Abstract: Techniques are provided for using library caches in a distributed software development environment that includes a plurality of development sites. Each of the plurality of development sites is associated with at least one library cache area that is accessible over a LAN to a set of network nodes included in that development site. A configuration management server is operable to cause all of a plurality of files associated with a software project to be transferred, in an optimized package, from a file server to a particular development site that is communicatively connected to the file server over a WAN. The configuration management server is also operable to cause the plurality of files to be stored in a particular library cache area that is associated with the particular development site, and to cause one or more of the plurality of files to be transferred from the particular library cache area to a work area that is configured on a developer network node in the particular development site.

Abstract: A tool for distributed software development maintains a pool of software modules. A module manager manages submissions to and downloads from the pool. The module manager can be a computer system with programming and resources suited for managing the pool. Developers and users can access the module manager via a computer network such as the internet, or via other transmission mechanisms. A developer intending to submit a module to the pool can specify access conditions associated with the module, and transmit information needed to access the module. The module manager can add the access information and access conditions to the pool. A developer or user intending to access a module from the pool can identify a desired module. The module manager can then determine if the intended access complies with the access conditions associated with the desired module. If it does, then the module manager can transmit the access information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for modelling and executing business processes in MES systems (manufacturing execution systems) or manufacturing control systems by means of a plurality of independently operating processes which are modelled by automatic state or execution machines and interconnected asynchronous connections. Said processes can be independently distributed to a plurality of computers (deployment) and communicate with each other in an asynchronous manner. The modelling of said automatic execution machines is carried out by means of activity and data flow diagrams according to UML representation. An advantage of the inventive system or method is that said processes can be immediately executed and tested. External software systems can be integrated by means of wrappers or adapters.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a data-flow based system includes three basic components: a data-flow based scheduling environment that balances the needs of data initiated program execution as a result of flows with other practical considerations such as user responsiveness, event driven invocation, user interface considerations, and the need to also support control-flow based paradigms where required; a visual programming language, based on the flow of strongly-typed run-time accessible data and data collections between small control-flow based locally and network distributed functional building-blocks, known as widgets; and a formalized pin-based interface to allow access to data-flow contents from the executing code within the widgets. The pins on the widgets include both pins used to control execution of a widget as well as pins used to receive data input from a data flow.

Abstract: A system for generating user availability information from call control events within a telephone system, comprising an Event Queue for receiving and storing call control events from the telephone system, and an Interpretation Engine for accessing the call control events in the Event Queue and in response updating a running sum for the user based on availability evidence ascribed to the call control events, and generating an indication of user availability based on the running sum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for recording asset tracking parameters in networked devices. One method includes providing a workflow that includes at least one processing mechanism, associating at least one parameter with the processing mechanism, processing at least a portion of a data file according to the workflow using the processing mechanism, and recording information regarding the parameter. Information regarding the parameter(s) may be recorded within a resulting processed data file that is saved. Thus, the processed data file may include a metadata portion that includes the information regarding the parameter(s). The method also includes selectively retrieving the information regarding the recorded parameter(s) from the resulting processed data file. In other implementations, the method may include providing information regarding the parameter(s) to a database and thereafter selectively retrieving such information from the database.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating plural disparate information sources into a single stream of information using middleware. Data received from real-time sources (e.g., stock quotes) is given priority for distribution over non-real-time sources (e.g., news sources). By coordinating between several servers, data can be distributed in a load-balanced fashion which also performs self-healing in the face of server errors.

Abstract: An event-based scheduling method and system for providing automatic activity synchronization and automatic data exchange between workflows and between workflows and other applications. An automatic synchronization mechanism is provided for enabling workflows to interact with other workflows or other applications to automatically synchronize activity execution. An automatic data exchange mechanism is provided for enabling workflows to exchange data with other workflows or other applications. An event processing pre-compilation architecture receives a workflow definition having at least one event node and responsive thereto generates a workflow definition without event nodes at compile time. Each event node is replaced with a translated workflow node that conforms to the syntax supported by the underlying workflow engine. The translated workflow node is also assigned to an application that can implement the desired event node semantics.

