Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing exchange IDs for multiple asynchronous dependent I/O operations generated for virtual Fibre Channel (FC) target volumes. Features and aspects hereof allocate a range of exchange identifier (X_ID) values used in issuing a plurality of physical I/O operations to a plurality of physical FC target devices that comprise the virtual FC target volume. The plurality of physical I/O operations are dependent upon one another for completion of the original request to the virtual FC target volume and allow substantially parallel operation of the plurality of physical FC target devices. A primary X_ID is selected from the range of allocated X_ID values for communications with the attached host system that generated the original request to the virtual FC target volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cut-through cache memory management in write command processing on a mirrored virtual volume of a virtualized storage system, the virtual volume comprising a plurality of physical storage devices coupled with the storage system. Features and aspects hereof within the storage system provide for receipt of a write command and associated write data from an attached host. Using a cut-through cache technique, the write data is stored in a cache memory and transmitted to a first of the plurality of storage devices as the write data is stored in the cache memory thus eliminating one read-back of the write data for transfer to a first physical storage device. Following receipt of the write data and storage in the cache memory, the write data is transmitted from the cache memory to the other physical storage devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for load balancing Fibre Channel traffic. In this regard, a Fibre Channel load balancer may be operable to monitor Fibre Channel paths coupled to a host bus adapter and determine the speeds of the Fibre Channel ports within the Fibre Channel paths. The Fiber Channel load balancer may also be operable to determine certain characteristics of the Fibre Channel traffic being passed over the Fibre Channel paths. For example, a load balancer may determine Fibre Channel traffic sizes of pending requests and, based in part on the traffic sizes and operable normalized speeds of the Fibre Channel ports, adaptively route the pending original traffic across the Fibre Channel ports.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a consulting assessment environment. Consultants may use the environment to define templates that encode questionnaires and domain knowledge regarding business practices, as well as reporting criteria to specify the content and format of the assessment results. Consultants or their clients may use the environment to automate the process of performing assessments and generating reports from those assessments. These assessments may analyze the current state of the business, compare the business's current state with desired states or with best practices, and perform risk/benefit and/or cost/benefit analyses, according to the specifications made in the templates on a real-time basis for producing immediate assessment results and actions. An information hiding feature is provided to allow sensitive domain knowledge encoded within the templates, such as trade secrets, to be made inaccessible to clients.

Abstract: An application dialogue architecture and toolkit for creating an application dialogue in accordance with a predefined architecture. A toolkit is provided, comprising: a configurator tool for defining at least one frame, wherein each frame includes a set of talking points capable of being presented to an end user, and wherein the configurator tool includes a system for defining a unique model to be associated with each frame; and a content editor for populating and managing a content database associated with the application dialogue.

Abstract: A loyalty suite business method is described for building profitable customer relationships. The method is based on a combination of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Business Intelligence (BI) and Customer Value Management (CVM). The structure of the method is based on an engagement model, followed by phases, activities, tasks, work products and technique papers. The Loyalty Suite approach takes a customer-centered view and integrates CRM operational processes, customer collaboration touchpoints and CRM analytical processes. This results in identification of factors which engender loyalty from a customer perspective. This then determines the enablers and capabilities needed by a client enterprise seeking to deliver customer value.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating the return-on-investments (ROI) for an enterprise architecture. The present invention discloses a unique set of metrics which provides improved accuracy for the economic and architecture for the construction of future systems. A preferred embodiment of the present invention focuses on developing process improvement assumptions associated with estimating the impact of the proposed capabilities. It includes the following components: an understanding of the client's strategic drivers, an understanding of the key business process areas, an identification of the business capabilities that a solution can offer the client, an estimation of the business processes improvements, and an estimation of the financial impact the proposed solution will have on the client. The value framework and ROI model of the present invention incorporates a client's strategic position and key processes before the benefits of a proposed solution or initiative can be estimated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a consulting assessment environment. Consultants may use the environment to define templates that encode questionnaires and domain knowledge regarding business practices, as well as reporting criteria to specify the content and format of the assessment results. Consultants or their clients may use the environment to automate the process of performing assessments and generating reports from those assessments. These assessments may analyze the current state of the business, compare the business's current state with desired states or with best practices, and perform risk/benefit and/or cost/benefit analyses, according to the specifications made in the templates on a real-time basis for producing immediate assessment results and actions. An information hiding feature is provided to allow sensitive domain knowledge encoded within the templates, such as trade secrets, to be made inaccessible to clients.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a patient having an altered immune status involve determining an immune status index for the patient and comparing it to the immune status index in healthy individuals. In general, an immune status index is the ratio of the amount of a protein that varies significantly in a patient with an altered immune status to the amount of another protein that is substantially invariant in both healthy and immune-altered individuals. Variable proteins can be TCR subunit proteins, T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway proteins, polynucleotide binding proteins or biological response modifiers (BRM).

Abstract: A soluble immunosuppressive factor present in serum derived from tumor-bearing mammals, is associated with changes in TCR protein subunit levels, T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway proteins. These changes provide a method of determining the level of immunosuppression in a mammal by determining the level of expression of at least one selected TCR subunit protein, a protein in the T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway, or of the NF-.kappa.B/rel family and comparing the level and pattern to that found in non-immunosuppressed individuals. The method is useful to identify patients having T lymphocytes capable of activation for immunotherapy and for identifying agents which cause or reverse immunosuppression. An isolated immunosuppressive factor associated with the level of expression of the proteins is useful for suppressing the immune response, for example, in organ transplantation.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a patient having an altered immune status involve determining an immune status index for the patient and comparing it to the immune status index in healthy individuals. In general, an immune status index is the ratio of the amount of a protein that varies significantly in a patient with an altered immune status to the amount of another protein that is substantially invariant in both healthy and immune-altered individuals. Variable proteins can be TCR subunit proteins, T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway proteins, polynucleotide binding proteins or biological response modifiers (BRM).

Abstract: A soluble immunosuppressive factor present in serum derived from tumor-bearing mammals, is associated with changes in TCR protein subunit levels, T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway proteins. These changes provide a method of determining the level of immunosuppression in a mammal by determining the level of expression of at least one selected TCR subunit protein, a protein in the T lymphocyte signal transduction pathway, or of the NF-.kappa.B/rel family and comparing the level and pattern to that found in non-immunosuppressed individuals. The method is useful to identify patients having T lymphocytes capable of activation for immunotherapy and for identifying agents which cause or reverse immunosuppression. An isolated immunosuppressive factor associated with the level of expression of the proteins is useful for suppressing the immune response, for example, in organ transplantation.