Abstract: A user interface is composed using methods and systems that allow modifying or re-using existing user interfaces, or creating new user interfaces. In providing for such interfaces, context-sensitive or context specific attributes that are associated with a particular user, user groups, and/or application(s) are used as the basis of composition. This allows for the dynamic creation of user interfaces based upon the situation.

Abstract: A user interface is composed using methods and systems that allow modifying or re-using existing user interfaces, or creating new user interfaces. In providing for such interfaces, context-sensitive or context specific attributes that are associated with a particular user, user groups, and/or applications) are used as the basis of composition. This allows for the dynamic creation of user interfaces based upon the situation.

Abstract: An extensible common data access user interface is disclosed. The interface operates by storing user interface information in a display database, preferably part of a directory services database, and then coupling that user interface information to the data it will display. The directory service database data to be displayed via the user interface information is in the form of data records of a predefined type stored on at least one of the servers. A second database, preferably part of the same directory service, is stored on the same or another server. The second database contains display records of display information that indicates how records of the predefined type are to be displayed. The predefined record type and the display record are coupled together, preferably by sharing a common naming convention, so that a workstation can display data records of the predefined type by locating the corresponding display record.

Abstract: An extensible user interface architecture is disclosed. The interface operates by storing user interface information in a display database, preferably part of a directory services database. The data to be displayed, preferably directory objects, are bound to the display information in the display database. The user interface application retrieves display information from the display database based on the object to be displayed. The display information for an object is contained in a display specifier, which contains pointers to software modules. After retrieving the display specifier, the user interface application parses out the software module pointers, which are then executed to display aspects of the data to be displayed. As a result, the user interface can be extended by changing the information, i.e., software pointers, contained in the display specifier.