Abstract: Improved Internet Directory System including an upper-level Directory Provider referencing a plurality of independently owned for-profit Category Directory Websites, the Category Directory Websites referencing websites relating to a category and being identified as participating in the System by at least a mark or URL, and including a business model imposed on the Category Directory Websites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, to a computer program product and to a computer-readable storage medium for the generic creation of a tree structure for describing an IT method, comprising a complete environment composed of clients, servers, middleware components, applications and network components which an end user requires for carrying out a specific IT-supported business process. The invention is based on the generic creation of a tree structure for describing the topology of an IT method, by which tree structure it is possible to collect and manage all the data necessary for the overall handling of an IT method in a defined structure, such that all the procedures relevant for managing an IT method come from one data source and can be automated. The freedom from loops and the unambiguity of the elements result in a structuring of the data contained in the IT method, whereby automated processing is facilitated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining print revenue behavior for an account are disclosed. A computing device may determine a print revenue for an account for each of a plurality of time periods. The computing device may select a best fit model from a plurality of models based on the print revenue for the account for the plurality of time periods. The computing device may determine a risk level associated with the account based on a best fit model. The risk level may be based on a difference between the best fit model and the print revenue for the account for each of time period.

Abstract: An enhanced process query framework, including receiving a user input defining behavioral and static aspects of a target process artifact, and automatically defining a query specification including an axiom component expressing the static aspect using a logical expression, and a process definition component expressing the behavioral aspect using ontologized ?-calculus. The process further includes querying a process artifact library using the automatically defined query specification, and outputting a candidate process artifact matching the defined behavioral and static aspects, based on querying the process artifact library.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for evaluating and selecting technology. Specifically, present embodiments provide for assessing the relative importance of various capabilities and constraints to determine weighting factors and applying the weighting factors to potential technology solutions rated in terms of the applicability of the capabilities and constraints. The result is a capability fit score and a constraint fit score for each potential technology solution, which can be combined to form an overall technology fit score for each potential technology solution. Thus, present embodiments assess capabilities and constraints of various potential technology solutions and balance the capabilities and constraints to result in a quantitatively measurement of which technology solution is the best fit for the project at hand.

Abstract: A method and system for documenting processes and controls of an organization involve storing information describing the processes of the organization in a database and then accessing the database with a suitable user interface application. Preferably the user interface application is a web browser and the data in the database is provided to users as a series of web pages. Using the user interface application, users can review the documented processes, report errors, request changes, generate reports, and so forth. Users with suitable access privileges can modify the data in the database using the user interface application. An external auditor can audit the processes and controls of the organization from his own office by accessing the database over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively cache trading partner transaction messages in a trading partner collaboration environment. At least one trading partner transaction message is received. A determination is made as to whether at least one trading partner business rule requires data from the transaction message. If at least one trading partner business rule requires data from the transaction message, at least a portion of the transaction message in a transaction history cache is selectively cached. Another determination is made as to whether the transaction message is associated with a trading partner business rule. If the transaction message is associated with a trading partner business rule the transaction message is processed based on the associated trading partner business rule and previous transaction message data residing in the transaction history cache.

Abstract: A unifying domain model for Internet business systems is described that includes an authoritative definition of logical objects that make up a modern Internet business system, a canonical list of attributes associated with such objects, a specification of how such objects may be composed and may relate to one another, and what operations or actions may be taken on or provided by them. A middleware framework is also described that brokers communication between end-user applications that are designed to consume the aforementioned objects and various integrated systems that are not so designed, such as LOB systems and partner systems, wherein brokering communication may include performing a translation between a representation of the data and operations utilized by an integrated system and the unifying domain model utilized by the end-user applications during runtime of the end-user applications.