Abstract: A method for peer review evaluation of a product during a development stage comprises creating an evaluation header including selection of a moderator for a peer review team. The evaluation continues by identifying team members and distributing artifacts to complete the review evaluation header. An overview of the evaluation artifacts is conducted by the author, moderator and each of the team members. Following the overview each of the team members identifies potential defects in artifacts and records the potential defects in an action request database. A peer review meeting then evaluates each of the potential defects for either acceptance of a potential defect or rejection of the potential defect. The author of the evaluation team prepares a report of accepted defects and this report is entered into the action request database. The author and/or moderator monitors the action request database as a follow-up to determine if a rework has been made to the identified accepted defects.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling a message-passing program module using type annotations is disclosed. The message-passing program module is constructed with operations that communicate with operations of other message-passing program modules in an asynchronous computing environment. Type annotations are communication protocols that represent processes of input and/or output actions that the program module developer expects each operation to perform or take on a selected set of communication channels. During development of the program module, the type annotations are declared at each operation of the program module. Soundness of the type annotations and whether implementation of the program module conforms to the type annotations is checked using a type system. If the program module is well-typed and well-implemented, the type system abstracts a behavioral module of the message-passing program module that reflects the relevant processes expressed by the type annotations.

Abstract: A method for creating a process-driven information system. The method comprises the steps of creating a process model or models comprising one or more elements which are available in a browser-compatible format, creating one or more software components which are accessible in a browser compatible format and generating a process-driven information system comprising one or more elements of the process model which act as the user interface to the one or more software components. This method allows the rapid creation by non-technical users of process models describing the working of an organization with the models being used as the user interface for directing the operation of a collection of software components.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein information is provided once, and that information is provided to multiple provider systems. Information provided by a user is stored and implemented for each provider as needed. The information is provided by a user to a central server that distributes the information to one or more provider systems. In particular, the information is stored in a database and distributed to the provider system depending on the type of transaction. According to another aspect, a subset of the information is operated on as a group, and this subset is provided by a user on that basis. Because information is operated on as a group, related information may be easily transferred from the system to a provider.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium causes a computer to operate as a server for managing the development of software by a software development team. Stored on this computer-readable medium is a computer program which includes an object module and a software project definition module. The object module instantiates a linked object structure that represents a software development project. The software project definition module has one interface that interacts with the object module and has another interface that interacts over a communication network with personal computers for the software development team. By this interaction, customized objects and customized links are instantiated in the linked object structure.

Abstract: An architecture for developing a distributed information system comprises a service definition tool for generating service protocols as a service definition. Each service protocol includes a plurality of messages. The messages include incoming messages and outgoing messages. Each message carries a plurality of data fields. A component development tool generates a first and a second plurality of components that implement and consume services. Each component in the first plurality of components represents a physical entity in the distributed information system. Each component in the second plurality of components represents a logical entity in the distributed information system. A system development tool generates a plurality of component instances based on the first and the second plurality of components. An engine software program runs on each of a plurality of networked nodes.

Abstract: An assessments framework includes a framework batch processor and a partner batch processor. The framework batch processor performs static assessments based on information obtained from a task definition database and a policy database. The partner batch processor outputs dynamic task definitions and dynamic policy information, to be input to the framework batch processor for executing an assessment when a triggering event occurs. The triggering event may be a schedule-based trigger or an event-based trigger.

Abstract: A client/server application is provided for performing synchronous builds on a server. The client, running on a development platform, communicates with the server and, together, they complete a build transaction. In a build transaction, the client transfers all the resources that are needed for the build to the server. The server completes the build and returns any resulting output resources to the client. The end user invokes the client for each build transaction and such calls may be embedded in a script facilitating automation of the overall build process.

