Abstract: An endpoint device system is implemented for the sharing of one or more system services between one or more endpoint devices. The system includes a first endpoint device running an application and configured to detect one or more other endpoint devices communicatively coupled to the first endpoint device. From at least one of the detected endpoint devices, the first endpoint device requests a respective list of available system services. After determining one or more applicable system services based on the application being run, the first endpoint device requests available resolutions for the applicable system services from the detected endpoint devices. The first endpoint device then implements the functionality of the application using one or more of the applicable system services based on the available resolutions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates intercepting browser communication protocol requests at a client. In addition, the system optionally fulfills the requests with content which is locally cached on the client rather than with content from a web server, which is located externally from the client. During operation, the system receives a communication protocol request at a browser's communication protocol stack. In response to the request, the system identifies a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the request. The system also determines if an item of content identified by the URL can be retrieved from a local cache. If so, the system fulfills the request from the local cache.

Abstract: A database engine embedded within a browser implements a system that facilitates managing client-side data for web-based applications. During operation, the system receives a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) at the browser. The system then retrieves a web-page associated with the URL. Next, the system executes a script associated with the web-page. While executing this script, the system receives a request to open a database. In response to this request, the system uses the database engine to open a database associated with the web-page, wherein the database engine is embedded in the browser. The system then uses the database engine to execute database commands.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for installing software products on a computer. A software product is identified and authorized for installation on a computer. Parameters useful for installing the software product are identified and transmitted to a server. Installations instructions are received from the server, and the identified software product is automatically installed according to the received instructions.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for updating software applications on a computer. Parameters associated with installed software applications are collected and transmitted to a server and installation instructions are determined based on the parameters. Installation instructions are then received from the server and appropriate updates are automatically installed according to the received instructions.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for self-updating software applications on a computer system. Installed software applications register with a service module installed on the computer. The service module requests updates for the installed software applications, including itself, and receives identification of available updates, including an update for itself. After receiving the identification, the service module automatically installs the identified updates, including updating itself.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for maintaining software applications on a computer. Multiple profiles having distinct attributes are defined on the computer. Separate updates for software applications are defined for individual profiles. A service module installed on the computer automatically selects appropriate updates for software applications for installation according to the individual profiles.

Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.

Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.