Abstract: A product action bean is provided for updating lines and keywords in computer system configuration flat text or ASCII files, which is especially useful for during installation of software applications on computer systems. In its embodiment as a Java Bean, it is customized and configured using a visual application builder across multiple computing platforms. The primary bean is a container bean, which includes an engine, and which provides a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that developers can easily specify the required changes along with the file name to be changed when an application is installed or uninstalled. The container bean also contains a set of action beans which perform operations to modify the ASCII file, such as finding strings or lines, adding strings or lines, and deleting strings or lines. The specified actions are performed as a “unit of work” in the customized bean.

Abstract: A method for installing a network application is disclosed. First, the hardware resources of at least a local computer system in the network are determined. Next, the a number of users in a cell of the network is determined. The installation process determines whether the hardware resources of the local computer system can provide an adequate level of performance for the number of users in the cell if all of the network application are installed on the local computer system. If not, an installation plan is calculated to distribute components of the network application in a plurality of computer systems to provide an adequate level of performance for the cell. The installation plan is presented on a local system display. The network administrator is afforded the opportunity to change the assumptions used to generate the installation plan. Once satisfied, the network application is installed in the plurality of computer systems according to the installation plan.