Abstract: The invention relates to a new system and method for process automation system that allows the conversion of a narrowband consumer Internet user into a broadband (e.g., DSL, ISDN, or Data over Cable) Internet user. In an alternative embodiment, the new system and method is used to configure an original broadband connection. The system includes automation agent software residing on the personal computer that is being configured for broadband communication, and an automation server associated with the manager of the broadband network. The automation agent software guides the user through the steps of testing and ordering the service, automates the configuring of the personal computer for broadband communication, and communicates with the automation server to complete the registration, billing and other administrative processes.

Abstract: A method, system, computer system and computer program product to distribute data to arbitrarily large subsets of a very large client base, with each client computer system running client software referred to as an agent. The data distribution system uses minimal server resources and a large-scale network such as the Internet. The data to be distributed may include, for example, agent software configuration data; agent software programs, plug-ins, and associated data; announcements; and other data that is centrally managed by an administrator. Using this invention, millions of client computer systems, such as computer systems for subscribers to a broadband service, can be configured and managed centrally, while allowing data to be distributed to all or a subset of subscribers efficiently and using minimal bandwidth. Agents assist in determining whether particular data are to be distributed to them, enabling much larger-scale applications to be supported with limited server-side resources.