Abstract: An automated deployment method for upgrading a client's internal business software system includes: obtaining a configuration template from a runtime configuration of a business software system, unifying and updating a format of the configuration template; automatically adjusting middleware using the obtained configuration template; and performing fast cross-version upgrading. Compared with existing technologies, the method realizes automatic generation of the configuration template and reduces the demand on professional skill of the field operators. Irrespective of upgrading by direct connection to the upgrade server of the service provider or upgrading directly at the client site, the method is faster and more resource-saving than existing technologies.

Abstract: A network device is configured to receive purchase information and receive, from a social networking server, information regarding a friend of the user. The network device is further configured to receive additional purchase information associated with the friend. The network device is further configured to generate, based on a result of comparing the purchase information and the additional purchase information, a recommendation, and send the recommendation to a user device associated with the user.

Abstract: A network device is configured to receive purchase information and receive, from a social networking server, information regarding a friend of the user. The network device is further configured to receive additional purchase information associated with the friend. The network device is further configured to generate, based on a result of comparing the purchase information and the additional purchase information, a recommendation, and send the recommendation to a user device associated with the user.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing rate plans for communication services may include obtaining usage data for a user from a database of historical usage data for the user and determining rate plan costs based on the usage data. The method and system may include obtaining information from a user and determining, based on the user information, if usage data for the communication services may be available for the user and obtaining the usage data from inputs by the user, including uploads of electronic bills, when the usage data is not available from the database. The method may be implemented on a web-based site server, which can connect to a decision engine for analyzing the usage data and determining the costs for the rate plan. The decision engine may access the historical usage database through one or more Application Program Interfaces operating on one or more billing servers.