Abstract: A facility for defining a process for approving requests for approval of a selected type is described. The facility displays a palette containing visual representations of each of a plurality of approval process elements. The facility then receives a number of user input instances, each user input instance dragging one of the visual representations into a selected location in a workspace, so as to form an arrangement of approval process elements. The facility then stores a process definition corresponding to the formed arrangement of approval process elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating automated audit recording and tracking of PLC-based interactions. A recording component is provided that interacts with an application that can change or alter one or more characteristics of PLC operations. The recording component can be client-based on the same or associated platform as the application or can be embedded within a control system component. When interactions have been recorded, a tracking component aggregates such interactions in a file or record stored in a local or remote database, wherein audit reports that document control interactions or changes can automatically be generated from such files. Recorded interactions can be stored in a substantially real time manner and include records of all interactions with a control system as opposed to merely saving a final program or resultant image of such interactions, thus facilitating a more controlled and secure auditing environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of partitioning a computer program situated on a first processing site, the program containing subprograms able to transfer information, characterised in that it includes a step of automatic determination, for at least one of said subprograms, of data representing the transfer of at least part of the information processed by said subprogram, and a step of allocating said subprogram to a second processing site according to said data.

Abstract: In a process of developing software applications from software components, the validity of component interactions is automatically validated by a program that determines a permission statement for any given utilization of a server component (305) by a client component (307). In a predefined structure (211–272), descriptors (211–219) are assigned (231–239) to components (301–309), descriptors (220–225) are assigned (241–255) to descriptors (211–224), some descriptors (223) have declarations to components (305), and some descriptors (217) have declarations to descriptors (223). The permission statement is true when 4 predefined conditions are all in compliance. The conditions are defined in relation to a common descriptor (225), to client (217) and server (223) intermediate descriptors, and to first (261) and second (262) declarations.

Abstract: A distributed data system may include a plurality of nodes one or more of which may include at least one multi-threaded process operable to access portions of distributed data. A lock mechanism may grant locks to the multi-threaded processes for portions of the distributed data. Only a process holding a lock may access a portion corresponding to the lock. Threads of other processes may not access the portion. A process may include a lock management thread pool dedicated to managing locks for portions of the distributed data for access by other threads of the process. Each lock management thread of the lock management thread pool may request a lock for a portion of distributed data on behalf of the process. The process may hold one or more locks for portions of distributed data corresponding to one or more lock management threads of the lock management thread pool.

Abstract: A log acquisition method is provided that allows a processing log of software to readily be acquired and reduces the man-hours needed for analyzing a bug. The log acquisition method is a method for acquiring a runtime log of a program including a function, comprising the step of changing the address of the function loaded to the address of a function for log acquisition and selecting the function, wherein the function for log acquisition comprises the steps of: calling the function the log of which is to be acquired to cause a predetermined process to be executed, receiving the result of the execution, and passing said result to said program, recording given information when calling the address of the selected function, and recording given information when receiving the result of the execution of the selected function.

Abstract: Described herein is a reconciliation mechanism that facilitates reconciliation of deployment environments and dataflow descriptions. A dataflow description describes a dataflow, from which a code implementation can be generated for execution on one or more database systems, referred to as a deployment environment. To generate an implementation for a deployment environment, the elements of a dataflow description are bounded to the elements of a deployment environment. The elements of a deployment environment may change, which in turn may require changes to elements of a dataflow description that are bounded to the changed elements of the deployment environment. The reconciliation mechanism may be used to ascertain the differences between the dataflow description and the deployment environment and facilitate propagation of differences to either. The reconciliation mechanism may also be applied in other contexts, and in fact may be used to establish a binding between any sets of bindable objects.

Abstract: An enterprise application may be constructed or reconstructed according to a system and method for designing or redesigning enterprise applications. The design or redesign process may include identification of the application type, in addition to representation of the application type as a decomposition of software components. The design or redesign may focus on reviewing code level component design and utilization. The code level design or redesign may include an analysis of each component within each use case within each tier based on patterns, frameworks, and/or refactoring. The application design or redesign may yield recommendations for code creation or code improvements. The recommendations may include specific application enhancements. The recommendations may include specific code design to be incorporated during construction or reconstruction. The recommendations may include results for guiding the design or redesign phase for an application.

