Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a computer-implemented process for selective delta validation of a shared artifact receives a notification associated with a shared artifact, determines whether a unique key exists for the shared artifact in a symbol data structure, and responsive to a determination that the unique key exists, determines whether an update from an external source occurred. Responsive to a determination that the update occurred from an external source, receives a timestamp associated with the unique key from the symbol data structure to form a received timestamp, determines whether the received timestamp is prior to a last modification time, and responsive to a determination that the received timestamp is prior to the last modification time, performs a delta validation of the shared artifact.

Abstract: A system for remote loading of objects or files in order to update software includes operating system architecture that calls for different tasks to be broken down into software modules that are connected to one another by dynamic links or are composed of executable subroutines that have main dependence links to other parts of the operating system. Each of the modules is composed of object files or libraries that are represented by dynamic link libraries among themselves according to a number of dependence levels that are described in their respective attributes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a firmware update technique in which a work area is small, a work time is short, update can be resumed even if power-down occurs, and even a file system which does not support writing is supported. To provide the firmware updating technique, an update creating and distributing server divides old and new version firmware images, extracts a difference between the new and old divided firmware images, creates an updated package, and delivers the updated package to an embedded device. On the other hand, the embedded device applies the updated package to the old version divided firmware image (an existing firmware message currently in use).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus executing a program configured by connecting multiple modules operating exclusively with respect to each other is disclosed that includes an input part configured to receive an input of updating information of the program; a determination part configured to determine whether an operating state of the program corresponds to a time for updating specified in the updating information; and a change part configured to change the relationship of connection of the modules in accordance with the updating information if the determination part determines that the operating state of the program corresponds to the time for updating.

Abstract: Method and system using a designated known secure computer for real time classification of change events in a computer integrity system are disclosed. In the embodiment of the invention, the known secure computer, having only inbound connection, is dedicated for providing permissible change events, which are compared with change events generated on client operational computers. An alert is generated when the change event at the client operational computer and the respective permissible change event provided by the known secure computer mismatch.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products for detecting impact of operating system upgrades on software components. Embodiments detect the impact of differences between a current operating system and an upgraded operating system. The operating system is configured to provide a run-time environment. In one embodiment, a method comprises detecting a call from a software entity running on a first data processing system to the current operating system of the data processing system; recording the detected call in a data structure configured to contain one or more recorded calls; scanning the upgraded operating system on a second data processing system upon which the upgraded operating system is installed and running, before execution of the software entity in the run-time environment of the upgraded operating system, to identify the recorded calls in the data structure that are not supported by the upgraded operating system; and presenting an indication of the identified calls.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of update information each of which describes modification details from an immediately preceding version for a plurality of updates made for same software are analyzed. Information to be informed and that not to be informed are determined from all the modification details described in the plurality of pieces of update information, and the information to be informed is informed. For example, modification details associated with an issue, which occurred and was fixed in the middle of the plurality of updates, can be determined as the information not to be informed.

Abstract: A rewriting device of a program rewriting system for vehicles receives a plurality of pieces of rewriting data each including a rewriting program and also receives information of combination suitability determination used for determining whether the combination of the plurality of pieces of rewriting data is suitable or not. The rewriting device then uses the information of combination suitability determination to determine whether the combination of the plurality of pieces of rewriting data is suitable or not. If having determined that the combination is suitable, the rewriting device executes the rewriting of the programs of a plurality of electronic control devices.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for versioning components of an application. These mechanisms and methods for versioning components of an application can ensure that an updated application maintains backwards compatibility, such that the application developer may maintain a single application while supporting multiple prior versions of the application.

Abstract: A cloud administration system for providing a software update to one or more remote print devices may include a processing module in communication with the submission module a plurality of print devices. The processing module may be located remotely from each print device. The cloud administration system may include a storage module in communication with the processing module. The storage module may be configured to receive a software update from an application computing device. The software update may include a software version. The processing module may be configured to receive the software update from the storage module, and transmit the software update to at least one of the plurality of print devices. The cloud administration system may operate as a shared resource for each print device and the application computing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for automatically installing software applications on multiple target computers having different computing platforms from a central location. The methods and systems provide an infrastructure comprising a centralized repository and server and a plurality of remote target computers. The centralized repository stores platform-specific installation files for each software application and computing platform of interest, and one or more non-platform-specific deploy jobs for installing the software applications. The non-platform-specific deploy jobs allows a user to automatically install one or more software applications on any target computer regardless of computing platform, and to reuse any installation logic that may have been custom-developed for the software applications. A common command syntax is created that may be used to define and execute the deploy jobs across the multiple computing platforms.

