Abstract: The invention establishes the context in which data exchanged between dissimilar relational database management systems can be mutually understood and preserved, and data conversions can be minimized. The invention accomplishes this by establishing layers of descriptive information which isolate machine characteristics, levels of support software, and user data descriptions. Optimized processing is achieved by processing the different descriptor levels at different times during the development and execution of the database management systems. Minimal descriptive information is exchanged between the cooperating database management systems. Any data conversions that may be necessary are done only by the receiver of the data, and only at the point where it is necessary to have the data represented in the receiver's native format for processing.

Abstract: The invention establishes the context in which data exchanged between dissimilar relational database management systems can be mutually understood and preserved, and data conversions can be minimized. The invention accomplishes this by establishing layers of descriptive information which isolate machine characteristics, levels of support software, and user data descriptions. Optimized processing is achieved by processing the different descriptor levels at different times during the development and execution of the database management systems. Minimal descriptive information is exchanged between the cooperating database management systems. Any data conversions that may be necessary are done only by the receiver of the data, and only at the point where it is necessary to have the data represented in the receiver's native format for processing.

Abstract: OOP environments comprise composite data structures and internal mechanisms for manipulating those structures. The structures are used to allow a user to realize the power of OOP. Hence, the layout of these structures, the way in which the structures inter-relate, and the manner in which they are built and used are all critical to the utility of a particular OOP environment. It is no surprise, then, that manufacturers and suppliers of OOP environments are constantly striving to design composite data structures and internal mechanisms which maximize user productivity. The internal mechanisms and structures that make up the present invention are collectively referred to as the New Object Model (NOM). The composite data structures and organization of the NOM OOP environment provide significant benefits that are not provided by the environments of the prior art.

Abstract: The method and apparatus permit the automatic generation of a meeting agenda for a requested meeting concerning a document stored within a data processing system. A document, such as an invention disclosure document, is stored within a data processing system and identified as the subject of a desired meeting. Evaluation comments by a plurality of users within the data processing system regarding the identified document are tabulated and utilized to create a meeting agenda automatically in response to a request for a meeting. Desired meeting parameters including at least: a desired meeting duration; a desired date span; and a list of desired attendees are selected by a meeting requester and copies of the automatically created meeting agenda are automatically transmitted to each desired attendee in conjunction with a notice of the scheduled meeting. Printed copies of the meeting agenda may also be automatically created in response to a scheduled meeting.

Abstract: Application programs which are developed and scheduled within a first computing system environment are permitted to access relational data registered at a remote database management system (DBMS) operating in a second computing environment dissimilar to the first computing environment. Access to data through the DBMS from an application execution site remote from the DBMS is supported by a process, logically subordinate to the application program which maps application program data access requests to the DBMS.