Abstract: An integrated network and method for managing cached connections are provided. The integrated network includes one or more Web server clients in communication with one or more data servers that allow the Web server clients to request data over a communication channel. To facilitate repeated data requests, an individual Web server client requests that one or more communication channels be cached. The data server processes the Web server client request based on varying criteria. Upon the instantiation of a cached connection, both the Web server client and the data server may maintain the cached connections.

Abstract: An improved user interface and query method permits a computer user to quickly specify field names, operators, and desired values for a database query. One or more of the desired values can be specified as an “ask me” value that will cause the user to be prompted (each time the query is to be executed) for a desired value prior to executing the query. A “wizard-like” set of dialog boxes guides the user through prompts to supply values for all such “ask me” values in a compound query. Rather than presenting the user with arcane logical operators and a formalistic query language, logical operators are converted into ordinary English phrases. The user can save the query for later re-use or modification. Another feature prompts the user with a constrained list of possible values that a field can assume, forcing the user to select from among the constrained values rather than requiring the entry of a discrete value.