Abstract: A computing device displays a first object icon representing a first object of a first data source and a second object icon, representing a second object of the first data source. The first object icon is connected to the second object icon via a first connector representing a relationship between the first object and the second object. In response to receiving a first user input to add a third object, the computing device displays a third object icon representing the third object. In response to receiving a second user input on the third object icon, in accordance with a determination that the second object and the third object include at least one common data field, the computing device displays a second connector, connecting the third object icon to the second object icon.

Abstract: A methodology for creating a policy on graphic user interface (“GUI”) to control system resources on a network is provided. The methodology includes: providing a palette section in the GUI for display of libraries of different policy nodes, the policy nodes including at least one source element, at least one target element, and at least one action element that represent actions to be performed to transfer data between policy nodes; providing a policy design section in the GUI for assembly a policy out of different policy nodes from the palette section; instructing, after completion of a design of a policy in the GUI, an implementation of the policy by the system resources; and displaying in near real time a status of the implementation of the policy; wherein the competed policy in the GUI that is subject to the instructing contains sufficient information for the system resources to implement the policy without additional programming.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a graphical user interface (GUI). In an edit state, the GUI allows a user to select multiple items from a fixed domain of items that represents a total set from which selections may be made. In a rest state, the GUI allows the user to easily recognize which of the items from the fixed domain are currently selected. In the rest state, the items currently selected are displayed in a read only mode such that user input relative to the items displayed is ignored.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently backing up information are disclosed. In some embodiments, this may comprise determining a probe frequency, polling, at the probe frequency, at least one probe to obtain information about a computer system, and backing up data based on the information. In some embodiments, determining the probe frequency includes receiving a user-defined interval.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently backing up information are disclosed. In an embodiment, this may comprise receiving information about a computer system from at least one probe, selecting data to be backed up, and backing up the selected data. Boolean and/or conditional logic may be applied to the information received from the probes, and data backed up based on the logic analysis. A probe frequency may be determined and used for polling probes, and the probe frequency may be adjusted based on factors such as the received information, server utilization, and network utilization. A modular approach may be used in which a probe determines whether a condition has been met, and transmits that determination to a backup server.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently backing up information are disclosed. In an embodiment, this may comprise receiving information about a computer system from at least one probe, selecting data to be backed up, and backing up the selected data. Boolean and/or conditional logic may be applied to the information received from the probes, and data backed up based on the logic analysis. A probe frequency may be determined and used for polling probes, and the probe frequency may be adjusted based on factors such as the received information, server utilization, and network utilization. A modular approach may be used in which a probe determines whether a condition has been met, and transmits that determination to a backup server.