Abstract: A target computing environment is secured by a hardware trust anchor that provides a trust state of the target computing environment based upon a security audit of the target computing environment. And diagnosing the target computing environment can be diagnosed by the hardware trust anchor according to the security diagnostic information.

Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of reducing the burden of work for updating embedded programs of electronic apparatuses. The embedded program update method as laid out in the present invention acquires common update data which are common to different electronic apparatuses among updated versions of embedded programs and differential data for each electronic apparatus so as to update the embedded programs using the differential data corresponding to the type and model number of electronic components which are provided to the electronic apparatuses.

Abstract: In a control apparatus, a transfer control unit acquires a version number of a program from each of electronic apparatuses, and transfers an update program according to the acquired version number to one or more of the electronic apparatuses. An update control unit acquires, from each of the electronic apparatuses to which the update program has been transferred, information regarding whether the transfer of the update program by the transfer control unit has been completed successfully. Based on the acquired information, the update control unit outputs, to one or more electronic apparatuses for which the transfer of the update program has been completed successfully, an instruction for executing an update process to make a change to the update program transferred by the transfer control unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for updating devices of a storage system are provided. The system comprises a management system and at least one client system. The management system contacts a network-accessible portal providing updates for firmware residing on storage system devices. The client system is coupled for communication with the management system and comprises one or more storage system devices. The management system acquires version information for the storage system devices of the client system, and compares the version information for the storage system devices to version information accessible via the portal to determine whether to download updates from the portal. The client system downloads an update from the management system, determines a volume of activity at a storage system device, and pushes the update to the storage system device if the volume of activity is below a threshold.

Abstract: A system for managing updates of an executable component in accordance with an updating tree with multiple branches is provided. In one implementation, specific updates are provided to users with specific problems while general updates are provided to all users of the executable component. A range of lower version numbers is reserved for the general updates. When a specific update with a version number higher than those in the reserved range has been installed on a computing device, an installer may prevent a new general update with a lower version number to be installed. The installer may determine a new specific update corresponding to the general update and provide an indication to the user to install this new specific update instead of the general update. This multi-branch update delivery system enables users to elect to receive only updates that are necessary.

Abstract: Techniques for integrating software applications include identifying an enterprise application executable in a first computing environment, where the enterprise application is compatible with a first version of a network application executable in a second computing environment so that a first set of functionality of the first version of the network application is exposed through the enterprise application. The features include identifying a second version of the network application executable in the second computing environment. The second version of the network application includes a second set of functionality at least partially distinct from the first set of functionality. The features include delivering an integration component from the second computing system to the first computing system.

Abstract: A method and a system for process upgrade are disclosed. A source process implements data interaction, via a socket interface, with a far end entity connected with the socket interface. When the source process intends to upgrade itself, the source process copies its process data to a target process and determines if the data from the far end entity received via socket interface is complete. If it is determined that the data is complete, the source process ceases data interaction with the socket interface and copies the received data to the target process. After the data is copied, the source process sends an upgrade and switch indication to the target process and enables the target process to send an upgrade and switch request to the socket interface. The socket interface then switches a socket interface service to the target process. Accordingly, the technical solutions according to the present invention realize a reliable and smooth process upgrade without disconnecting the socket connection.

Abstract: A mechanism for dynamically generating spec files for software package managers is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes extracting, via a file developer at an application server of a computer system, file information from project files of a software package tool associated with a software application, the file information relating to the software application, and generating, via the file developer, a package spec file using the extracted file information such that the package spec file is compatible with the software application.