Abstract: A system for calculating financial benefit estimations and generating reports for multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform calculations to determine financial benefits of implementing multi-dimensional project plans; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for generating financial benefit estimations and reports for the implementation of packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Abstract: Customers who purchase a digital service under a subscription-like payment model are grouped according the value each receives, which is computed from stored transaction data as the amount the customer pays divided by the benefit the customer receives. Customers who pay more or less than a mid-range “normal” price may be given price adjustments to bring the value they receive closer to the normal price.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the automatic detection of different types of changes in a business process. A system includes a transformer for performing a transformation on data derived from process traces or models extracted from the processes traces to generate transformed data. The process traces are for a business process corresponding to a set of related tasks for a specified goal. Each of the models has at least a transition matrix of dimension N×N, where N is a total number of the related tasks. The system further includes a change detector for performing change detection on the transformed data to identify at least one of when a change occurs in the business process and a degree of the change.

Abstract: A model is used to provide a user interface to track flows through at least one application of a computer system. The model relates the structural aspects of the at least one application to a behavioral model such as a business transaction hierarchy. The structural part of the model includes linked Vertex and Edge records. Vertex records for different instances of a component can be aggregated to provide a single vertex or node for display in a user interface. A Vertex record is linked to an Agent record and a Metric Path record. The Edge records identify tail and head components of a call. A set of Edge records can be associated with a Transaction record in the behavioral part of the model. A Transaction record can be associated with a Business Transaction Record, and a Business Transaction record can be associated with a Business Service Record.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for customer loan lifecycle modeling using discrete event simulation methodology. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) allows for modeling to occur at the customer and/or account level, such that the process captures customer-specific or loan-specific attributes/risk factors, such as, but not limited to, credit score(s), House Price Index (HPI), loan product type, unemployment rates, interest rates and the like. Such modeling takes into the account that loan events occur at random paces and are typically dependent on ancillary factors, such as, availability of financial resources, market demand, customer attributes and the like, which all tend to be stochastic by nature.

Abstract: Systems and methods generate a risk score for an account event. The systems and methods automatically generate a causal model corresponding to a user, wherein the model estimates components of the causal model using event parameters of a previous event undertaken by the user in an account of the user. The systems and methods predict expected behavior of the user during a next event in the account using the causal model. Predicting the expected behavior of the user includes generating expected event parameters of the next event. The systems and methods use a predictive fraud model to generate fraud event parameters. Generation of the fraud event parameters assumes a fraudster is conducting the next event, wherein the fraudster is any person other than the user. The systems and methods generate a risk score of the next event to indicate the relative likelihood the future event is performed by the user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to techniques for a computer-implemented method which receives user input that specifies values for predetermined questions provided in an environmental questionnaire, identifies environmentally friendly businesses or individuals by analyzing the user input values and determining those businesses or individuals that meet predetermined minimum requirements, and stores a list of the identified businesses or individuals within a database.

Abstract: Data pertaining to interactions between a plurality of customers is obtained. A graph is formed, having a plurality of nodes representing the customers and a plurality of edges representing interactions between the customers. A sub-set of the customers are denoted as previously churned customers. A spreading activation model is applied to the graph to identify, based on the graph and the previously churned customers, the potential churning customers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for computing a variance for the difference between two business metrics. In one embodiment, the method accesses a response model and a plurality of activities with start and end values for each of the plurality of activities. Furthermore, the method computes a variance for the difference between the first and second business metrics for each of the plurality of activities using the response model by setting that activity to one of the corresponding starting and ending values and setting others of the plurality of activities to the value state opposite of that activity, wherein the variance for an activity is the change in contribution for that activity between the start and end sales volumes.

Abstract: A system that enables development and execution of predictive models comprises a centralized data management system, a data extraction tool a model validation tool and a model execution tool. In embodiments, a data management system includes a data management server that can be accessed via a web browser that stores data. An extraction tool includes a data filter adapted to filter data based on, for example, a population criteria, a sample size, and a date range criteria. A model validation tool validates the model. A model execution tool allows a user to score the model.

Abstract: A computerized system, method and process allows telecommunications carriers to find, evaluate and select locations for equipment through direct access to end users, while providing citizens the opportunity to offer the use of their dwelling or other assets to carriers. The system and method further provides a computerized mechanism for (a) creating an inventory and marketplace for available properties for use in telecommunications networks, (b) providing quality and/or performance monitoring and control for wireless communication systems based on data in the clearinghouse, and (c) providing localized content over wireless networks using the clearinghouse.

