Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for dynamic middleware assembly. One embodiment of the inventive method for dynamically assembling middleware at a client involves selecting a middleware component from a group of middleware components, where the selection is based at least in part on a first profile defining characteristics of the client and a second profile defining characteristics the selected middleware component. The selected middleware component is then dynamically assembled (installed and configured) at the client.

Abstract: A method for dynamically deploying an application in a client-server environment includes evaluating at least one constraint of at least one of the application or the client-server environment and partitioning the placement and execution of components of the application in the client-server environment dynamically at runtime according to the at least one constraint.

Abstract: Techniques for maintaining consistent replicas of data are disclosed. By way of example, a method for managing copies of objects within caches, in a system including multiple caches, includes the following steps. Consistent copies of objects are maintained within the caches. A home cache for each object is maintained, wherein the home cache maintains information identifying other caches likely containing a copy of the object. In response to a request to update an object, the home cache for the object is contacted to identify other caches which might have copies of the object.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for adaptively determining trust in client-server environments. By way of example, a method for assigning a trust level to a client in a client-server environment including at least one client communicating with a plurality of servers includes the following steps. Information associated with a server s1 and a server s2 different from s1 is obtained regarding a request r1 sent by a client and received by s1 and a request r2 sent by the client and received by s2. The obtained information is utilized to assign at least one trust level to the client.

Abstract: Improved access control techniques for use in a service-oriented computing environment are disclosed. For example, one method for authenticating a client in a service-oriented environment, wherein the service-oriented environment includes a plurality of services, includes the following steps. At least one service of the plurality of services is invoked. State information is associated with the at least one service invoked. The state information is used to authenticate a client with at least one service. Further, a method for access control in a service-oriented environment, wherein the service-oriented environment includes a plurality of services, includes the following steps. A rule specification language is provided. At least one rule is specified using the rule specification language. A verification is performed to determine whether or not the client satisfies the at least one rule. The client is granted access to a service when the client satisfies the at least one rule.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for context-sensitive middleware service injection. A technique is described to apply desired middleware functionality to granular units of functionality in response to extra-functional requirements and context information. Context may include without limitation types of process activities, phases of execution of process activities, identities of interaction partners, system architectures and the status of a given interaction. A further technique is described to dynamically analyze processes to select middleware functionality for compatibility with declared extra-functional requirements and detected context information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for dynamic middleware assembly. One embodiment of the inventive method for dynamically assembling middleware at a client involves selecting a middleware component from a group of middleware components, where the selection is based at least in part on a first profile defining characteristics of the client and a second profile defining characteristics the selected middleware component. The selected middleware component is then dynamically assembled (installed and configured) at the client.

Abstract: Techniques for improved cache management are provided. In particular, the invention provides techniques for improving the task of updating a cache by efficiently and intelligently combining and controlling cache update operations. For example, a technique may comprise the following steps. A set of keys is determined such that at least one key in the set corresponds to an object in an unknown state. Requests to keys in the set are suspended while the cache is being updated. That is, the set of keys is set to an offline status, i.e., not accepting any request for a key in the set. Then, the set is placed back to an online status, i.e., accepting requests for a key in the set, after the update to the cache is complete.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing a group of two or more operations within a software system. The method includes initiating a group context including a sub-context for each operation in the group context, wherein each operation is supported by one of a transactional resource and a messaging component, performing the operations within the sub-contexts, each operation resulting in an outcome, coupling the outcomes within the group context, determining an overall outcome of the group context, and taking at least one action dependent on the overall outcome. The method further includes the step of terminating the group context upon taking one or more actions.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in an asynchronous messaging system comprises the steps of: (i) defining at least one message delivery outcome condition for at least one message to be sent in the system and associating the message delivery outcome condition with the message to be sent in the system; (ii) sending the message with the associated message delivery outcome condition in the system; and (iii) monitoring the delivery of the sent message and evaluating the delivery outcome of the message with respect to the associated message delivery outcome condition such that a sender of the message may be notified as to the outcome of the delivery of the message to final recipients.

Abstract: In a system that includes a plurality of objects and at least one cache, wherein each object has a key associated therewith and is capable of having different values for at least two of a plurality of different contexts, a method for caching at least some of the plurality of objects is provided. The method includes the step of maintaining a cache directory structure in which at least two different values are capable of being associated with at least one of the plurality of objects, each of the at least two different values corresponding to a different context. An object to be cached is identified from among the plurality of objects and also a context from among the plurality of different contexts. The identified object is stored in the at least one cache based upon the key associated therewith and the identified context.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for managing individual operations of service providers in a distributed network. The distributed network includes a client having at least one coordination outcome requirement to be satisfied. The invention includes a first determining module configured to determine a set of coordination outcome requirements. A second determining module is configured to determine predefined operation patterns of the service providers. A first observing module is configured to observe client requests for one or more individual operation invocations on the service providers. A second observing module is configured to observe service provider responses to the operation invocations.

Abstract: Techniques for improved cache management are provided. In particular, the invention provides techniques for improving the task of updating a cache by efficiently and intelligently combining and controlling cache update operations. For example, a technique may comprise the following steps. A set of keys is determined such that at least one key in the set corresponds to an object in an unknown state. Requests to keys in the set are suspended while the cache is being updated. That is, the set of keys is set to an offline status, i.e., not accepting any request for a key in the set. Then, the set is placed back to an online status, i.e., accepting requests for a key in the set, after the update to the cache is complete.

Abstract: A method for manipulating objects in isolation, in accordance with the invention, includes providing a shared object, B, from an object provider for use on a distributed object system. A new class of objects are provided which include a facade object, Bf, for B and a versionable representation object, Bv, for B wherein Bf supports a same interface as B. B is permitted to be manipulated in a given context isolated from other contexts for the object B wherein the object provider and an object user are unaware of the production and manipulation of the new class of objects. Method invocations on Bf in the given context are delegated to Bv to associate an instance of Bv with the given context such that one or more versions of object B are persistently maintained in the distributed object system.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing a group of two or more operations within a software system. The method includes initiating a group context including a sub-context for each operation in the group context, wherein each operation is supported by one of a transactional resource and a messaging component, performing the operations within the sub-contexts, each operation resulting in an outcome, coupling the outcomes within the group context, determining an overall outcome of the group context, and taking at least one action dependent on the overall outcome. The method further includes the step of terminating the group context upon taking one or more actions.