Abstract: A method for maintaining software product version tracking in a client/server computer system environment. The method includes the step of storing a plurality of software product versions within a database. A plurality of directories of the database are traversed to determine paths for each of the plurality of software product versions, the traversing performed by a server. At least one of the software product versions is select for updating, the selecting performed by one of a plurality of clients. The one software product version is edited using the one client and a resulting new software product version is subsequently returned to the database. Using the server, the directories of the database are updated to chronologically track the new software product version to ensure the paths for each of the plurality of software product versions and the new software product version are available to the plurality of clients.

Abstract: A system and method in which a remote network source maintains source code and symbol files for debugging purposes with automatic downloading of the correct files when they are needed. Files are remotely maintained based on unique data associated with that file (unique parameters) that are independent of the product name, release and/or build number. Such data includes time / date stamp information and file size, or signature and age data. When a given file is needed, such as to debug an executable code module, a symbol server at the client constructs a path (e.g., URL) to the needed file based on the unique information from the corresponding executable file, whereby the correct symbol file is accessed. Via that symbol file, the correct source file may be located and accessed. Security via authentication and access control lists may control access to the files, and authentication may be automatic.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus and systems for measuring, monitoring, tracking and simulating enterprise communications and processes. A central message repository or database is constructed, comprised of monitoring messages sent from process messaging systems. The database may then be accessed or queried as desired. A simulation tool assists in reviewing present and proposed processes and sub-processes before modifying existent systems or creating new systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing the distribution and collection of files involved in building a software system. The system includes a first component for building a list of file names of files to be shared by build machines employed in building the software system, and a second component for distributing to one or more of the build machines, one or more files being stored persistently by the one or more build machines. Disclosed also is an alternative embodiment of the system for managing the distribution and collection of files involved in building a software system wherein files built by the build machines are broadcast to other build machines that will determine whether to receive and persistently store those files.

Abstract: Executable software sent from an application service provider to a client computer can be arranged as a bundle of executable code blocks that are used during initialization of a group of applications (at least one initialization block from each application being included in the bundle). The bundle can include code for applications that are subscribed to by a user as well as for applications not subscribed to. As the subscribed applications are executed, usage data sent to a server may be monitored to determine unsubscribed applications that may be of interest to the user. Subscription offers may be automatically generated and sent to the user in response to processing of the usage data. Transmission efficiency of the code blocks may be improved by exchanging identification codes between the server and client to determine code blocks already present at the client.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved software development tool that generates code corresponding to a distributed computing component that contains methods of a plurality of types and that displays a graphical representation of the code with a separately delineated display area for each type. The improved software development tool also compiles, deploys, and debugs the distributed computing component with a client software component using methods and systems consistent with the present invention.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a consolidated package for diverse platforms to interoperate and transfer data. It allows otherwise incompatible systems to communicate with each other, exchange information, and otherwise interact. An embodiment of the present invention translates requests for information into a predetermined format that can be transmitted from a first platform to a second platform. One embodiment may transfer the information in an XML format over the Internet using HTTP or HTTPS. The receiving computer translates the XML stream into a properly formatted request and finds the requested information. The requested information is translated into an XML stream and transmitted over the Internet using HTTPS. The information is then translated into a format that the requesting computer can use. The system and method described herein can be used to exchange data between two computing systems.

Abstract: The collating device includes the Formant estimation section that estimates feature amount data that represents a time-based change in frequencies of first and second Formants from voice data input through the microphone. The difference computing section calculates a difference between some reference feature amount data and the feature amount data as the feature-amount difference data. This feature-amount difference data is stored in a database. The feature-amount difference data corresponding to voice data input upon collation is collated with the feature-amount difference data registered in the database, and the result is output.

