Abstract: A controller in a distributed information technology system provides an end-of-batch indication for a batch of initial data to be processed by at least one first processing node. The controller receives a completion indication indicating that the at least one first processing node has completed processing the batch of initial data resulting in one or more batches of intermediate data. The controller provides an end-of-batch indication for each of the one or more batches of intermediate data to be processed by one or more second processing nodes of the plurality of processing nodes. The controller receives a completion indication indicating that the at least one second processing node has completed processing the batch of intermediate data resulting in a batch of final data and generates a control signal indicating that the batch processing has been completely processed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing database query results. Query results are retrieved from a database of travel itineraries based on search criteria provided by a traveler, and a subset of travel itineraries selected from the search results based on a composite profile. The traveler may identify which travel itineraries of the subset they prefer, and the result of this selection used to update a probabilistic profile of the traveler. The search results may be re-ranked using an updated composite profile, and a new subset of travel itineraries selected based on the re-ranking The traveler may indicate which travel itinerary is preferred from the new subset, and the probabilistic profile updated based thereon. The process of re-ranking search results and updating the probabilistic profile may be repeated until successive sets of ranked results match each other.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing the introduction of a new non-backward compatible version of an application server into a client/server networking, the method includes first distributing to a client system to be served by the new non-backward compatible version of the application server a client application operable in a mode compatible with the current version of the application server and in a mode compatible with the new non-backward compatible version. Upon installation in the client system the client application is set into a downgraded mode compatible with the current version of the application server. While the current version of the application server is still in production, the client application is kept operated in the downgraded mode. Upon introduction of the new non-backward compatible version of the application server, the client application is set into a valid mode compatible with the new version of the application server.

Abstract: System and method of sequencing distributed asynchronous messages. An inbound handler receives an incoming message with a sequence correlation value that identifies a sequence comprising the incoming message, and checks for a sequence status of the sequence. If the sequence status indicates that none of multiple outbound handlers is currently processing a message for the sequence and if the incoming message is the next message to be processed for the sequence, then the incoming message is forwarded to a queue storage and subsequently forwarded to an available outbound handler. If the sequence status indicates that at least one of the outbound handlers is currently processing a message of the sequence, if the queue storage already comprises a message to be processed for the sequence, or if the incoming message is not the next message to be processed for the sequence, then the incoming message is stored in overflow storage.

Abstract: System and method of sequencing distributed asynchronous messages. An inbound handler receives an incoming message with a sequence correlation value that identifies a sequence comprising the incoming message, and checks for a sequence status of the sequence. If the sequence status indicates that none of multiple outbound handlers is currently processing a message for the sequence and if the incoming message is the next message to be processed for the sequence, then the incoming message is forwarded to a queue storage and subsequently forwarded to an available outbound handler. If the sequence status indicates that at least one of the outbound handlers is currently processing a message of the sequence, if the queue storage already comprises a message to be processed for the sequence, or if the incoming message is not the next message to be processed for the sequence, then the incoming message is stored in overflow storage.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a user with a consistent view of user session. The method includes providing application servers with data storage means for storing part of the user context for that user session, defining for each user session a set of application servers having each an affinity with the user session. At a routing means, receiving a request and routing transactions of the user session toward the application servers, assigning to the user session a correlation record (DCX) arranged to comprise Affinity Keys, each Affinity Key indicating an application server that has an affinity with the user session for a given software application, and propagating the correlation record with transactions, allowing thereby the routing means to target the application servers that are linked to the user context of that user session and that process the software application relevant to process the transaction.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for providing a user with a consistent view of user session in a distributed environment. The method includes providing application servers with data storage means for storing part of the user context for that user session, defining thereby for each user session a set of application servers having each an affinity with the user session. Each application server is configured to process a software application that is required for that user session.

Abstract: Method of managing printing using multiple workstations, each with unique ID, and multiple printers having a type and configuration dependent on the ID, in a network including a document server and identification generator. At least one printer is connected to a workstation. The network polls a workstation upon connection to the network to determine what printers are connected to it; determines workstation ID, printer type and configuration from type and workstation location, and ID code for each connected printer using the identification generator; develops a look-up table of workstation ID, type and configuration of printer, and ID code; receives a print request from a workstation at the document server; in response to the request identifies from the look-up table the configuration of a printer that can receive the print request; and sends the print request to the identified printer with the appropriate ID code, as identified by the look-up table.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing the introduction of a new non-backward compatible version of an application server into a client/server networking, the method includes first distributing to a client system to be served by the new non-backward compatible version of the application server a client application operable in a mode compatible with the current version of the application server and in a mode compatible with the new non-backward compatible version. Upon installation in the client system the client application is set into a downgraded mode compatible with the current version of the application server. While the current version of the application server is still in production, the client application is kept operated in the downgraded mode. Upon introduction of the new non-backward compatible version of the application server, the client application is set into a valid mode compatible with the new version of the application server.

Abstract: A method of managing printing in an environment with a plurality of workstations and a plurality of printers in one or more networks. Each workstation has a unique ID and each printer has a type and a configuration which is dependent on the unique ID. One or more of the printers is connected to a one of the plurality of workstations. The network also includes a document server and a identification generator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiplexing unit, a system and a method for communication in a computer network between a plurality of client machines supporting client programmes and one or several servers supporting application programmes, although said client and application programmes may be incompatible. The invention uses input and output management modules assigned to the client machines and to the servers. It performs conversion operations and routing operations, which are carried out so as to optimise the operation of the servers. It ensures communication between applications having incompatible formats or transfer protocols and this by means of a flexible technique with characteristics of modularity and upgradability. The invention is applicable in particular to computerised reservation systems for example in the field of travels and transport.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiplexing unit, a system and a method for communication in a computer network between a plurality of client machines supporting client programmes and one or several servers supporting application programmes, although said client and application programmes may be incompatible. The invention uses input and output management modules assigned to the client machines and to the servers. It performs conversion operations and routing operations, which are carried out so as to optimise the operation of the servers. It ensures communication between applications having incompatible formats or transfer protocols and this by means of a flexible technique with characteristics of modularity and upgradability. The invention is applicable in particular to computerised reservation systems for example in the field of travels and transport.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing and accessing data in a computerized reservation system, and a computerized system for its implementation. The invention is characterized in that it consists: in creating at least a cache (9a,9b) in the server protion, said chache (9a,9b) containing reservation, data; addiing data to the cache (9a, 9b) by transfer from at least an inventory setup (1); creating an interfacing application (18) between the cache (9a, 9b) and the client application(s) so that the user can address requests and recieve data in response. The invention is applicable to computerized reservation systems in particular in the field of transport, travel, and accomidation.