Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing objects within an object store. An object is maintained within an object store. In an embodiment, a rule is enforced for the object that in-use slots of the object are non-modifiable and unused slots of the object are modifiable. Metadata of additional information for a slot within the object is attached to the object header. A first application allowed to access user data within the slot is provided access to the user data without being provided access to the metadata. A second application allowed access to the user data and the additional information is provided with access to the user data and the metadata for identifying a location of additional information within the object.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide features for the architecture of microservices. A global context cache is created for a microservice environment that is accessible from multiple deployed microservices. Data from various customers/applications can be aggregated to establish a determination of when a read or write access would fail due to permissions, and/or other condition such as existence or non-existence of certain data. In such situations, an error can be returned from the global context cache in much less time than if the access request propagated throughout the computer network to the persistent storage. In this way, disclosed embodiments reduce downtime and save money for organizations, and increase the efficiency of utilization of computer resources.

Abstract: Per-segment parameters for content delivery are described herein. A manifest file for a segment and a parameter file for the segment may be sent to a user device. The parameter file may indicate one or more time ranges each corresponding to a parameter value. Requests for content segments based on the manifest file and the parameter file may be received. The user device may access the parameter file to determine a time range of the one or more time ranges into which a start time of a particular segment falls. The user device may determine a parameter value as corresponding to the determined time range. The user device may then generate a request to include the determined parameter value.

Abstract: The described technology is generally directed towards improving indexes and queries for files by indexing file directories. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a memory and a processor that can execute the components stored in the memory. The components can comprise a data interface to couple to a database system comprising a database storing metadata describing a file system, wherein the database comprises records that correspond to ones of directories of the file system, and wherein the records comprise a field that corresponds to files logically stored in the directories of the file system. The system can further comprise an indexing component that creates an index for the records based on an index key and an analysis of the ones of the files and the directories to which the records correspond, wherein the index comprises links between instances of the index key and ones of the directories.

Abstract: An online system uses a task async engine to coordinate task execution, such as for phased content creation, where the system enables content providers to efficiently create and publish sponsored content in multiple phases. Each phase of the content creation is represented by a draft of the content. Multiple drafts of the content are stored in a repository of the online system for optimizing content delivery and publication, such as quick identification of conflicts in a draft based on analysis of draft fragments of the draft. Objects associated with the sponsored content are stored in an object model. The connections amongst the various draft segments of a draft are stored in a hierarchy structure. Each user associated with a draft has a role, where all of the roles can contribute to the draft. The online system efficiently publishes the drafts and presents the sponsored content to its target users.

Abstract: Technologies are disclosed for generating resources within a secured network. When a user from an outside network wants to perform actions involving resources of a secured network, the user simply indicates the actions to perform within a resource file. Upon specifying the actions to perform, the requested actions specified in the resource file are securely transferred to the secured network where a cleared user of the secured network may approve/reject the actions to perform. In some cases, the cleared user may view the actions within a graphical user interface (GUI) and approve/reject the requested actions. The approved actions are then executed within the secured network. Results obtained from executing the approved actions are transferred to the user of the outside network without the user having to message, or call, the cleared user of the secured network.

Abstract: The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for a content management system that can be highly flexible to the needs of its subjects. The present technology permits any object to be shared by providing a robust and flexible access control list mechanism. The present technology utilizes a data structure that is highly efficient that both minimizes the amount of information that needs to be written into any database, but also allows for fast reads and writes of information from authoritative tables that are a source of truth for the content management system, while allowing for maintenance of indexes containing more refined data that allow for efficient retrieval of certain information that would normally need to be calculated when it is needed.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for storing metadata in a metadata store in a robust and efficient manner including receiving a request from a client to perform a data transaction, updating a key-value pair in a metadata store based on the request, entering the data transaction in a transaction log, replicating the last transaction log entry in at least one other storage node in the metadata store and, in response to a threshold event, migrating a first portion of the transaction log from the a data storage medium to a second data storage medium of each of the plurality of data storage nodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for data characterization and tracking via cohesive information units. In particular, the system may be structured to define a cohesive information unit (“CIU”) which may serve as the fundamental functional unit that serves as the basis for data electronically stored, transferred, modified, and/or copied within computing systems. Each CIU may be electronically associated with metadata which serves to identify the CIU as the CIU is stored and/or in motion. Rather than allowing applications and/or users to change the data within the CIU directly, the system may write subsequent CIU's to reflect proposed changes by the applications and/or users. In this way, the system provides a secure and reliable way to maintain authenticity of data within the entity system.

