Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for managing a work packet's life cycle, wherein the work packet is assembled in a software factory that creates custom software in a standardized manner, are presented. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method comprises: defining a work packet to perform a sub-function of a custom software, wherein the work packet is a pre-stored, reusable, self-contained, discrete unit of software code; assembling the work packet; archiving the work packet in an asset repository; retrieving the work packet from the asset repository; and sending the work packet to an assembly line for consolidation with other work packets to create a custom software.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for managing a work packet's life cycle, wherein the work packet is assembled in a software factory that creates custom software in a standardized manner, are presented. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method comprises: defining a work packet to perform a sub-function of a custom software, wherein the work packet is a pre-stored, reusable, self-contained, discrete unit of software code; assembling the work packet; archiving the work packet in an asset repository; retrieving the work packet from the asset repository; and sending the work packet to an assembly line for consolidation with other work packets to create a custom software.

Abstract: A method of managing instant messaging communication over a computer network is provided. One or more instant messaging session windows are organized in an instant messaging session manager. At least one distinguishing session characteristic is attributed to each of the one or more instant messaging session windows. The at least one distinguishing session characteristic is at least one of a sound clip associated with a user of the session, an instant messaging session window background associated with a user of the session, and a change in at least one of a color and an intensity of the instant messaging session window. The at least one distinguishing session characteristic increases a likelihood of identification of each of the one or more instant messaging session windows.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing and executing commands in automated systems. For example, command processing systems and methods are provided which can automatically determine, evaluate or otherwise predict consequences of execution of misrecognized or misinterpreted user commands in automated systems and thus prevent undesirable or dangerous consequences that can result from execution of misrecognized/misinterpreted commands.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for managing execution of processes on a data processing system. The data processing system comprises process instances that are each an execution of a corresponding process. Each process instance comprises activity instances. Business impacts are determined for the process instances, the activity instances, or both. Order of execution of the activity instances is managed by allocating resources to activity instances in order to achieve an objective defined in terms of the business impacts. In another embodiment, requests are received for the execution of the processes. For a given request, one or more of the operations of assigning, updating, aggregating, and weighting of first business impacts associated with the given request are performed to create second business impacts associated with the given request. Additionally, requests can be modified.

Abstract: A technique for providing flexible communication device usage attribution is provided. Identification information of a user of a communication device is received from the communication device at a primary service provider. It is determined if the user of the communication device is the owner of the communication device at the primary service provider. Usage information is attributed to an account of the owner on the primary service provider when the user is identified as the owner. Usage information is attributed to an account of the user when the user is not identified as the owner and the user is subscribed to one of the primary service provider and a service provider associated with the primary service provider.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling communication concurrently over multiple access points and multiple physical media including but not limited to: cellular, network (e.g., Ethernet), broadband wireless, audio communication schemes.

Abstract: An adaptive system enables providers to customize educational objects and support services to maximize user engagement. The system is a self-service system for education for providers that includes a learning environment with interfaces for stakeholders, metrics for measuring the level of user engagement, and a customizable service configured to maximize user engagement. The system may operate in many domains, such as higher education, retail, government, test preparation and certification services, negotiations, and others.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for managing proficiency information about a degree holder. An active degree in a degree field is issued to a degree holder. The active degree includes a certification that the degree holder has completed at least one degree process, a strength value associated with the certification indicating a proficiency in the degree field, and a strength evaluator configured to adjust the strength value such that the strength value reflects the degree holder's proficiency in the degree field over time.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for interacting with team members of a virtual team. Persistent storage is configured to store collective qualifications of the virtual team based on the individual qualifications of the team members, while a team broker is configured to present the collective qualifications to third parties. Thus, the broker provides a dynamic representation of the collective knowledge, skills and experience of a virtual team. The broker further enables an entity, such as a team employer or teacher, to interact with the virtual team as if that team were a single entity, rather than a collection of individual members.