Abstract: A system includes a central server in communication with public agencies through a private network and with local service-providers through a public network. The central server executes a profiling module configured to exchange standardized information with a local service-provider over the public network and with a public agency over the private network; an invoicing module in communication with the profiling module, the invoicing module being configured to process claims submitted by the local service-providers; a compliance module in communication with the profiling module, the compliance module being configured to monitor compliance with contracts between the local service-providers and the public agencies; a demand module in communication with the profiling module for forecasting demand for services; and a procurement module in communication with the profiling module for entering into contracts with the local service-providers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining leading indicators and/or for modeling one or more time series. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving first data indicating the value of a total income amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (b) receiving second data indicating the value of a total debt amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (c) selecting a consumer leverage time series that compares the total income amount to the total debt amount over a period of time; (d) modeling the consumer leverage time series based at least partially on the first and second data; (e) determining, using a processor, the value of the cycle component for a particular time; and (f) outputting an indication of the value of the cycle component for the particular time.

Abstract: First operational data produced during completion of a first instance of at least one of a first business activity and a second business activity of an organization can be accessed prior to execution of a second instance of the first business activity. The first and the second business activity can be modeled using master data having at least one master data attribute in common with the first business activity. The master data attribute can be derived based on at least the first operational data, and a second instance of the first business activity can be modeled using the derived master data attribute. Related systems, articles of manufacture, and computer-implemented methods are described.

Abstract: A method and a system for modelling a supply chain network are provided. The present method includes defining a plurality of pilot elements, wherein each of the pilot elements includes a plurality of supply chain components. The present method also includes receiving a plurality of user inputs and generating and displaying a supply chain process according to the user inputs, wherein the supply chain process is constructed with the supply chain components of the pilot elements. The present method further includes translating the supply chain process into a supply chain network model and verifying the supply chain network model. Thereby, the present method and system can effectively model and establish a supply chain network.

Abstract: An information terminal, comprising: a store selection unit for selecting a specific store, a date and time appointment unit for appointing a date and time, and a display unit for displaying a sales data in a period of time including at least one of the date and time appointed by the date and time appointment unit according to the summed sales data of the commodities displayed in the store selected by the store selection unit in the form of a time-sequence graph.

Abstract: A software system provides a programming language for non-mathematical experts to define the business relations underlying the analytical problem combined with an interpretation engine, model build engine, and model simulation engine to process user information and produce the desired output. By integrating and streamlining model definition and data processing, operating directly at the level of business relations and attributes, the software of the present invention opens up the world of advanced analytics to non-mathematical experts.

Abstract: A method of operationalizing service methodologies useable for a computerized environment is provided. The method includes the following stages: capturing a method to yield a workflow, work products and template structure; extracting structure and relations from at least one of: the templates, actual work products, workflow, and human experts; modeling the captured structure to yield a method model; augmenting the method-model using the extracted structure and relations, to yield an augmented method-model, such that the augmented method-model provides sufficient data for automatically generating a software application implementing a runtime environment that supports the method.

Abstract: Data pertaining to interactions between a plurality of customers is obtained. A graph is formed, having a plurality of nodes representing the customers and a plurality of edges representing interactions between the customers. A sub-set of the customers are denoted as previously churned customers. A spreading activation model is applied to the graph to identify, based on the graph and the previously churned customers, the potential churning customers.