Abstract: An object information processing method includes obtaining an information creation request. The information creation request carries a first address identifier of a target object. The target object includes a subdirectory or a sub-file. The method further includes determining a second address identifier of a parent directory to which the target object belongs according to the first address identifier, searching for an information storage area storing metadata of the parent directory according to the second address identifier, and performing data updating for the information storage area according to the first address identifier to create an association relationship between the parent directory and the target object in the metadata.

Abstract: The described technology is generally directed towards incremental aggregation of metadata for a file storage system. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a memory and a processor that can execute the components stored in the memory. The components can comprise a scanner component that can accessing a data structure storage component that can store a first data structure, and a branch of the first data structure can comprise a node that comprises at least one descendent link to a descendant node. The scanner component can further traverse from a first node to a second node by employing a first descendent link. Further, the method comprises a data collector that can collect node data from the first node and the second node. The system can further comprise a rollup data generator to aggregate, upon occurrence of a condition, the node data, resulting in aggregated node data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an indexing implementing method in file storage, and the method includes: obtaining an index operation request of a file; searching an increment interval to determine whether the increment interval stores at least one piece of metadata corresponding to the file, making a response to the index operation request according to the at least one piece of metadata in the increment interval when the increment interval stores the at least one piece of metadata corresponding to the file, and processing the index operation request according to a total quality interval corresponding to the increment interval when the increment interval does not store the at least one piece of metadata corresponding to the file; wherein each piece of metadata comprises an index corresponding to the file. Further, an indexing implementing system in file storage is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting data redundancy within a database and optimizing data access operations. The embodiments identify a candidate column to determine the relationship between the candidate column against the remaining columns. The system calculates the vector angles of rows based on candidate column pairs and determines the difference in the angle between the candidate column and the corresponding rows of data in the comparison columns. If the candidate column has a greater angle than the compared column, then the compared column is identified as redundant and is marked for the decluttering process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for content based routing are provided. Aspects include receiving, by a processor, a request to save a file. Analyzing, by the processor, data associated with the file. Determining one or more file save locations for the file based on a feature vector, generated by a machine learning model, comprising a plurality of features extracted from the data associated with the file and presenting the one or more file save locations to a user.

Abstract: Object creation from hierarchical metadata stored on a storage device is disclosed. A request to generate an object from a hierarchy of a plurality of metadata nodes identified in files stored in one or more directories in a file system of a storage device is received. At least some of the metadata nodes include one or more attribute-value pairs. Based on the hierarchy of the plurality of metadata nodes identified in the files, the object is generated. The object includes each attribute-value pair from each metadata node in a path of metadata nodes from a root metadata node to an object metadata node that corresponds to the object. The object is sent to a destination.

Abstract: A home cost analysis server for executing a customized home search may include a processor programmed to receive user input including a geographic area and a budget, and define a budget constraint. The processor may access an external database storing a list of available homes in the geographic area, and analyze metadata associated with each available home on the list to determine a monthly home cost associated with each available home. The processor may also determine a significant home maintenance cost associated with each available home based upon the metadata and the geographic area, and calculate a total cost associated with each available home. The processor may further isolate a subset of the available homes having the total cost associated therewith that satisfies the budget constraint, and cause to be displayed the subset of available homes along with a graphical indicator that associates the total cost with the budget constraint.

Abstract: The disclosed technology teaches finding contents of one or more virtual machines running on one or more cloud servers. The disclosed technology includes a cloud snapshot metadata manager periodically instantiating indexing virtual machines on the cloud servers. The indexing virtual machines compile metadata of one or more virtual machines on the cloud server from one or more snapshot file systems of the virtual machines. The indexing virtual machines then transmit the compiled metadata to the cloud snapshot metadata manager. The cloud snapshot metadata manager forwards the metadata to a client and causing the client to create an index of the compiled metadata from multiple virtual machine snapshots on multiple clouds and responding to queries from a user using the index of compiled metadata, without requiring the user to instantiate or to attach to the snapshots.

