Abstract: A method is provided for packaging and activating open loop stored value cards. A retailer is provided an open loop card and a closed loop card in an integrated package, the open loop card associated with a first account number and configured for activation by an open loop account processor, and the closed loop card associated with a second account number. An electronically readable card component contains data corresponding to a control account including the first and second account numbers. Upon receiving an activation request from a point of sale which contains the data corresponding to the control account, the control account and the account numbers are identified, and the closed loop card is activated. An activation request is transmitted electronically to the open loop account processor, wherein activating of the closed and open loop cards may be substantially simultaneous with respect to the point of sale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the distributed monitoring of network traffic deploys end system agents to collect traffic statistics at distributed points in the network. These statistics are forwarded to collectors which compile the statistics to create higher level pictures of network performance. A collector may act as a proxy for a prior art standalone network probe and may interact with network management software as though it were a standalone network probe. The invention is designed to work in accordance with a variety of standard network management protocols including SNMP, RMON, and RMON2 but is not limited to those environments.

Abstract: Distributed remote monitoring (dRMON) of network traffic and performance uses distributed nodes to collect traffic statistics at distributed points in the network. These statistics are forwarded to collectors which compile the statistics to create combined views of network performance. A collector may mimic a prior art, non-distributed, network probe and may interact with network management software as though it were a stand alone network probe thereby simplifying a user's interaction with the distributed system. The invention is designed to work in accordance with a variety of standard network management protocols including SNMP, RMON, and RMON2 but is not limited to those environments. The invention has applications in a variety of communication system environments including local area networks, cable television distribution systems, ATM systems, and advanced telephony systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the distributed monitoring of network traffic deploys end system agents to collect traffic statistics at distributed points in the network. These statistics are forwarded to collectors which compile the statistics to create higher level pictures of network performance. A collector may act as a proxy for a prior art standalone network probe and may interact with network management software as though it were a standalone network probe. The invention is designed to work in accordance with a variety of standard network management protocols including SNMP, RMON, and RMON2 but is not limited to those environments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically updating software components in one or more agents (end systems) in a network. An ASU server generates a multicast request to agents within its network domain, identifying the newest, available versions of software components that may be installed on the agents. Agents compare installed versions with the newest versions and respond to the server request by indicating components that need to be updated. Components include network and non-network software as well as operating system (OS) software. The ASU server then transmits the requested components to the requesting agents in a self extracting compressed file. The file is installed and the components updated without rebooting system software.