Abstract: Multiple software component identifiers are maintained in a catalog of an operating system running on a device. Each of these software component identifiers corresponds to one of multiple software components installed on the device. The catalog is accessed in response to a request regarding one of the multiple software components, and the request is responded to based at least in part on information included in the catalog. Additionally, two or more versions of a software component that are installed on the computing device can be identified. Which one of the two or more versions of the software component is an active version of the software component to be run is determined. In response to requests for information regarding the software component, information regarding the active version of the software component is returned.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for upgrading a software program between sequential or non-sequential versions. An interface definition file of a first version of the software program is stored. The software program is upgraded from the first version to a second version. The second version of the software program is stored in the memory. A determination is made regarding the availability of a difference tool. The difference tool determines according to a static comparison one or more differences between the interface definition file of the first version and an interface definition file of the second version, and generates a results file that displays the determined differences.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention detects usage, by an application process, of a utility provided by a first version of an operating system, and determines whether a later version of the operating system is incompatible with identical usage of the detected utility. If the usage is determined to be incompatible, the corresponding information on the incompatibility is included in a report. According to another aspect, the determination of compatibility is performed by maintaining data (e.g., in a database) indicating incompatibility information related to a set of utilities, which are incompatible with the second version. The data is examined to determine incompatibility. The features are disclosed as being applied with respect to dynamically linked libraries, dynamically loaded libraries, functions, fonts, etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an application updater may cleanly update a computer application 112 without causing a fault or a reboot of either the system or the process. A processor 220 may execute a predecessor version 508 of a computer application 112. The processor 220 may install a successor version 512 of the computer application 112 on a user account level. The processor 220 may execute the successor version 512 of the computer application 112.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting installed application data from a computer system. The method includes scanning a file system of the computer system to produce file system data, and scanning an installed application database of the computer system to produce installed application data. The method further includes collecting system information associated with the computer system. The method still further includes combining the file system data, the application data, and the system information to produce an output file.

Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.

Abstract: A technique for incrementally unloading classes using a region-based garbage collector is described. One aspect of such a technique includes maintaining a remembered set for a class set. The remembered set indicates whether instances of the class set are contained in one or more regions in memory, and in which regions the instances are contained. Upon performing an incremental garbage collection process for a subset of the regions in memory, the technique examines the remembered set to determine whether the class set includes instances in regions outside of the subset. If the remembered set indicates that the class set includes instances outside of the subset of regions, the technique identifies the class set as “live.” This will preclude unloading the class set from the subset of regions.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit to store data set including version information; an acquiring unit to acquire update-use data set including version information; a providing unit to provide the version information read from the storage unit; a updating management unit to determine whether updating of the data set stored in the storage unit is required, when determined that updating is required based on the acquired version information and the provided version information, updating the data set stored in the storage unit using the update-use data set; and a updating completion determination unit to determine whether the updating of data set by the updating management unit is completed, when determined that the updating of the data set is not completed correctly, the providing unit provides specific version information indicating the updating is not completed correctly instead of the version information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and related business methods for phased rollout of an upgraded version of a web-based business information system are described. URLs associated with client requests remain the same even where the target subscriber accounts have been upgraded. Client requests for both upgraded and non-upgraded accounts are received by a common set of web servers. Client requests representing external entry points are trapped, and the receiving web server accesses a login router database to determine whether the target subscriber account is upgraded or non-upgraded, and then transfers the request to an appropriately-versioned application server. Application server sets are mapped to database sets according to system version, allowing the upgraded system database schema to be substantially different than the non-upgraded database schema. An early adopter program business method leveraging the abilities of such web-based business information system is also described.

Abstract: System for application program code execution is provided. The system includes, a host system having a processor for executing a first segment of the application program code; and a memory storage device that stores application program code, such that the first segment of the application program code is loaded to a host system memory from the memory storage device and then executed by the host system processor, and the memory storage device executes a second segment of the application program code to participate in application program code execution.

Abstract: A human-readable list of patch differences ranked by weight helps vulnerability analysts allocate their time. From binary code, identified source functions and recognized sink functions are used when assigning relative weights to changes caused by a patch. Source functions are identified using an export table, import table, and remote procedure call interface. Sink functions are recognized using blacklisted functions, patch-targeted functions, memory functions, string functions, and functions called with mismatched parameters. A change prioritizer assigns weights based on an architectural graph and a set of prioritization rules that specify what kind of change is made by a patch, and what kind of function is changed. Weight assignments may be additive. Rules may assign certain kinds of change a higher priority for subsequent scrutiny by an analyst.

Abstract: Method for executing application program code is provided. The method includes loading a first segment of the application program code from a memory storage device to a host system memory; executing the first segment, wherein a host system processor executes the first segment; and authenticating application program code execution by requiring a memory controller of the memory storage device to participate in application program code execution.

Abstract: A generator for generating an update package for efficiently updating the software and/or firmware in an electronic device, and a method for operating such a generator are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may produce a compact update package comprising a set of instructions that may be executed within the electronic device to produce an updated binary image of the software and/or firmware. Pre-processing of the existing or new binary image may result in a further reduction in the size of the update package, shortening the time needed to transmit the update package to the electronic device.