Abstract: Token based dynamic data indexing with integrated security includes generating attribute tokens based on a database, each attribute token including an ordered sequence of symbols, generating an index indexing the attribute tokens, such that the index includes a root node, a first branch depending from the root node representing a first symbol from a first attribute token, and a security bitmask for the first attribute token, such that a security bitmask for the first branch at the root node is a hierarchical logical disjunction based on the security bitmask for the first attribute token, such that generating a response receiving an information retrieval request indicating a search symbol and a search context, is based on a determination that a horizontal logical disjunction of a vertical logical conjunction of the security bitmask for the first branch and a security bitmask for the information retrieval request indicates authorization.

Abstract: Techniques and architectures for scratch organizations in a multitenant environment. A first scratch organization is generated based on a designated set of metadata defining at least a set of privileges for the first scratch organization. Test data is loaded into the first scratch organization from a source external to the first scratch organization. A designated test sequence is performed on the first scratch organization using test data. The test operations are defined by structures external to the first scratch organization and utilize the test data to generate test results. The first scratch organization is destroyed after extracting the test results. A second scratch organization is generated based on the designated set of metadata cause the second scratch organization to have the set of privileges.

Abstract: In one example, a method managing data includes transmitting backup format information to a storage platform, breaking data targeted for backup into data pieces, computing a unique fingerprint for each of the data pieces, and transmitting metadata concerning the data pieces to the storage platform, where the metadata includes the fingerprints. The method further includes receiving from the storage platform a list of any new fingerprints that do not correspond to any of the data pieces, and grouping data pieces together to form a jumbo data piece, where the data pieces that form the jumbo data piece are data pieces to which the new fingerprints correspond.

Abstract: A crime analysis system, method, and apparatus comprising at least one processor and a storage device communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising receiving information provided by one or more data collection source, storing the information, wherein the stored information is formatted, processing the information to generate crime clustering data associated with at least one region and at least one crime, processing the crime clustering data associated with at least one region and at least one crime to generate benchmarking of the at least one region with at least one other region, and providing crime clustering data associated with at least one region and at least one crime, and benchmarking of the at least one region with at least one other region for presentation through a user interface.

Abstract: Logging changes to file system metadata using a single log hold per cached block of metadata. A metadata log including log entries is maintained in persistent storage, and each log entry in the metadata log contains metadata modified by a corresponding file system request. A single log hold is stored for each block of cached metadata. The single log hold for a given block of cached metadata indicates a file system request that modifies the metadata contained in the block, and that corresponds to a log entry located the closest, of all log entries corresponding to file system requests that modify metadata contained in the block, to a head of the metadata log.

Abstract: A file system interface receives, from one or more clients, file system operations over a network. In response to receiving a file system operation for a file, a file-object manager calls an object storage interface to store, via an application-level network protocol, a log object indicating the file system operation into a file system log in the object storage system and creates or updates a file object in a file object construction buffer in volatile system memory. To evict the file object, the file-object manager calls the object storage interface to store the file object into a file object store in the object storage system. The file-object manager does not have access to local persistent storage. After power failure, the file-object manager calls the object storage interface to retrieve log objects from the file system log and replays file system operations to restore file objects in the volatile system memory.

Abstract: A system (100) for managing data is provided. The system includes at least one processor (102) configured to convert a source dataset (302) to a root dataset (312) by obtaining a plurality of intermediary datasets (306, 308). The root dataset (312) is shorter compared to the source dataset (302) and the intermediary datasets (306, 308) are intermediate to the source dataset (302) and the root dataset (312). At least one of the intermediary datasets comprises reference bits, wherein the reference bits enable identification of one or more functions that should be used to obtain a dataset from which the intermediary dataset comprising the reference bits was obtained in the process of converting the source dataset (302) and the root dataset (312).