Abstract: A Business Intelligence (BI) meta model template is selected based on one or more meta model object types in a model structure. A BI meta model is generated from the selected BI meta model template. One or more BI report specification templates are selected based on a mining model type. A BI report specification is generated from the selected one or more BI report specification templates, a schema of the model structure, and content of the model structure. The BI meta model and the BI report specification are deployed to a BI server for use in generating a BI report using a BI tool at the BI server. In response to a user request for a BI report, the BI report is generated with a BI tool at the BI server that uses the BI meta model and the BI report specification.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. (original) The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A method for modeling a process comprising receiving a first formatted data input representing a process element and a second formatted data input representing a process element, executing a simulation and determining a measure representing the simulation of the process element given the entity element. In some embodiments, the process element represents a business process and the entity element represents a resource unit and the simulation comprises a temporal simulation. Some embodiments further comprise the measure being a completeness measure associated with a decay rate or a repair rate. Some embodiments also include the measure comprising an information product completeness measure. Some embodiments also include automatically determining the process element and the entity element. Systems, to include processor based embodiments having a computer program product to perform the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for inferring and visualizing correlations of different business aspects for business transformation are provided. Business models, for instance, that may include business component model, business process model, value drivers and metrics model, application model, organization model, and solutions model are organized into a model topology data schema, and qualitative relationships and quantitative relationships may be configured among the entities or components of the business models. Correlations are inferred and visualized based on those relationships.

Abstract: A system and method for cost-based migration planning includes determining cost factors and constraints associated with at least one of migrating and transforming a plurality of components. A cost-based model is constructed using the cost factors and constraints. The cost-based model is applied to groupings of the plurality of components to provide a cost-based determination grouping scheme in accordance with the constraints. The grouping scheme is output to provide migration waves for migrating or transforming the plurality of components.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. (original) The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A method and system for inconsistency resolution in a model-driven software development environment are provided. A method includes performing a safety analysis for resolutions in response to detected inconsistencies to determine whether the resolution, if implemented, will lead to a resolution cycle when applied to a given inconsistency. The determination includes processing a resolution tree for the inconsistency and, using a resolution strategy tree, for each resolution that resolves an inconsistency, analyzing whether beginning with the resolution, it is possible to resolve all the inconsistencies subsequently introduced as side effects without a resolution cycle occurring. The analysis includes traversing the resolution strategy tree, whereby all resolution strategies derived by traversing the resolution strategy tree lead to a resolution cycle if the resolution strategy tree is infinite.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: Site optimizer is a tool that enables A/B testing of merchandising offers for your online store to help you determine which offers work best on your storefront. A/B testing compares multiple offers simultaneously to randomly selected groups of shoppers. The A/B testing approach provides a unique and effective way to optimize online store performance because it is metrics-driven, objective, and more efficient than other site optimization techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving metadata about a business network, the metadata gathered by computer-based entities performing automated discovery of the business network; generating a business network model based on the metadata, the business network model comprising objects and associations between them, the objects representing aspects of the business network found by the automated discovery, including at least: participants, systems, relationships, applications, interfaces, middleware, process steps, and documents; and modifying the business network model based on at least one input.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for linking organizational strategies to performing capabilities. Embodiments of the invention include determining what impact proposed capability changes in an initiative/program/project for an organizational strategy have on the organizational strategy's performance. Schema-based representations of organizational strategies and initiatives are used to provide a common vocabulary for describing changes to organizational strategies. Proposed changes can be evaluated against an impact/value contribution curve, potentially on an ongoing basis, to determine their benefit. Corrective action can be taken when operations/tactics are trend outside of specified metrics.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an enterprise grid to model the wellbeing of an enterprise. The system includes a system for creating models to form the enterprise grid, wherein a set of entity models are utilized to model entities within the enterprise and a set of organizational models are utilized to model organizational aspects of the enterprise, and wherein at least one class of entity models are utilized to model humans; a system for training models; a system for receiving an input from an entity within the enterprise and forwarding the input into an associated entity model; and a system for connecting models such that an output of a source model is only directed to a target model either at a same hierarchical level or at a parent level.

Abstract: This disclosure provides various embodiments for modeling a first business process as a sub-process of a second business process, the first business process less than fully compatible with a particular business process management system. The first business process is compatible with a first system adapted to execute the first business process. The first business process is identified and a user input received requesting modeling of the first business process as a sub-process of the second business process. A modeled sub-process is generated including a reference to the first system, callable from the modeled sub-process, and an interface definition defining an interface between the modeled sub-process and the first system. A modeled interface between a model of the second business process and the modeled sub-process is generated defining inputs and outputs between first and second business processes. In some aspects, the modeled sub-process can be deployed in a runtime environment.