Abstract: A metadata management system and method enables complex query searches by users, e.g., different users having different query needs, using the same infrastructure. For querying metadata, the metadata management system provides functionality for aggregating all the concepts (metadata items) and relationships of the metadata across one or more users in a common format; extracting concepts and storing them in a metadata store (e.g., a relational database); extracting relationships and modeling them in a standard semantic representation. The system and method further records users' different needs on relationships into user-specific configuration files. The system is configured for retrieving, in response to a user query, relevant data items by using the meta-data selectively. In one embodiment, a selection of meta-data used in the retrieving is determined according to captured context information.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for caching video object portions. A request for stand-alone content in a video object is received, the content neither being cached nor being adjacent to a cached video object portion, and a first portion of the video object is cached. A value is assigned to the first video object portion. A subsequent request for content in the video object is received, the subsequent request corresponding to access to the first video object portion and a second, uncached portion of the video object. The value of the first video object portion is updated. For the second video object portion, an amount to cache and a value are determined.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for optimizing streaming of a group of videos. Throughput of video streams through a common link to at least two different destinations is permitted. An effective flow rate for each video stream is ascertained, and a playout lead for each video stream is estimated. The playout leads are equalized via dynamically changing the effective flow rates of the video streams.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for optimizing streaming of a group of videos. Throughput of video streams through a common link to at least two different destinations is permitted. An effective flow rate for each video stream is ascertained, and a playout lead for each video stream is estimated. The playout leads are equalized via dynamically changing the effective flow rates of the video streams.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for caching video object portions. A request for stand-alone content in a video object is received, the content neither being cached nor being adjacent to a cached video object portion, and a first portion of the video object is cached. A value is assigned to the first video object portion. A subsequent request for content in the video object is received, the subsequent request corresponding to access to the first video object portion and a second, uncached portion of the video object. The value of the first video object portion is updated. For the second video object portion, an amount to cache and a value are determined.

Abstract: Techniques for allocating work requests to performing centers include generating options for assigning the work requests to the performing centers. The options are based upon predetermined historical factors capturing work request characteristics and performing center characteristics. For each of the options, the work requests are scheduled to determine a corresponding duration of the work requests, and an overall cost is computed. One of the options is selected based on the overall cost and the corresponding duration.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for optimizing streaming of a group of videos. Throughput of video streams through a common link to at least two different destinations is permitted. An effective flow rate for each video stream is ascertained, and a playout lead for each video stream is estimated. The playout leads are equalized via dynamically changing the effective flow rates of the video streams.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for optimizing streaming of a group of videos. Throughput of video streams through a common link to at least two different destinations is permitted. An effective flow rate for each video stream is ascertained, and a playout lead for each video stream is estimated. The playout leads are equalized via dynamically changing the effective flow rates of the video streams.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for caching video object portions. A request for stand-alone content in a video object is received, the content neither being cached nor being adjacent to a cached video object portion, and a first portion of the video object is cached. A value is assigned to the first video object portion. A subsequent request for content in the video object is received, the subsequent request corresponding to access to the first video object portion and a second, uncached portion of the video object. The value of the first video object portion is updated. For the second video object portion, an amount to cache and a value are determined.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for caching video object portions. A request for stand-alone content in a video object is received, the content neither being cached nor being adjacent to a cached video object portion, and a first portion of the video object is cached. A value is assigned to the first video object portion. A subsequent request for content in the video object is received, the subsequent request corresponding to access to the first video object portion and a second, uncached portion of the video object. The value of the first video object portion is updated. For the second video object portion, an amount to cache and a value are determined.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for communicating power consumption information. The method includes comparing power consumption information of at least one user with power consumption information of at least one peer user to generate a ranking of each user in order of power consumption, monitoring the user power consumption derived from non-smart appliance usage and to generate a recommendation pertaining to at least one smart appliance for the at least one user, and publishing the generated ranking and recommendation information to a network for communication with the at least one user.

Abstract: A metadata management system and method enables complex query searches by users, e.g., different users having different query needs, using the same infrastructure. For querying metadata, the metadata management system provides functionality for aggregating all the concepts (metadata items) and relationships of the metadata across one or more users in a common format; extracting concepts and storing them in a metadata store (e.g., a relational database); extracting relationships and modeling them in a standard semantic representation. The system and method further records users' different needs on relationships into user-specific configuration files. The system is configured for retrieving, in response to a user query, relevant data items by using the meta-data selectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods of marketing to mobile devices are provided. Other methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for allocating work requests to performing centers include generating options for assigning the work requests to the performing centers. The options are based upon predetermined historical factors capturing work request characteristics and performing center characteristics. For each of the options, the work requests are scheduled to determine a corresponding duration of the work requests, and an overall cost is computed. One of the options is selected based on the overall cost and the corresponding duration.