Abstract: Mechanisms for restricting playback functionality of a media device in response to detecting unauthorized content are provided, the mechanisms being configured to: determine whether a piece of media content on a media device is unauthorized content known to be obtained through an authorized channel; and in response to determining that the piece of media content is unauthorized content: cause the media device to present a warning to a user to remove the unauthorized content; and change a setting on the media device by sending instructions to a hardware processor of the media device so that decryption of an authenticity token is inhibited for all media content on the media device, wherein the media content on the media device includes a plurality of pieces of media content.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, from a client device, a reservation time and image data relating to a desired room; receiving, from a network storage device, facility data for a plurality of rooms; identifying, using an image recognition model, the desired room based on the image data and the facility data; determining an availability of the desired room based on the reservation time and the facility data; generating a first reservation option to reserve the desired room and/or a second reservation option to reserve an alternate room; transmitting, to the client device, the first reservation option and/or the second reservation option; receiving, from the client device, a user selection of the first reservation option and/or the second reservation option; and transmitting, to the network storage device, an instruction to reserve the desired room and/or the alternate room.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for referenced access control lists. In one aspect, a method includes accessing an object hierarchy for a plurality of objects, each object being representative of one of a storage location or a file. The object hierarchy includes for each object, a respective node, for each object that is a parent object having a child object, a directed edge connecting the node representing the parent object. In addition, for each object, including metadata that includes an access control list identifier that identifies an access control list for the object and that is owned by an access control list root object. The method including receiving updates to an access control list for particular objects, generating a new access control list, and storing the new access control list identifier in metadata for each object that descends from the particular object.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a network-enabled method and system for consolidating disparate repositories and for reconciling records into a common platform. In particular, the method and system in the present application can be used to automate the migration or importation of legacy repositories into newer schemaless repositories or metadata management platforms and to perform a comparison of data extracted from the legacy repository to data contained in the records residing on the metadata management platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for migrating a metadata server are provided. A source metadata server is transferred to a new metadata server. During the migration process, only one of the metadata servers is active. Over time, data is transferred to the new metadata server until the new metadata server is fully synchronized with the source metadata server. Then metadata service process is terminated on the source metadata server and started on the new metadata server. The new metadata server transitions to read/write and normal file system operations are resumed at the new metadata server.

Abstract: A hybrid database table is stored as both a row and a column store. One or more techniques may be employed alone or in combination to enhance performance of the hybrid table by regulating access to, and/or the size of, the processing-intensive column store data. For example during an insert operation, the column store data may be searched for a uniqueness violation only after certain filtering and/or boundary conditions have been considered. In another technique, a hybrid table manager may control movement of data to the column store based upon considerations such as frequency of access, or underlying business logic. In still another technique, querying of the hybrid table may result in a search of the column store data only after an initial search of row store data fails to return a result.

Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for file management. Aspects include monitoring a device to determine an execution of a new process on the device. Based at least in part on the new process starting, a file system is monitored for the creation of a new file, wherein the new file includes one or more file characteristics. The one or more file characteristics are compared to a knowledge database to determine a file type for the new file and the new file is associated with the new process based at least in part on determining the file type for the new file.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for provisioning computer code in a cloud computing system is implemented. A computer code file may be received at a server from a first additional computer device. A metabase of metadata may be built by a second additional computer device in response to the first additional computer device uploading the computer code file to the server. The metadata may be based upon the computer code file and may describe one or more dependencies of the computer code file. One or more provisioning conditions may be received at the second additional computer device. Based upon the provisioning conditions and the metadata, in response to the first additional computer device executing instructions to initiate provisioning of the computer code file, the computer code file may be sent to a plurality of cloud computing system nodes so as to provision the computer code in the cloud computing system.

Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for file management. Aspects include monitoring a device to determine an execution of a new process on the device. Based at least in part on the new process starting, a file system is monitored for the creation of a new file, wherein the new file includes one or more file characteristics. The one or more file characteristics are compared to a knowledge database to determine a file type for the new file and the new file is associated with the new process based at least in part on determining the file type for the new file.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for using various in-core and on-disk data structures to improve the file creation process through the use of previously-occupied inodes. For example, one method involves updating an in-core data structure in response to receiving a command to delete a first file, such that a first node is assigned to the first file, the in-core data structure is stored in a non-persistent computer-readable storage medium, the in-core data structure comprises a plurality of entries, each of the entries comprises information identifying a respective inode of a plurality of inodes as being available, and the updating the in-core data structure comprises storing information regarding the first inode in a first entry of the plurality of entries; and creating a second file, where the creating comprises assigning the first inode to the second file using the information regarding the first inode stored in the first entry.

