Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for distributing content items to a handheld device using a personal computer. A user can browse and select content using a personal computer or other computer that may be more readily available or more convenient to use than the handheld device. The personal computer can communicate with a web server which receives the user's request for content to be distributed to the handheld device. The web server can retrieve configuration information pertaining to the handheld device and communicate with a content server to determine whether the user's request for content distribution is valid based on information identifying the handheld device and at least some of the configuration information pertaining to the handheld device. The content server can transmit the requested content item to the handheld device if the user's request is valid and if the handheld device is able to receive the content item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for distributing content items to a handheld device using a personal computer. A user can browse and select content using a personal computer or other computer that may be more readily available or more convenient to use than the handheld device. The personal computer can communicate with a web server which receives the user's request for content to be distributed to the handheld device. The web server can retrieve configuration information pertaining to the handheld device and communicate with a content server to determine whether the user's request for content distribution is valid based on information identifying the handheld device and at least some of the configuration information pertaining to the handheld device. The content server can transmit the requested content item to the handheld device if the user's request is valid and if the handheld device is able to receive the content item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for distributing content items to a handheld device using a personal computer. A user can browse and select content using a personal computer or other computer that may be more readily available or more convenient to use than the handheld device. The personal computer can communicate with a web server which receives the user's request for content to be distributed to the handheld device. The web server can retrieve configuration information pertaining to the handheld device and communicate with a content server to determine whether the user's request for content distribution is valid based on information identifying the handheld device and at least some of the configuration information pertaining to the handheld device. The content server can transmit the requested content item to the handheld device if the user's request is valid and if the handheld device is able to receive the content item.

Abstract: Associating a message with an item includes detecting a characteristic of a first item located at a first node level of a hierarchy of items. The method includes associating a first message with the first item based on the characteristic, the first message preconfigured for presentation to a user regarding the characteristic. The method includes registering the first message, based on the association with the first item, to be presented at a second node level in the hierarchy in a user interface, the first node level descending from the second node level in the hierarchy.

Abstract: Embodiments of a Bundle Configuration Utility (BCU) for configuring network deliverable pluggable components for deployment in embedded servers are described. Preferences of a pluggable component may be accessed at runtime on the embedded server. The BCU may enable the configuration of the preferences prior to distribution. The BCU may provide functions including, but not limited to: providing a list of preferences; allowing preference values to be changed; updating the preferences in the pluggable component; creating a new pluggable component with a new set of preferences; and resetting the preferences in the pluggable component to default values. In one embodiment, pluggable components may be configured using a graphical user interface of the BCU. In one embodiment, the BCU may include a command line interface with commands for configuring pluggable components. In one embodiment, multiple pluggable components may be configured by the BCU in batch mode.

Abstract: A service gateway connects at least one local client to an external network. The service gateway is operable to hold at least one service module for providing a corresponding service and to maintain a record identifying each service module held by the service gateway with an associated pointer to that service module. The service gateway includes a control mechanism providing a number of functions. The control mechanism is operable in response to a request for a service provided by a service module not present at the service gateway, to send a message to an external source for resolving the absence of a service module at the gateway in one or more iterations until a response from the external service identifies information including a service module held by the gateway that enables resolution of the absent service module(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of a Bundle Configuration Utility (BCU) for configuring network deliverable pluggable components for deployment in embedded servers are described. Preferences of a pluggable component may be accessed at runtime on the embedded server. The BCU may enable the configuration of the preferences prior to distribution. The BCU may provide functions including, but not limited to: providing a list of preferences; allowing preference values to be changed; updating the preferences in the pluggable component; creating a new pluggable component with a new set of preferences; and resetting the preferences in the pluggable component to default values. In one embodiment, pluggable components may be configured using a graphical user interface of the BCU. In one embodiment, the BCU may include a command line interface with commands for configuring pluggable components. In one embodiment, multiple pluggable components may be configured by the BCU in batch mode.

Abstract: A services provisioning mechanism is provided for a service gateway connecting at least one local client to an external network. The service provisioning mechanism includes a number of functions. A resolver is provided for responding to a request from a requester for a service to determine whether a requested service is provided by the service gateway. A negotiator is provided for responding to an indication from the resolver that a requested service is not provided by the service gateway to query an external source for identifying a further service for attempting to satisfy the service request. A response engine is provided for processing information provided by the external source in response to the negotiator query. Services provided by the service gateway can be determined from a registry of services registered at the service gateway. The external source can be a service provider or a service gateway organizer.

Abstract: A service gateway connects at least one local client to an external network. The service gateway is operable to hold at least one service module for providing a corresponding service and to maintain a record identifying each service module held by the service gateway with an associated pointer to that service module. The service gateway includes a control mechanism providing a number of functions. The control mechanism is operable in response to a request for a service provided by a service module not present at the service gateway, to send a message to an external source for resolving the absence of a service module at the gateway in one or more iterations until a response from the external service identifies information including a service module held by the gateway that enables resolution of the absent service module(s).