Abstract: The present invention adds support for concurrency to a mainstream object-oriented language. Language extensions are provided that can enable programs to be developed that can either be run in one address space, distributed across several process on a single computer, or distributed across a local-area or wide-area network, without recoding the program. Central to this aspect is the notion of a service, which can execute its own algorithmic (logical) thread. Services do not share memory or synchronize using explicit synchronization primitives. Rather, both data sharing and synchronization is accomplished via message-passing, e.g., a set of explicitly declared messages are sent between services. Messages can contain data that is shared, and the pattern of message exchange provide the necessary synchronization.

Abstract: A software application or resource is enabled to participate in a messaging service session conducted over a network and to respond to plain language queries much like a live participant. The software resource registers with a messaging service server when the software resource is initially executed, making it available if included in a user's list of contacts, to be added as a participant. During a messaging service session, a user can direct a message or query to the software resource that is participating. The software resource parses the query, and if the query is understood and data are available, transmits a response that appears within the instant message dialogue window of the users participating in the messaging service session.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing access to asynchronous data in a spreadsheet application program is provided. When a request is received to utilize an asynchronous data element in a spreadsheet, the spreadsheet application program instructs an asynchronous data server to provide updated values for the asynchronous data element. When the asynchronous data server program receives an updated value, it notifies the spreadsheet application program that a changed value for the data element is available. The next time the spreadsheet application program has idle processing time following a notification that an update is available, the spreadsheet application program determines whether a notification has been received from the asynchronous data server program. If an update is available, the spreadsheet application program contacts the asynchronous data server and requests the update. In response, the asynchronous data server program transmits the update to the spreadsheet application program.

Abstract: A software application or resource is enabled to participate in a messaging service session conducted over a network and to respond to plain language queries much like a live participant. The software resource registers with a messaging service server when the software resource is initially executed, making it available if included in a user's list of contacts, to be added as a participant. During a messaging service session, a user can direct a message or query to the software resource that is participating. The software resource parses the query, and if the query is understood and data are available, transmits a response that appears within the instant message dialogue window of the users participating in the messaging service session.