Abstract: Techniques for extracting a set of highly correlated logs without user's prior knowledge of generation rules of logs generated by a machine. A log analysis apparatus includes: a template storage unit configured to store templates for log messages; a template determination unit configured to determine templates corresponding to log messages provided from a to-be-monitored host from the stored templates; an event candidate extraction unit configured to detect templates determined for log messages provided from the same host from the determined templates and extract a sequence of the detected templates as an event candidate; and an event extraction unit configured to extract a sequence of frequently occurring templates as an event from the extracted event candidate.

Abstract: Techniques and architectures for scratch organizations in a multitenant environment. A first scratch organization is generated based on a designated set of metadata defining at least a set of privileges for the first scratch organization. Test data is loaded into the first scratch organization from a source external to the first scratch organization. A designated test sequence is performed on the first scratch organization using test data. The test operations are defined by structures external to the first scratch organization and utilize the test data to generate test results. The first scratch organization is destroyed after extracting the test results. A second scratch organization is generated based on the designated set of metadata cause the second scratch organization to have the set of privileges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus are described for cloud digital video recorder optimization. A cloud based storage unit stores recorded content items in response to recording requests by users from among a plurality of users, each recorded content item belonging to at least one content item type category and each user belonging to at least one user type category. A processor receives log files tracking the recording requests, applies a data-driven procedure to the log files on a basis of at least one of: the at least one content item type category and the at least one user type category, and assigns each recorded content item to a group associated with a second plurality of users and a co-related group of content items of a given content item type category and determines times to delete each recorded content item from the cloud based storage unit. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent unoccupied blocks from being depleted by a write of logical-physical management information. A processor is capable of performing an unoccupied user block generation process by moving user data stored in allocated user blocks in order to generate unoccupied user blocks serving as unoccupied blocks among allocated user blocks, and performing an unoccupied meta block generation process by moving meta data stored in allocated meta blocks in order to generate unoccupied meta blocks serving as unoccupied blocks among the allocated meta blocks. The processor calculates the number of unoccupied meta blocks to be consumed, that is, the number of unoccupied meta blocks to be consumed by the unoccupied user block generation process. The processor performs the unoccupied meta block generation process based on the number of unoccupied meta blocks to be consumed.

Abstract: Data analytics on encrypted data elements is disclosed. One example is a system including a first data system, a second data system, and a data analytics system. The first data system includes a first data element and a first encryption module with a first private key. The second data system includes a plurality of second data elements and a second encryption module with a second private key. The first encryption module and the second encryption module are communicatively linked to one another, to apply, via the first and second private keys, an encryption protocol to the first data element and the plurality of second data elements to encrypt the data elements. The data analytics system maps the encrypted data elements to an analytics space, performs data analytics based on the mapped data elements, and distributes, via a computing device, results of the data analytics to an information retrieval system.

Abstract: The invention relates to implementing a test data tool that generates test data based on production data patterns. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the test data tool comprises: a processor configured to: receive, via the data input, production data from the one or more production environments, the production data comprises personally identifiable information; identify a plurality of attributes from the production data; for each attribute, identify one or more data patterns; generate one or more rules that define the one or more data patterns for each attribute; generate a configuration file based on the one or more rules; apply the configuration file to generate test data in a manner that obscures personally identifiable information existing in the production data; and transmit the test data to a UAT environment.

Abstract: The techniques described herein involve analysis of client device Quality of Experience diagnostic files including an operations log or diagnostic files for a client device. The client device Quality of Experience diagnostic files may be generated by a client device and sent to a network node for analysis. The diagnostic files may be analyzed to determine device Key Performance Indicators and a device Quality of Experience, and to determine a root cause of a network problem (such as dropped calls) leading to a diminished Quality of Experience. In some embodiments, the diagnostic files may be aggregated to form a database of aggregated diagnostics, which can be used to further analyze a network to determine the root cause of a network problem. In some embodiments, the aggregated diagnostics may be indexed according to location, time, device type, device problem, or access technology.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the replication of data between storage nodes. According to various embodiments, a request to provide a data chunk to a target storage node may be received at a source data storage node. A reference data chunk may be identified based on fingerprint information associated with the requested data chunk. The reference data chunk may be stored on the target storage node. The reference data chunk and the requested data chunk may each include a first data portion. Data chunk reconstruction information may be transmitted from the source data storage node to the target data storage node. The data chunk reconstruction information may identify the reference data chunk. The data chunk reconstruction information may include data difference information for constructing the requested data chunk at the target data storage node based on the reference data chunk.

