Abstract: A method and a system for managing the introduction of a new non-backward compatible version of an application server into a client/server networking, the method includes first distributing to a client system to be served by the new non-backward compatible version of the application server a client application operable in a mode compatible with the current version of the application server and in a mode compatible with the new non-backward compatible version. Upon installation in the client system the client application is set into a downgraded mode compatible with the current version of the application server. While the current version of the application server is still in production, the client application is kept operated in the downgraded mode. Upon introduction of the new non-backward compatible version of the application server, the client application is set into a valid mode compatible with the new version of the application server.

Abstract: Method and system for providing a user with a consistent view of user session requiring a conversation between an external device and application servers in a distributed computing environment. The conversation may be established by receiving a call at a routing device from one of the application servers or the external device to reach the other to establish communication therebetween, opening a session for the conversation, creating a session ID that uniquely identifies the session, adding the session ID to the call, storing the session ID, and routing the call to the other of the application server or the external device. If the call already includes a session ID, then the conversation may be established by routing the call to the other-of the application server or the external device, and allowing the conversation to join an already opened session that is uniquely identified by the session ID.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a user with a consistent view of user session. The method includes providing application servers with data storage means for storing part of the user context for that user session, defining for each user session a set of application servers having each an affinity with the user session. At a routing means, receiving a request and routing transactions of the user session toward the application servers, assigning to the user session a correlation record (DCX) arranged to comprise Affinity Keys, each Affinity Key indicating an application server that has an affinity with the user session for a given software application, and propagating the correlation record with transactions, allowing thereby the routing means to target the application servers that are linked to the user context of that user session and that process the software application relevant to process the transaction.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are disclosed for providing a user with a consistent view of user session in a distributed environment, wherein the session requires establishing conversations between the external device and application servers (A1, . . . , C4) of a system. The system is provided with at least a routing means configured to establish, for a given session, a conversation between the external device and one of the application servers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for providing a user with a consistent view of user session in a distributed environment. The method includes providing application servers with data storage means for storing part of the user context for that user session, defining thereby for each user session a set of application servers having each an affinity with the user session. Each application server is configured to process a software application that is required for that user session.

Abstract: Method of managing printing using multiple workstations, each with unique ID, and multiple printers having a type and configuration dependent on the ID, in a network including a document server and identification generator. At least one printer is connected to a workstation. The network polls a workstation upon connection to the network to determine what printers are connected to it; determines workstation ID, printer type and configuration from type and workstation location, and ID code for each connected printer using the identification generator; develops a look-up table of workstation ID, type and configuration of printer, and ID code; receives a print request from a workstation at the document server; in response to the request identifies from the look-up table the configuration of a printer that can receive the print request; and sends the print request to the identified printer with the appropriate ID code, as identified by the look-up table.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing the introduction of a new non-backward compatible version of an application server into a client/server networking, the method includes first distributing to a client system to be served by the new non-backward compatible version of the application server a client application operable in a mode compatible with the current version of the application server and in a mode compatible with the new non-backward compatible version. Upon installation in the client system the client application is set into a downgraded mode compatible with the current version of the application server. While the current version of the application server is still in production, the client application is kept operated in the downgraded mode. Upon introduction of the new non-backward compatible version of the application server, the client application is set into a valid mode compatible with the new version of the application server.

Abstract: A method of managing printing in an environment with a plurality of workstations and a plurality of printers in one or more networks. Each workstation has a unique ID and each printer has a type and a configuration which is dependent on the unique ID. One or more of the printers is connected to a one of the plurality of workstations. The network also includes a document server and a identification generator.