Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method providing an efficient automated customization of an existing workflow management system. Agent software may be utilized to operate autonomously to instruct a generic workflow tool provided by the existing workflow management system to accomplish the customization process without direct human supervision. Thus, a non-developer user who does not have knowledge of the process definition language provided by the workflow management system may accomplish a successful customization. Further, the present invention reduces costs and resources to customize an existing workflow management system.

Abstract: In a data processing system that allows the creation and transmission of distributions from a first user to a second user on the data processing system, the present invention automatically provides for the distribution an acknowledgement option based upon the contents of the distribution. The acknowledgement option causes an acknowledgement message to be sent back to the sender upon a specified event, such as the recipient receiving or acting on the distribution. After the first user has created the distribution and commanded the data processing system to send the distribution, the distribution is automatically searched for a predetermined content. If the predetermined content is found in the distribution, then a predetermined acknowledgement option is associated with the distribution. The distribution, along with the acknowledgement option, is then sent to the second user. If the predetermined content is not found, then the distribution is sent to the second user without the acknowledgement option.

Abstract: A network architecture and methodology provides two stages or levels of network redirection to allow effective importation of storage into either or both of a client/requester and a server. Each level of redirection is achieved through the establishment of a bi-directional communication link, preferably by the creation of an access list or export file at each host containing a portion of a distributed resource. By using two levels of network redirection, a terminal communicates only with a single, predetermined server, thus permitting the use of user-friendly Lan server systems. The predetermined server communicates with the remainder of the network as a client through the network communication protocols, thus removing constraints on operating systems which may be running at hosts. Full access to the distributed resource is thereby made transparent to the user and operational limitations engendered by limitations of hard disk capacity at terminals and servers are overcome.

Abstract: A telephone response mechanism provides a response to a caller and an opportunity for the caller to leave a message. The telephone response mechanism is utilized when a telephone call arrives with no one to answer it. The response is made up of three portions. A first portion is automatically generated by a data processing system based upon the time of day, e.g. "Good morning". A second portion is a recorded message identifying the person being called, e.g. "This is John Doe. I am not currently available." The third portion is created from information obtained from a database on the data processing system, such as a calendar database or a personnel database. The third portion explains to the caller where the user (the person being called) is or when the user will return. The third portion is automatically updated whenever the user updates the database. A lockout feature is provided to deny the telephone response mechanism access to selected entries in the database.

Abstract: A presentation made up of plural descriptions is provided. Each description specifies the data that is to be played by selected output devices, as well as parametrical values for playing the data on the selected output devices. The presentation is readied for execution by processing each description and loading the specified data into memory. An element containing the parametrical values and the location of the data is loaded into a queue. The presentation is executed by taking each element in turn from the queue and executing the specified data on the selected output devices.

Abstract: A computer system user interface that includes a method of accessing electronic data. The method includes displaying on a computer display screen a control window that includes a perspective view of a work area. The work area includes at least one animated icon that is movable from a closed position to a substantial continuum of open positions. Moving the icon to an open position automatically opens a window on the display screen that contains the data to be accessed. Closing the icon automatically closes the window.