Abstract: A method and a computer network for interconnecting a first server computer (112) of a service requestor (1) and a second server computer (122) of a service provider (2), each of the first server computer (112) and the second server computer (122) being connected to at least one client computer (111, 121), the first server computer (112) running a first workflow management system application (3), and the second server computer (122) running a second workflow management system application (4), the method comprising providing a first and a second connector application (5a, 6a) for permitting the first server computer (112) access to a copy of the first connector application (5a) and for permitting the second server computer (122) access to a copy of the second connector application (6a), wherein the copies of the first and the second connector application (5a, 6a) each comprises a connection agreement (8, 12) for a first work task (7) of a first workflow instance (18) encompassed by the first workflow managemen

Abstract: A flexible interface and a method for employing the same are provided for interconnecting a client program with a workflow server running a workflow management system having workflow-type functionality. The interface includes a set of predefined protocol user interface pages including at least one control page. At least one first workflow platform-dependent object is provided for accessing the workflow functionality. At least one second workflow platform-independent object is provided for providing data to the first workflow platform-dependent object. At least one server program is provided that is callable by the control page to access the workflow functionality by invoking at least one of the first workflow platform-dependent object and the second workflow platform-independent object to promote data translation and exchange between the client program and the workflow management system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for developing a software application program with user interfaces that make resource files external to the other compiled executable files such that the information from the resource file may be obtained at runtime as needed without the need for compilation. The external resource file may be edited at runtime to allow designers to modify the application's interface without having to depend on developers implement changes in the interface. This is achieved by providing resources in a markup language and routines that locate and parse the markup language text on the fly as an application executes. Compartmentalization of the effort in developing and porting an application is facilitated for protection of source code and better management of designers and developers working on different aspects of a software application due to the externalization of the resource files needed primarily by the designers.

Abstract: A software application development system and method of developing and running software is disclosed that allows multiple developers to access, develop and run a common software application simultaneously; even while others are running and using the same software application. In a first aspect of the invention, a software development environment includes combined run mode and design mode functions and code which allow a user to seamlessly toggle between run mode and design mode without compiling or otherwise converting the software application. This is accomplished through the use of common properties tables in both the run mode and the design mode for the application. In a second aspect of the invention, multiple clients of a software application server are each able to develop, run, and otherwise interact with a software application at the same time from different computers so that each modification by each client is reflected immediately in the software application running on each other client.

Abstract: A method for offloading execution load from a resource-constrained device to allow the device to run a resource intensive software program. A program is accessed using a first device and determines whether execution of the program will exceed resources of the first device. If the execution will exceed the resources of the first device, a load split is determined to split the program into a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of the program is offloaded to a second device, while the first portion of the program is retained on the first device. The first portion and second portion communicate via a network connection. Full program functionality is provided using the first device, wherein the functionality is provided by the first portion and second portion executing respectively on the first device and the second device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform). A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role. A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies. The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described. The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform. The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time.

Abstract: A method for distributing software is provided. The method includes configuring a first software system of a software suite, such as by installing it on a processor. A first set of configuration data associated with the first software system is then stored. A second software system of the software suite is then configured, and a second set of configuration data associated with the second software system is then stored. Conflict resolution rules are then applied to the first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data. The first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data are then compared to determine whether any conflicts exist, and the first set of configuration data and the second set of configuration data are assembled for installation on one or more processors if no conflicts exist.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed function discovery with third party responses in a peer-to-peer network to facilitate efficient use of bandwidth and resources are disclosed. The method for facilitating distributed function discovery in a peer-to-peer network generally comprises receiving a broadcast request for a service function from a peer client at a peer server, locating information regarding a location remote to the peer server having the requested service function using a stored list of service functions locally stored at the peer server, and responding to the peer client with a response containing the location remote to the peer server if information on the requested service function is located.

