Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for recovering a distributed system from a failure of a data storage unit. The distributed system includes a plurality of computer systems, each having a read-write computer and a data storage unit. Data is replicated from a particular data storage unit to other data storage units using publish-subscribe model. A read-write computer receives the replicated data, processes the data for any conflicts and stores it in the data storage unit. If a data storage unit fails, another data storage unit that has latest data corresponding to the failed data storage unit is determined and the latest data is replicated to other data storage units. Accordingly, the distributed system continues to have the data of the failed data storage unit. The failed data storage unit may be reconstructed using data from one of the other data storage units in the distributed system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. The technology may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of multiple subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining multiple subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; (iv) storing the subscriptions in multiple logical partitions of a storage system where each of the logical partitions contains a separate non-overlapping subset of the subscriptions; and (v) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. The technology may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of multiple subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining multiple subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; (iv) storing the subscriptions in multiple logical partitions of a storage system where each of the logical partitions contains a separate non-overlapping subset of the subscriptions; and (v) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. The technology may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of multiple subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining multiple subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; (iv) storing the subscriptions in multiple logical partitions of a storage system where each of the logical partitions contains a separate non-overlapping subset of the subscriptions; and (v) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. The technology may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of multiple subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining multiple subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; (iv) storing the subscriptions in multiple logical partitions of a storage system where each of the logical partitions contains a separate non-overlapping subset of the subscriptions; and (v) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. Embodiments may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of a plurality of subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining a plurality of subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; and (iv) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for recovering a distributed system from a failure of a data storage unit. The distributed system includes a plurality of computer systems, each having a read-write computer and a data storage unit. Data is replicated from a particular data storage unit to other data storage units using publish-subscribe model. A read-write computer receives the replicated data, processes the data for any conflicts and stores it in the data storage unit. If a data storage unit fails, another data storage unit that has latest data corresponding to the failed data storage unit is determined and the latest data is replicated to other data storage units. Accordingly, the distributed system continues to have the data of the failed data storage unit. The failed data storage unit may be reconstructed using data from one of the other data storage units in the distributed system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for publishing subscriptions in a publish-subscribe system in accordance with subscription groups. Embodiments may include (i) determining a consumption characteristic by which each of a plurality of subscribers in a publish-subscribe system consumes a subscription published by a publisher; (ii) identifying the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy a specified similarity criterion; (iii) defining a plurality of subscription groups, each of which includes subscriptions of those of the subscribers whose consumption characteristics satisfy the specified similarity criterion; and (iv) transmitting the subscriptions to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription groups.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a client network computer in a disconnected mode. A client computer system includes a client storage device, a processor, a network interface, a failover server and a software manager. The processor is configured to execute software instructions stored in the client storage device. The network interface is configured to connect the client computer system to a remote network server unit. A failover server implemented on the client computer system is configured to provide functionality similar to the remote network server unit by accessing a copy of a network database file stored on the client storage device. A software manager stored in the client storage device is configured to cause the client computer system to connect to the remote network server unit if the remote network server unit is available or to cause the client computer system to connect to the failover server if the remote network server unit is not available.

Abstract: In a database for a transaction service, a data entity describing a reservable service (reservable) is provided, the reservable comprising an indication of a service to be performed; a time line for the service, which describes time intervals in which the service may be performed over an extended time period and, an indication of the time duration required for performing the service. In the same database, a second data entity describing an engaged reservable service (service engagement) is provided, the second data entity borne of attributes of the first described entity. The service engagement comprises an indication of a service to be performed; a date, a time and a site for the service to be performed; an indication of a customer having engaged the reservable service thereby forming the service engagement, and an indicator that the second entity is an engagement to be consummated at a future time. In preferred embodiments, both entities of the database are implemented therein as XML expressions.

Abstract: In a database-driven transaction system, a dynamic-pricing mechanism for setting prices for timebased services offered and available through an interactive interface of the transaction system is provided. The mechanism comprises a floating time window for identifying a span of time in which services are available to be engaged; an averaging function for determining an average price paid to a single or multiple suppliers for services offered; a scaling function for dividing the time window into definitive time units; and a price-adjustment function for adjusting prices paid by customers for services according to position of engagement of said services within the time window. In some embodiments the price-adjusting function is based on service inventory levels defined at the time of potential engagements within the time window. In still other embodiments, the price-adjusting function is programmed according to calendar and or time considerations.

Abstract: In a transaction system, an Extensible Markup Language (XML) algebra is provided for micro-managing time-based data entities describing reservable services, engaged reservables, and service requests. Each of the described entities serves as components manipulated through execution of the algebraic set of functions, which when executed, perform various automated services including determining states of being with regard to engaged services, available resources, and satisfaction of service requests. In a preferred embodiment, the entities are represented in the transaction database as XML expressions and the algebraic functions are XML-related functions. In some embodiments, other SGML-based languages may be used in place of XML. In all embodiments, the various computational results achieved by algebraic manipulation of certain types of the data entities are expressed as new data entities indicating desired states and conditions existent in the database as a whole.

Abstract: A data structure enabling input, storage, and access of client and supplier profile data within a database-driven transaction system is provided. The data structure comprises, a portion thereof dedicated to accommodate client profile information, a portion thereof dedicated to accommodate supplier profile information, a portion thereof dedicated to the creation and application of profile descriptors based on known historical data and a portion thereof dedicated to managing the current states of the profile descriptors according to new data received within the transaction system. The profile descriptors summarize a variety of activity states attributed to specific clients and suppliers doing business through the transaction system and are utilized for the purpose of customizing products and services offered through the transaction system according to a determined status ranking resulting from a combination of descriptors.

Abstract: A Method for managing a yield of engagements created from available resources (reservables) within a database-driven transaction system is provided. The method enables yield management related to client utilization of available resources. The method, according to a preferred embodiment includes the steps of (a) compiling history records relative to engagement-disposition parameters associated with suppliers of resources contracting with the transaction system; (b) determining, through ongoing study of the history records, average utilization percentages of the actual resources by engaged clients at the locations of the resources and (c) adjusting the volume of actual supplier resources represented within the transaction system, which may be converted to engagements, the adjustment based on mathematical factors created from the average resource-utilization percentages experienced at the supplier locations.