Abstract: The invention comprises an improved demand-based messaging system that enables a user to effectively manage multiple messaging sessions. The messaging system comprises a messaging program operable on a plurality of electrical computers or data processing machines connected by one or more communications media. The messaging program comprises a conventional message composer program, a conventional message transport program, a conventional message reader program, and an inventive, user-configurable, policy-driven session management program.

Abstract: Described is a way to adjust an application's storage availability by noting a storage event occurrence. An occurrence that necessitates a requirements change triggers negotiation, wherein a series of negotiation stages are presented to a storage provider server. For each storage provider response to a transmitted negotiation stage, a determination is made to see if the response is better than the proposal described in the negotiation stage. If so, the application commits the storage changes.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing an intelligent event notification system. The method includes selecting a type of event notification for an event. Determining the type of event notification is based in part on information elements associated with the event. The method also includes determining at least one optimal alert system to receive an event notification corresponding to the type of event notification selected. The determination is based in part on information elements associated with the event. The method further includes associating an alert trigger with the event notification and transmitting the event notification to the at least one optimal alert system upon activation of the alert trigger.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for analyzing potential repeatable values for placement into a data field based on user-defined criteria and includes analyzing relationships between documents for the purpose of correlating sender and receiver information into a context to more accurately populate type-ahead functions in repeatable data fields. Threaded messages are typically limited to those messages that are responses to responses or responses to an original message and are usually denoted by terms such as, for example, “forwarded” or “reply to” and where the history of the previous related message is included in the most recent message. However, the invention now expands correlation into non-thread related documents to achieve a higher correlation rate. The expanded documents may be any previous email or associated documents of a sender or receiver, including any documents defined by user criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for testing newly installed or recently upgraded software is presented. All software installation activities are tracked and logged. New and upgrade software is isolated, either physically or logically, and tested using diagnostic software. If the new/upgrade isolated software passes the testing by the diagnostic software, then it is allowed to operate in the presence of other previously installed software. If an error occurs during an execution of the new/upgrade software, either while isolated or in the presence of previously loaded software, a log of other concurrently running software is reviewed to determine a likely software incompatibility with the new/upgrade software.

Abstract: A system for automatically completing fields in online forms, such as login forms and new user registration forms, which employs a Master Cookie File (“MCF”) containing sets of records associated with the user, his or her accounts or web sites, and registered values associated with form tags (e.g. username, password, address, email, telephone, etc.). When the user encounters another form, the MCF is automatically searched for matching values and form tags, primarily from the same account or web site, or alternatively from other accounts or sites. A flowing pop-up menu is displayed nearby the form fields from which the user can select values to automatically complete the form. Automatic account information updating, value expiration management, mapping of favorite values, and sharing of values are provided to ease the task of remembering value for entry into electronic form fields.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to tie role-driven gaming purchases to executable transactions during a game so that on-line or related gaming systems create economic value inside the game itself. Players may control characters within a game which uses money to exchange goods or services to reach a goal, accomplish a task, or succeed in an event. The invention also provides for a participant to enter a game as a service provider to other players wherein the player receives compensation for the service. The service may be to provide aid in the form of a character or to provide educational services, for example. Accounts may be created to accumulate winnings or earnings as games are played.

Abstract: An automated system and method for budgeting technology expenses for an individual based on an objective standard, wherein the system comprises a database comprising a list of technologies used by the individual; a controller connected to the database, the controller being adapted to establish a monetary budget allotment for the individual corresponding to use of the technologies by the individual; at least one data component connected to the controller, the data component comprising specifications attributed to the individual, wherein the specifications comprise rules for defining the monetary budget allotment for the individual; and at least one monitor connected to the controller, the monitor being adapted to track dynamic parameters affecting the monetary budget allotment for the individual, wherein the individual comprises a mobile employee performing work-related duties for an organization.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive, selectable print options. The method includes parsing a document into logical sections, each of the logical sections identified by a reference. The method also includes creating a print map of references identified as a result of the parsing, displaying the print map along with selectable print options, and executing a print operation in response to a selected print option. The selected print option specifies a reference from the print map. A logical section associated with the reference is transmitted to a printer for printing.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for implementing intelligent team management services. The method includes associating selected individuals with a datastore. The datastore houses content designated as key information and the selected individuals are designated as an entity. The method also includes creating a distribution list in a messaging application. The distribution list includes the selected individuals. The method further includes providing the selected individuals with access to the datastore.

Abstract: A system for automatically completing fields in online forms, such as login forms and new user registration forms, which employs a Master Cookie File containing sets of records associated with the user, his or her accounts or web sites, and registered values associated with form tags (e.g. username, password, address, email, telephone, etc.). When the user encounters another form, the MCF is automatically searched for matching values and form tags, primarily from the same account or web site, or alternatively from other accounts or sites. A flowing pop-up menu is displayed nearby the form fields from which the user can select values to automatically complete the form. Automatic account information updating, value expiration management, mapping of favorite values, and sharing of values are optional, enhanced functions of the invention.

Abstract: A control system and associated method resolving audio conflicts. The control system comprises a computing device, a memory device comprising a database, and a plurality of audio sources. The memory device is coupled to the computing device. The database comprises input data. The computing device is adapted to control an audio level for each of said audio sources in response to said input data to resolve audio conflicts between the audio sources.

Abstract: A computing resource allocation system allocates hardware and software resources among employees, based upon a combination of the employee level, job function, and demonstrated workstation performance within the context of the job requirements of the employee and usage patterns of the computing resource. The system collects various performance data for computing resources. A set of policy rules is applied to the collected performance data and processed by the present system. Consequently, the present system automatically identifies and prioritizes employees in need of technology upgrades and replacements based on business needs and available resources. Performance data of a computing resource is captured and transmitted to a central collection agency. From the performance data, the present system determines when partial upgrades, such as memory additions or faster adapters are appropriate based on system performance or errors.

Abstract: Divergent storylines for media such as movies are selected using branching techniques. Enhancing the “replay value” of a movie may be accomplished by introducing many logical branches in the action and plot during the movie. Consequently, repeat viewing is encouraged by creating a dynamic viewing environment based on the preferences of the current audience. The audience may be polled prior to each logical branch. Votes are then tallied and the logical branch is selected. Viewers may also indicate preferences regarding the movie rating. Consequently, a movie may be rated for children at one viewing and adults at another. Votes or other viewer feedback may be collected by a variety of methods. The privilege of voting for particular storyline branches or other content choices may be provided for free or purchase. Each time a branch in the storyline appears the viewer may then vote to influence the direction taken by the storyline. Multiple opportunities for voting may appear during the movie.

Abstract: An unsolicited instant ad manager manages the display of unsolicited instant web advertisements such as pop-up and pop-under ads. Unsolicited instant ads are moved to a secondary browser window, container, or file and aggregated. Transferred ads can be viewed by accessing a master instant ad window. The transferred ads maintain their original appearance and functionality. Otherwise, the ads may be presented in digest form or as a log. The user may view the advertisements by scrolling through a window displaying the ads. Additional information may be appended to the ad display. The user may be notified when an ad is trapped and moved. The unsolicited instant ad manager may activate hyperlinks in the ads to mimic interaction by the user. Desired actions performed by a web page utilizing the functionality of a pop-up window are allowed; advertisements are disallowed. Advertisements may be further filtered by criteria such as keyword.