Abstract: A method to develop a game using a networked content server includes an efficient method to add or modify a new object into the game environment. The method includes the generation of an XML input file describing the new object. The XML new object definition file is uploaded from a game developer client device to a content server. The content server automatically examines the XML input file and converts the definition file to an object type graph and then into a set of SQL instructions as well as a set of web methods. The content server automatically executes the SQL instructions to enter the new object into a database. Web methods corresponding to the new object and are provided to the client device for access to the new object. The game developer thus has nearly immediate access to the new object.

Abstract: An express content metadata system (“ECM”) may provide functionality for uploading, querying and downloading game content without heavy coding requirements on the part of the developers. The ECM may provide fast indexing, searching and data retrieval of content. The ECM may manage evolving changes to content definitions by providing flexible and efficient versioning control over content definitions that allows multiple versions of game content to coexist and be independently searchable.

Abstract: An express content metadata system (“ECM”) may provide functionality for uploading, querying and downloading game content without heavy coding requirements on the part of the developers. The ECM may provide fast indexing, searching and data retrieval of content. The ECM may manage evolving changes to content definitions by providing flexible and efficient versioning control over content definitions that allows multiple versions of game content to coexist and be independently searchable.

Abstract: A method to develop a game using a networked content server includes an efficient method to add or modify a new object into the game environment. The method includes the generation of an XML input file describing the new object. The XML new object definition file is uploaded from a game developer client device to a content server. The content server automatically examines the XML input file and converts the definition file to an object type graph and then into a set of SQL instructions as well as a set of web methods. The content server automatically executes the SQL instructions to enter the new object into a database. Web methods corresponding to the new object and are provided to the client device for access to the new object. The game developer thus has nearly immediate access to the new object.

Abstract: In a support service for computing devices or software (or other service), a determination is made based on an incident report that additional data is needed. A first template is chosen from a set of templates and that chosen first template is customized for the particular incident to create a data collection plan. The data collection plan includes a set of data collection items. The data collection plan is forwarded to a user client device associated with the incident report. At the user client device, a user can choose to proceed with all or a subset of the data collection items. Data is then collected for the selected data collection items. The user is then provided with the opportunity to select which of the collected data to upload back to the support service. The collected data is then uploaded, and the incident status is updated and made available.

Abstract: In a support service for computing devices or software (or other service), a determination is made based on an incident report that additional data is needed. A first template is chosen from a set of templates and that chosen first template is customized for the particular incident to create a data collection plan. The data collection plan includes a set of data collection items. The data collection plan is forwarded to a user client device associated with the incident report. At the user client device, a user can choose to proceed with all or a subset of the data collection items. Data is then collected for the selected data collection items. The user is then provided with the opportunity to select which of the collected data to upload back to the support service. The collected data is then uploaded, and the incident status is updated and made available.