Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a common interface for communicating with multiple back-end services via a gateway application. In an example embodiment, a gateway application receives a first web service request and a second web service request. The first and second web service requests are generated by interactions with a graphical interface provided by the gateway application. The graphical interface can access a first service and a second service using different authentication protocols. The gateway application can respond to the first and second web service requests by executing a first function provided by the first service and a second function provided by the second service. Executing the first and second functions includes transmitting respective first and second service requests to the first and second services that are respective signed using a first authentication protocol for the first service and a second authentication protocol for the second service.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a common interface for communicating with multiple back-end services via a gateway application. In an example embodiment, a gateway application receives a first web service request and a second web service request. The first and second web service requests are generated by interactions with a graphical interface provided by the gateway application. The graphical interface can access a first service and a second service using different authentication protocols. The gateway application can respond to the first and second web service requests by executing a first function provided by the first service and a second function provided by the second service. Executing the first and second functions includes transmitting respective first and second service requests to the first and second services that are respective signed using a first authentication protocol for the first service and a second authentication protocol for the second service.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing a system that includes a cluster and an external resource. The external resource may be part of a second cluster that is collocated on the same hardware platforms as the cluster. A proxy resource is used to enforce a dependency relationship between a native resource of the cluster and an external resource, such that a dependency with the proxy resource serves to enforce a dependency with the external resource. The cluster framework may maintain states of the proxy resource, including an offline state, an online-standby state, and an online state. The online-standby indicates that the proxy has been started, but it has not determined that the associated external resource is enabled. The proxy may determine whether the external resource is enabled or disabled and, in response, notify the cluster framework.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing a system that includes a cluster and an external resource. The external resource may be part of a second cluster that is collocated on the same hardware platforms as the cluster. A proxy resource is used to enforce a dependency relationship between a native resource of the cluster and an external resource, such that a dependency with the proxy resource serves to enforce a dependency with the external resource. The cluster framework may maintain states of the proxy resource, including an offline state, an online-standby state, and an online state. The online-standby indicates that the proxy has been started, but it has not determined that the associated external resource is enabled. The proxy may determine whether the external resource is enabled or disabled and, in response, notify the cluster framework.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer software medical diagnosis system with which users can interact over the Internet using a web browser in order to obtain a medical diagnosis or recommendation. The user interacts with the diagnosis system by first identifying his or her chief complaint, and then answering a series of questions about his or her current symptoms, medical history, identification (age, sex, race), and the like. Then the diagnosis system presents him or her with a diagnosis or recommendation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer software medical diagnosis system with which users can interact over the Internet using a web browser in order to obtain an ordered list of possible diagnoses for their current constellation of symptoms. The user interacts with the diagnosis system by specifying a list of current symptoms. Then the diagnosis system presents him or her with a list of possible diagnoses for those symptoms ordered according to their likelihood of explaining the constellation of symptoms.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for renting electronic media content, such as movies, without requiring returns or physical inventory. The media content is stored electronically in a database that is accessed by one or more Media Kiosk computer systems, which provide a user interface and multiple input/output devices for interacting with users, and are located in malls or other public places. Customers can select and download media content from the Media Kiosks onto their Media Transport Devices, which are portable non-volatile storage devices. The customers can play, view, or interact with the media content on their Media Players, which are computer systems with multiple input/output devices suitable for allowing users to play, view, or interact with the media.