Abstract: A random number generation process generated uncorrelated random numbers from identical random number sequences on parallel processing database segments of an MPP database without communications between the segments by establishing a different starting position in the sequence on each segment using an identifier that is unique to each segment, query slice information and the number of segments. A master node dispatches a seed value to initialize the random number sequence generation on all segments, and dispatches the query slice information and information as to the number of segments, during a normal query plan dispatch process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a database processing system for efficient partitioning of a database table with column-major layout for executing one or more join operations. One embodiment comprises a method for partitioning a database table with column-major layout, partitioning only the join-columns by limiting the partitions by size and number, executing one or more join operations for joining the partitioned columns, and optionally de-partitioning the join result to the original order by sequentially writing and randomly reading table values using P cursors.

Abstract: Selective tuple versioning is used on a file system providing file system snapshots by, receiving a request for updating at least one node and at least a node identification (ID) and associated attributes of the plurality of nodes, generating a new snapshot timestamp indicating the time of the updating, duplicating one of a plurality of rows of the nodes in the file system table into a new one of the rows of the file system table with an end time set equal to a new snapshot timestamp if the snapshot has the snapshot timestamp that is greater than a start time and less than the end time of the nodes, and updating the rows of the nodes in the file system table according to the update request, wherein the start time of the nodes is set equal to the new snapshot timestamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may provision a new computer code file as an update or a new application for end nodes of a cloud computing system. The method and apparatus may receive a computer code file at a repository server via a portal interface to an automation service. The computer code file may include a discrete file or package of files corresponding to a complete application or an update for an application for execution on cloud computing system nodes. The method and apparatus may also receive provisioning conditions at the automation service via the portal interface, send the computer code file to the cloud computing system end nodes based on the received provisioning conditions, and cause the sent computer code file to be installed on each of the plurality of cloud computing system end nodes.

Abstract: A multi-user search system with methodology for instant indexing. In one embodiment, for example, a system for instant indexing includes a token store storing sets of tokens for current versions of documents.

Abstract: A set of documents is filtered for entity extraction. A list of entity strings is received. A set of token sets that covers the entity strings in the list is determined. An inverted index generated on a first set of documents is queried using the set of token sets to determine a set of document identifiers for a subset of the documents in the first set. A second set of documents identified by the set of document identifiers is retrieved from the first set of documents. The second set of documents is filtered to include one or more documents of the second set that each includes a match with at least one entity string of the list of entity strings. Entity recognition may be performed on the filtered second set of documents.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods improve deduplication efficiency for a deduplication application or process. A first blocklet repository may have been created according to a first deduplication approach that was optimized for a first set of conditions. Example apparatus and methods create a second blocklet repository from the first blocklet repository by deduplicating the first blocklet repository using a second deduplication approach that is optimized for a second set of conditions. While the first blocklet repository may have been appropriate for the first set of conditions, the second blocklet repository may be appropriate for the second set of conditions. For example, conditions that exist for an immature repository or during ingest may be different than conditions that exist for a mature repository or for applications that use a repository rather than build a repository. The first and second repositories may reside on separate deduplication apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the evaluation of a prototype gaming machine by an at least one respondent provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a gaming room containing the prototype gaming machine and an at least one alternative gaming machine. Each respondent is provided with an equal number of play credits to be selectively used in the prototype and alternative machines in lieu of actual money. A game play session is commenced, during which time the respondents are able to freely and selectively interact with each of the prototype and alternative machines. Upon conclusion of the game play session, the number of credits accumulated by each respondent during the game play session are calculated and the respondents are ranked accordingly. Prizes are subsequently awarded to each of the respondents based on their respective rankings, and a survey is conducted with respect to each respondent's opinion of the prototype gaming machine.