Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable instructions for managing a challenge-based matchmaking session comprising a plurality of sequential video game matches between two or more players pursuant to rules set by a host. Players participating in the session may submit challenges (e.g., performance ratings, monetary value, etc.), and the players are sorted into a ranked queue based on their respective challenges. The ranked queue is preferably re-sorted in response to challenge submissions, revisions, or withdrawals. For each match of the matchmaking session, at least two players are selected from the ranked queue and a match is initialized between the players. At the end of each match, one player is designated as a winner and the other designated as a loser, and portions of the challenge received from each losing player is allocated for distribution (e.g., transfer, deposit, etc.) to an account corresponding to each winning player.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable instructions for managing a challenge-based matchmaking session comprising a plurality of sequential video game matches between two or more players pursuant to rules set by a host. Players participating in the session may submit challenges (e.g., performance ratings, monetary value, etc.), and the players are sorted into a ranked queue based on their respective challenges. The ranked queue is preferably re-sorted in response to challenge submissions, revisions, or withdrawals. For each match of the matchmaking session, at least two players are selected from the ranked queue and a match is initialized between the players. At the end of each match, one player is designated as a winner and the other designated as a loser, and portions of the challenge received from each losing player is allocated for distribution (e.g., transfer, deposit, etc.) to an account corresponding to each winning player.

Abstract: A network system comprises a first component, a second component, and a system for self-optimization. The system for self-optimization comprises an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a performance indication from the first component. The processor is configured to determine a configuration change for the second component according to a set of configuration rules.

Abstract: A computer system is monitored via malware detection modules deployed throughout input/output layers of the computer system. Each malware detection module is configured to detect activity associated with malware present in the computer system. Upon detection of malware activity in one or more input/output layers of the computer system, one or more of the malware detection modules generate and send respective messages reporting the detected activity to a central malware alert engine. The one or more messages are received at the central malware alert engine from the one or more malware detection modules. In response to the one or more received messages, the central malware alert engine alerts one or more portions of a data protection system of the computer system to enable the data protection system to take one or more remedial actions to protect the computer system from the malware present in the computer system.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing and discouraging sending large scale emails are described herein. According to one embodiment, in response to a first email received from a sender to be sent to a list of recipients, a distribution cost of the first email is determined based on content of the first email and the recipients. An email client application is to present a first graphical user interface (GUI) page to the sender prompting a confirmation from the sender, where the first GUI page includes information indicating a size of the first email and a number of recipients, if the distribution cost of the first email is above a first predetermined threshold. In response to a positive confirmation from the sender, the first email is sent to the intended recipient.