Abstract: A system and method for minimally predictive feature identification is disclosed. The method discloses: receiving an information collection including a set of features; generating a set of prediction values indicating a degree to which a first feature within the set of features predicts other features in the set; and identifying the first feature as a minimally predictive feature if each of the prediction values is within a predetermined range of threshold values. The system discloses means for practicing the method.

Abstract: A system and method for category discovery is disclosed. The method discloses: receiving an information collection including a set of strings; identifying positively predictive pairs of strings; identifying negatively predictive pairs of strings; joining positively predictive pairs of strings into a category; and splitting negatively predictive pairs of strings into different categories. The system discloses various elements, means and instructions for performing the method.

Abstract: A system and method for category organization is disclosed. The method discloses: receiving an information collection including a set of strings; identifying positively predictive pairs of strings; identifying negatively predictive pairs of strings; joining positively predictive pairs of strings into common categories; splitting negatively predictive pairs of strings into different categories; and organizing the categories using the negatively predictive pairs of strings. The system discloses various elements, means and instructions for performing the method.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying clusters of similarly-configured computers. The method, for example, comprises gathering system and business configuration information values from a set of computers. Next, at least a portion of the system and business configuration information values gathered from the set of computers is analyzed along with the numbers of computers that are configured in various ways. Then, using the result of the analysis as a guide, logical expressions of configuration information values are selected for use as definitions of one or more clusters of similarly-configured computers, the selection process generally maximizing the number of computers included within each cluster and also generally maximizing the number of configuration information value specifications included within the definition of each cluster.

Abstract: The present invention is a system or method for assisting in the maintenance and servicing of computers. The system, for example, comprises a cluster database containing information relating to one or more computer clusters, the information relating to each cluster comprising one or more cluster descriptions and one or more representations of configuration information values that characterize typical computer members of the cluster, and also a tracker database containing configuration information values gathered from and relating to one or more computers.