Abstract: A data model that allows for relationships between entities, also referred to as parties, to be modeled as attributes of an entity and for customization of the data model in a manner that facilitates upgrading of the data model. The data model defines a party class that includes a party identifier and a list of relationships of that party with other parties. The relationships may include represented-by relationships, customer-of relationships, contact-of relationships, or employee-of relationships. The party class can be sub-classed (i.e., be a base class for a derived class) depending on the type of party that is being model.

Abstract: A facility for displaying a product definition is described. The facility retrieves a body of product information in a first form that is compatible with a first software package. The facility transforms the product information in the first form into product information in a second form that is distinct from the first form. The facility then transforms the product information in the second form into product information in a third form that is compatible with the second software package and distinct from the first and second forms. Using the product information in the third form, the facility generates a product display using the second software package.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an integration environment in which integration processes can be developed independent of integration servers and applications. The integration environment provides an application service interface for each application that is independent of the integration servers. An integration process that is developed to use the application service interface is compatible with any integration server that supports the applications that the integration process accesses. The integration environment provides a common service interface for each type of application. The common service interface is independent of the application that is providing the service and is also independent of the integration server. Thus, an integration process developed to use the common service interface is compatible with any application of the appropriate type and any integration server.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad. A turntable is mounted to a frame, where the turntable is adapted to receive and rotate the polishing pad. A conditioning head is also mounted to the frame, where the conditioning head is adapted to spray a liquid from the conditioning head against the polishing pad at a pressure that is sufficient to dislodge eroded material from the polishing pad. In this manner, a sufficiently abrasive spray can be generated, which can release the loaded material from the polishing pad, and otherwise condition the polishing pad. The spray also enables the released material to be washed away from the pad. In addition, because the abrasive action is provided by the force of the spray, there are no abrasive particles that can break free from the conditioning head and disrupt the desired operation of the pad.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an integration environment in which integration processes can be developed independent of integration servers and applications. The integration environment provides an application service interface for each application that is independent of the integration servers. An integration process that is developed to use the application service interface is compatible with any integration server that supports the applications that the integration process accesses. The integration environment provides a common service interface for each type of application. The common service interface is independent of the application that is providing the service and is also independent of the integration server. Thus, an integration process developed to use the common service interface is compatible with any application of the appropriate type and any integration server.