Abstract: A method for automated provision of build images is disclosed. The method includes identifying the network location of build scripts that provide information regarding the installation of installation files and copying the build scripts from the location on the network to a memory, e.g., a disk drive of a target computer system. In addition, the method includes copying installation files that correspond to the build scripts to the drive of the target machine. The installation files are subsequently installed on the target machine to create the build image.

Abstract: A software management database contains data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.

Abstract: A method for automated provision of build images is disclosed. The method includes identifying the network location of build scripts that provide information regarding the installation of installation files and copying the build scripts from the location on the network to a memory, e.g., a disk drive of a target computer system. In addition, the method includes copying installation files that correspond to the build scripts to the drive of the target machine. The installation files are subsequently installed on the target machine to create the build image.

Abstract: A method for automated provision of build images is disclosed. The method includes identifying the network location of build scripts that provide information regarding the installation of installation files and copying the build scripts from the location on the network to a memory, e.g., a disk drive of a target computer system. In addition, the method includes copying installation files that correspond to the build scripts to the drive of the target machine. The installation files are subsequently installed on the target machine to create the build image.

Abstract: A system and method of modular image downloading (MINDS) from a network for configuring computers, or computer-based devices. The program images typically comprise a foundation image (operating system) and application module images. The system is configured as software which executes in response to a tree of actions defined in configuration data and not embedded within the executable of the MINDS program. The action tree can be controlled by the user interface, started, paused, terminated, stepped forward or backward, and so forth. The executable operates on the action tree and need not be re-compiled for each action tree change, the modules for the action trees are dynamically linked prior to execution. The action tree approach allows the user to readily change, add, or delete actions, or entire action trees from the system without the need of recoding or additional program testing.

Abstract: A modular approach to creating a software configuration and to allowing recovery of a configuration. Initial configuration tools can be applied or executed selectively and in different orders at a time of manufacture or shipping of a computer system. Foundation images and modules are stored in a flat directory structure, in one directory, with unique names to make management of, and access to, the images and modules more efficient. Records are used to identify image and module compatibility on specific hardware platforms, or sets (i.e., computer system hardware). In one embodiment a text format is used for the records and other database information to describe and define the images and modules. A hardware set is identified by an identification (ID) code. A recovery set of tools allows a user to selectively restore a system to an original configuration, or to restore selected modules or components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an XML-based programming language, toolkit, and development environment that can be readily used and understood without the need for formal software programming skills to assemble a complete software suite for a computer.

Abstract: A method for automated provision of build images is disclosed. The method includes identifying the network location of build scripts that provide information regarding the installation of installation files and copying the build scripts from the location on the network to a memory, e.g., a disk drive of a target computer system. In addition, the method includes copying installation files that correspond to the build scripts to the drive of the target machine. The installation files are subsequently installed on the target machine to create the build image.