data backup. The method, comprising the steps of: identifying at least one data increment which was previously provided to a subscriber server or generated by a subscriber server and which is to be backed up; checking at least one service provider access server to determine if it has a copy of at least a portion of the identified data increment or can regenerate or replicate at least a portion of the identified data increment; and backing up the data increment using the copy or regenerated or replicated portion from the access server if it is found and otherwise using a copy sent from the subscriber server after the checking step.

Abstract: A migration tool and methods for migrating computer personalization information from one computer to another when a network is not available, when a network is available but use of the network is undesirable for some reason, and/or when the computer which is the source of the data being migrated has limited or unknown resources to support conventional forms of data migration.

Abstract: Methods, signals, devices, and systems are provided for matching tasks with processing units. A region within a multi-faceted task space is allocated to a processing unit. A point in the multi-faceted task space is assigned to a task. The task is then associated with the processing unit if the region allocated to the processing unit is close to the point assigned to the task. The region allocated to a processing unit may be changed. If no assigned point for a task is sufficiently close to any allocated processing unit region, the task is suspended. Overlapping regions may be assigned to different processing units. In some implementations, the union of the allocated regions covers the task space, while in others it does not. Regions may also be allocated to wait conditions and one or more dimensions of a region may be allocated to conventional processor allocators.

Abstract: Methods, signals, devices, and systems are provided for locating and retrieving files, objects, and other items in a network. Nametags are distributed through the network with the items. Each nametag may hold logical names identifying the item, names of the volatile copies of the item, and/or names of nonvolatile copies of the item. Thus, nametags may include names from multiple name spaces, and cached items can be identified expressly.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently personalizing computer hardware. Under the present invention, a subscriber will store computer personalization information pertaining to their existing servers and workstations with a provider. As the servers and/or workstations are replaced (or upgraded), the personalization information can be transmitted/downloaded from the provider to the new (or upgraded) servers. Once the new severs are personalized, the personalization information pertaining to the old workstations will be sent/transmitted to the new workstations. This transmitted information will be then used to personalize the new workstations.

Abstract: A migration tool and methods for migrating computer personalization information from one computer to another when a network is not available, when a network is available but use of the network is undesirable for some reason, and/or when the computer which is the source of the data being migrated has limited or unknown resources to support conventional forms of data migration.

Abstract: A third party service provider can provide data, management, and configuration services to a plurality of unrelated entities. The services are separated from the management and configuration aspect, and a system of trust is arranged to avoid the unrelated parties affecting one another.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting use of a computer apparatus when the apparatus is disconnected from a network. Under the method and system of the present invention, the computer apparatus will periodically contact a host or data center, via a network, to be updated, backed-up, enabled, re-enabled, disabled, etc. However, if the computer apparatus is being used beyond its predetermined time period or conditions of use, the apparatus can be automatically disabled without having to contact the host or data center via the network.

Abstract: A system, signal and method for data backup. The method, comprising the steps of: identifying at least one data increment which was previously provided to a subscriber server or generated by a subscriber server and which is to be backed up; checking at least one service provider access server to determine if it has a copy of at least a portion of the identified data increment or can regenerate or replicate at least a portion of the identified data increment; and backing up the data increment using the copy or regenerated or replicated portion from the access server if it is found and otherwise using a copy sent from the subscriber server after the checking step.