Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to managing annotations over a network for visualizations. An annotation engine enables users to associate a data object value with any number of notes, comments, videos, graphics, pictures, audio, references, links, or any other information A visualization engine generates visualizations that include annotation identifiers when the visualizations include data object values that are associated with annotations and the type of visualization is approved for use with the annotations.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards managing changes to data. A modeling engine may provide a data model based on objects comprised of one or more versions of one or more properties. Each version of the properties may be associated with separate validity ranges over time during which each version is valid. A report for visualizing the data model at a point-in-time may be provided. One or more report values may be provided based on each version of the properties that have a validity range that includes the point-in-time. The report may be displayed to provide provides one or more visualizations based on the one or more report values.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to managing annotations over a network for visualizations. An annotation engine enables users to associate a data object value with any number of notes, comments, videos, graphics, pictures, audio, references, links, or any other information A visualization engine generates visualizations that include annotation identifiers when the visualizations include data object values that are associated with annotations and the type of visualization is approved for use with the annotations.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards managing changes to data. A modeling engine may provide a data model based on objects comprised of one or more versions of one or more properties. Each version of the properties may be associated with separate validity ranges over time during which each version is valid. A report for visualizing the data model at a point-in-time may be provided. One or more report values may be provided based on each version of the properties that have a validity range that includes the point-in-time. The report may be displayed to provide provides one or more visualizations based on the one or more report values.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a set of data related to an entity to a user in the form of a really simple syndication (RSS) feed in a manner so that the set of data includes entity information at the feed-level. A user of the RSS feed may use the feed-level entity information to consume the set of data in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the feed-level entity information includes meta-data defining the entity such that a user may use the metadata to display the entity on the client side. The RSS feed generation system allows a user to manipulate a copy of an instance of entity data as necessary for a client.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a set of data related to an entity to a user in the form of a really simple syndication (RSS) feed in a manner so that the set of data includes entity information at the feed-level. A user of the RSS feed may use the feed-level entity information to consume the set of data in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the feed-level entity information includes meta-data defining the entity such that a user may use the metadata to display the entity on the client side. The RSS feed generation system allows a user to manipulate a copy of an instance of entity data as necessary for a client.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a set of data related to an entity to a user in the form of a really simple syndication (RSS) feed in a manner so that the set of data includes entity information at the feed-level. A user of the RSS feed may use the feed-level entity information to consume the set of data in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the feed-level entity information includes meta-data defining the entity such that a user may use the metadata to display the entity on the client side. The RSS feed generation system allows a user to manipulate a copy of an instance of entity data as necessary for a client.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a user access to a set of data in the form of an RSS feed containing an object. The RSS feed generator allows the user to generate a feed definition using any of a user interface, a web based application programming interface, and an HTTP request. The RSS feed generator uses the feed definition provided by the user to generate the RSS feed and exposes the RSS feed in the form of RSS XML data. The RSS feed generator allows a business system to dynamically update the set of data contained in the RSS feed in a manner that allows a user to perform a plurality of functions on the RSS feed.

Abstract: A utility consumption optimization mechanism may determine an optimized period for consuming a utility based on several input parameters and several constraints. The optimization mechanism may determine an optimum consumption time and cause a device to consume the utility during that time. A schema may define various parameters that may be passed to a rate calculation mechanism, and the optimization mechanism may use the rate calculation mechanism to find an optimized consumption schedule for a particular application. The optimization mechanism may be implemented as an embedded controller in a consuming device, as a web service that may be available through an Internet connection, or in other embodiments.

Abstract: A system is described for conducting a communication exchange between at least a first entity and a second entity. In operation, the first entity and the second entity implement a communication mechanism that relies on a common set of method modules. Each method module may receive a message that conveys a particular action selected from a hierarchical collection of possible actions. By selecting a particular action, an entity which sends such a message may attempt to invoke a particular version of a message exchange between the entities. Through this provision, the communication exchange accommodates the situation in which different entities have different respective functionalities. According to one case, the system can be applied to the situation in which entities engage in a communication exchange to manage a resource.