Abstract: The caching of heterogeneous bean sets has been improved from requiring each bean to have its own cache instance to caching the beans in a single cache. The beans can be identified by generating a unique identifier that is a combination of the bean's primary key and a self-reference identifier of the bean manager associated with that bean. The average size of a bean set associated with a bean manager can be specified such that the cache allocates memory for that set based on the average size. A callback interface can also be used to shift knowledge of a bean life cycle back to the bean manager. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for modeling an enterprise application to be performed over multiple tiers in a distributed computer system. The method includes generating a model, such as a sequence diagram, of the enterprise application showing the tiers with standard responsibilities assigned to a client tier, a Web tier, a business logic tier, and an enterprise information system tier. The standard functions are assigned by identifying protocol services and mapping these to the tiers. Business functions for the application are identified with use cases. The basic business services are then mapped to the enterprise application model. This model is then further modified, such as by subdividing the tiers into subtiers, and mapping the detailed business services to the appropriate tiers. The method continues with identifying of architectural goals or capabilities and modifying of the enterprise application model to map or implement the architectural services associated with each goal to the tiers.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the installation of equipment, machines or systems. The system comprises tools that are operable to develop and manage an installation plan. The installation plan provides a timetable for the performance of installation tasks. The installation plan may be developed and managed using an information system that is accessible via a network or using a portable remote unit. The method comprises using the tools to develop and manage the installation plan.

Abstract: A software development system or versifying system has a collection of modules for performing individual development functions such as document editing, keyword processing, and private-copy management. Each module has an interface compatible with that of the others, so that modules can be added to or substituted for the original modules, if the new modules conform to the interface. The architecture of this system supports the performance of development actions such as document merging and keyword expansion at any location within the system. The system software interfaces to a keyword processing subsystem comprising a plurality of expanders for processing different sets of keywords and a keyword broker for selecting among the expanders, whereby the client can access resources of the software development service providers for development services identified using the keywords.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a flexible infrastructure for managing a process. This is done by defining a workflow type, building a workflow pointer that defines the location of a database within a network, and coding subforms for the defined workflow type. Role documents are defined and customized, process flow documents are built for the defined workflow type, and action control documents are built for determining what happens to the defined workflow type.

Abstract: Methods and systems for developing firmware are provided. In certain embodiments, a method comprises defining a framework for firmware to be developed by firmware developers at different design centers. The method further comprises at least one of the firmware developers developing firmware as at least one component within the framework, and depositing the at least one component within a repository that is accessible from all of the design centers, wherein the repository includes contextual information about the at least one component deposited therein.

Abstract: A system and method for Automatic Equipment Automation Program (EAP) refresh. The system includes a server unit, a host unit and an equipment installation. The server unit manages multiple host units to control EAP versions and distribute new EAP versions. The server unit stores new EAP versions and their records, and distributes the versions to the host units. The host unit refreshes EAP after receiving an offline request from the equipment installation. The equipment installation notifies the host unit when entering another phase of automation.

Abstract: A server-implemented mechanism for coordinating communication between various teams in a manner that assists in the generation of corrective software that resolves a software performance deviation. In a broader context, the server coordinates inter-team communication for any other purposes. The server identifies a course of steps that when successfully completed advances the purpose (e.g., development of corrective software). For each of the steps in the course of steps, the server identifies a corresponding team of one or more people responsible for proper implementation of the step. For any given step in the course of steps, the server provides a user interface that at least a representative of the responsible team may access to complete the step. The server also facilitates notification between different teams when the workflow transfers from one team to another. The mechanism also tracks progress and schedules associated with the communications.

Abstract: A computerized method for automatically transforming the process model of a workflow-management-system into trigger-specifications executable within a trigger system. The process model comprises at least one source activity S, a target activity T and a control connector defining a potential control flow from said source activity to said target activity associated with a transition condition P. The source activity S is transformed into a trigger event. The trigger-event, if raised at run-time, indicates to said trigger system that an instance of said source activity has been terminated. The control connector is transformed into a trigger condition, causing said trigger system at run-time, once said trigger event has been raised, to evaluate the truth value of said transition condition. Furthermore said target activity is transformed into a trigger action causing said trigger system at run-time, in case said trigger condition evaluates to TRUE, to start an instance of said target activity.

Abstract: A process for programming an automation application program on an automation equipment programming station, including defining several structured type objects each representing an input-output channel of automation equipment, declaring symbolic input-output variables of the program as an instance of a previously defined structured type object, a configuring symbolic input-output variables comprising a definition of the physical location of inputs-outputs of the automation equipment, automatically interpreting the program to execute it on the automation equipment, comprising replacing symbolic variables in the program with the complete topological address of corresponding input-output information.