Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for maintaining computer systems in compliance with best practices. A configuration data set is received specifying a plurality of operational parameters, and, for each operational parameter, a target setting for the operational parameter. For each operational parameter of the plurality of operational parameters: a computer system is queried for a current setting of the operational parameter on the computer system; it is determined whether the current setting of the operational parameter complies with the target setting for the operational parameter; and a command is sent to the computer system to change the current setting of the operational parameter on the computer system to conform with the target setting for the operational parameter.

Abstract: Improved techniques involve expressing the best practices for installing a product into a machine-readable language. In particular, a vendor generates code representing best practices procedures for installing a product in the machine-readable language. The vendor makes the expression of this code available in a best-practices script to its customers. When a customer is ready for installation of the product, the customer issues a request and receives the script. The customer has software available on an installation device that runs the script and provides a wizard that automates the installation process.

Abstract: A process for the ring-opening polymerisation of cyclosiloxanes, which comprises contacting a cyclosiloxane with 1-500 ppm by weight of a phosphazene base, based on the weight of cyclosiloxane, in the presence of water, preferably 0.5-10 mols per mol of phospazene base. Also claimed is a process in which the cyclosiloxane is present together with an agent which inhibits catalyst activity of the phosphazene base, e.g. carbon dioxide or water, in which the polymerisation is initiated by reducing the effect of the inhibiting agent e.g. by heating.