Abstract: A “Smart Grid Pricer” enables automated balancing of the supply and demand of energy supply and consumption, such as the generation and consumption of electricity between electricity providers and electricity consumers. The Smart Grid Pricer automatically computes and delivers real-time energy pricing information to consumers on behalf of energy retailers (e.g., electricity utilities) to help drive the balance of demand with supply. In various embodiments, real-time pricing is determined by using various probabilistic models to estimate overall consumer demand as a function of factors such as energy price, time of day, region, weather, etc. to compute a price that will result in an energy demand that is closely balanced to the available supply. On the consumer side, various components of the Smart Grid Pricer automatically respond to such pricing information to optimize energy consumption in accordance with a variety of automated and/or user defined rules and preferences.

Abstract: A standardized format is described for representing resource-related information associated with different utility entities. The standardized format can be expressed using three files. A usage file expresses the consumption of resources, an invoice file expresses invoices associated with the consumption of resources, and a rate file expresses different rates which have a bearing on the cost of the resources at different locations. The files are governed by three respective schemas. Functionality is also described which enables a resource management facilitator to interact with the different utility entities and receive the resource-related information therefrom. In one illustrative approach, a utility entity sends a message which indicates that one or more files are available for downloading. The resource management facilitator then retrieves the files and processes the files in an appropriate manner, as specified by information within the message.

Abstract: A method of extending the functionality of an API in a CRM program and system to implement the method is disclosed. The method may allow a user to use request and response messages to be communicated with a single interface that may be exposed as a CRM web service module to create new business logic and operations by extending previously defined classes.

Abstract: An extensible architecture that allows the users to extend, change or replace the existing business logic of the business application is disclosed.

Abstract: A metadata driven system for supporting business application software required in the middle tier for a line of business applications includes a process metadata module adapted to store a process in metadata format, wherein the process object contains logic related to an entity of the application software. The system allows for persistence of various entities like accounts, incidents, etc., and allows an end user of the business application software to create new types of entities. The system also allows the end user to perform critical business logic operations even on the new entities defined by the end user after the deployment of the business application without requiring recompilation of the business application software. The metadata driven approach allows to easily make changes to business applications and to automate quality assurance of objects built on top of the business applications.

Abstract: A metadata driven software development system provides various functionalities related to an entity of an application in the metadata format. Specifically, the system provides a set of base classes related to the entity and a set of methods and application programming interfaces for various operations to be performed on the entities in the metadata format. Defining such functionalities in the metadata format allows the system to dynamically generate XML messages matching any customized schema for that entity. Because such functionality is metadata driven, this system can be used with customized versions of the application without requiring any additional code or recompilation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a data structure designed to manage object relationships to actual transactions. The data structure is at least an efficient substitute for a simple ordered transaction log. The data structure allows for pre-playback graph pruning that reduces the overall time required to complete a playback operation. It also allows for more robust error handling when a given transaction fails for non-transport related errors (i.e., the business rules or security rights have changed) by keeping the graph updated on a per-object basis.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a set of data related to an entity to a user in the form of a really simple syndication (RSS) feed in a manner so that the set of data includes entity information at the feed-level. A user of the RSS feed may use the feed-level entity information to consume the set of data in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the feed-level entity information includes meta-data defining the entity such that a user may use the metadata to display the entity on the client side. The RSS feed generation system allows a user to manipulate a copy of an instance of entity data as necessary for a client.

Abstract: A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a user access to a set of data in the form of an RSS feed containing an object. The RSS feed generator allows the user to generate a feed definition using any of a user interface, a web based application programming interface, and an HTTP request. The RSS feed generator uses the feed definition provided by the user to generate the RSS feed and exposes the RSS feed in the form of RSS XML data. The RSS feed generator allows a business system to dynamically update the set of data contained in the RSS feed in a manner that allows a user to perform a plurality of functions on the RSS feed.

Abstract: A method of extending the functionality of an API in a CRM program and system to implement the method is disclosed. The method may allow a user to use request and response messages to be communicated with a single interface that may be exposed as a CRM web service module to create new business logic and operations by extending previously defined classes.