Abstract: One embodiment relates to a system for linking together multiple registries and aggregating data from the multiple registries. The system includes a plurality of local resource or service (resource/service) registries, a distributed index storage and retrieval system, and at least one proxy registry. The proxy registry is configured to receive a search query from a client system, retrieve information from the distributed index storage and retrieval system as to which of the local resource/service registries are relevant to the search query, and obtain pertinent entries from said relevant resource/service registries. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for presenting items within a list of items based on an individual user profile, a social network of friends of the user or a mood of the user. The system generates the individual profile of the user, determines passive friends of the user from the social network of the user and also determines the mood of the user. The user has a choice to receive an ordered list of items based on the individual user profile, the social network or the mood of the user.

Abstract: A client terminal presents a graphical user interface (GUI) to a distributed computing environment. A first interface is configured to receive data of a portable storage medium. The data includes a key authentication signal and user settings. The key authentication signal identifies an authorized user of the distributed computing environment. A second interface is configured to communicate with an operably linked server. A controller is operative to verify the key authentication signal provided to the first interface in accordance with a distributed computing instruction set, and, upon verification, establishing communication with the operably linked server via the second interface. In this way, the server executes server side applications accessed by a user from the client terminal in accordance with the user settings.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for generating a travel itinerary, including specifying a criteria for a query including a start point and an end point of the travel itinerary, and at least one route point, the route point being a service, a product, a place, an activity, or an event. An interactive mapping system is queried with the criteria to obtain information defining the travel itinerary including mapping information and route point descriptive information including consumer information related to the route point. The travel itinerary is displayed as a map, driving instructions, or the consumer information.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a system for linking together multiple registries and aggregating data from the multiple registries. The system includes a plurality of local resource or service (resource/service) registries, a distributed index storage and retrieval system, and at least one proxy registry. The proxy registry is configured to receive a search query from a client system, retrieve information from the distributed index storage and retrieval system as to which of the local resource/service registries are relevant to the search query, and obtain pertinent entries from said relevant resource/service registries. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for presenting items within a list of items based on an individual user profile, a social network of friends of the user or a mood of the user. The system generates the individual profile of the user, determines passive friends of the user from the social network of the user and also determines the mood of the user. The user has a choice to receive an ordered list of items based on the individual user profile, the social network or the mood of the user.