Abstract: A reference architecture embodies a common, consistent, known best practice base reference architecture and configuration that may then be used for cloning out for the base of every customer environment. Given this base, the service provider is able to control the full functionality solution layer to provide the platform for consistent monitoring, patching, upgrading, etc. Accordingly, the service provider's application solution is an integrated appliance that can contain whatever is necessary at the solution layer to allow the service provider to remotely (or within the hosting center) support, maintain and gather key system metrics to promote optimal customer performance, decrease cost of implementation/support/ownership and vastly increase service offering base.

Abstract: Selected components of a piece of software serve in a first variant, as variation points, are converted into a first XML code. The software, now in hybrid form, is shipped. The first code is converted on the customer side via one or more transformations, for example SLT, exclusively in accordance with transformation rules into a second XML code. In a second variant, a first XML code containing at least one language extension is converted in accordance with transformation rules into a more easily verifiable second XML code without said language extensions. In a third variant a source code formulated in XML is transformed in such a way that, following a back-conversion into the original programming language, a new source code is produced in which not only the representation, but also the actual program content and/or functionality has been changed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses receive a plurality of files including a software package having code to execute a program on a system with specific attributes, the software package to contain a list identifying specific system attributes required to execute the program. An installation process for the software package is initialized on a system with at least one system attribute that is compatible with the program but not identified by the list of system attributes in the software package, the installation process to identify the system attributes and configured to fail if the system attributes differ from the list in the software package. The installation process identifies an external list of system attributes from the plurality of files separate from the software package wherein the external list of attributes identifies the compatible attribute. The installation process is then executed based on the external list of system attributes.

Abstract: A method of conducting a software update of a gaming machine, including: starting a boot process of the gaming machine; determining during the boot process that a memory device potentially containing at least one software component more recent than a corresponding software component currently stored in gaming machine memory is in data communication with the gaming machine; determining that the memory device contains at least one authentic, more recent software component; and updating gaming machine memory with each more recent software component.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing update notifications on distributed application objects. When a new version of an object is created that another object depends on, a notification can be added to the dependent object to alert a person that manages the dependent object of the creation of the updated object. Dependent objects can include template objects, such as virtual machine template objects that refer to virtual disk objects and service template objects that refer to one or more virtual machine template objects, as well as service instance objects that represent service instances that are instantiated from template objects. Versions of objects within a family can be identified by sharing a family name and having different releases. A timestamp is used to represent when an object is released to determine which version of an object is the newest version in a family.

Abstract: A system and method to effectively and efficiently update a version of firmware resident in a device memory is provided. A method of identifying one or more versions of firmware is provided by way of initializing a device memory with a known pattern. In addition, the amount of free unused memory space may be identified and calculated in a device memory. The system and method generates software update packages that are minimal in size providing cost benefit to a manufacturer and convenience to a user.

Abstract: A software patch is generated by determining the binary differences between a more secure version of the embedded system firmware and the currently operating, vulnerable version. The differences are extracted and analyzed to determine their basis in the source code for the more secure version. Source code that affects the binary differences may be compiled into a binary file and linked, off-line, with the binary executable file that contains the machine code for the currently operating version of the embedded system firmware, producing a security patch. The security patch may be installed on the embedded system at run-time, and it is then executed to modify the currently operating firmware to redirect firmware operation from vulnerable procedures toward the new, secure procedures contained in the software patch.

Abstract: For update of individual firmware of an image forming apparatus by a service person through a dedicated interface, an update information file indicating a range of versions of firmware in collective update is stored. In the collective update, applicable firmware is searched based on the versions included in the update information file to search sets of applicable firmware. When the sets of the applicable firmware searched in a distribution system are acquired, collective update of the firmware is performed based on a firmware set selected from the sets.

Abstract: A method for updating a plurality of disk images, each of the plurality of disk images derived from a common base disk image and a delta image comprising a plurality of delta files, includes applying a delta file to a base disk image to generate a second disk image comprising a portion of the base disk image modified by the delta file and an unmodified portion of the base disk image. Each delta file represents at least one difference between one of the plurality of user disk images and the base disk image. The method includes applying a patch to a copy of the base disk image, and determining that the patch is applied to a portion of the base disk image corresponding to the unmodified portion of the base disk image. The delta file is applied to the patched copy of the base disk image.

Abstract: Method and system for converting identifier information after a driver upgrade is provided. The method includes updating a driver for a peripheral device in a storage area network, wherein a first driver is replaced by a second driver and the peripheral device is operationally coupled to one or more target device; reading identifier information for the target devices; and converting identifier information for the target device from a format supported by the first driver to a format supported by the second driver.

Abstract: A hardware and/or software translation system to automatically apply user-specific configuration settings to a computer irrespective of the application version or operation system version for which the settings were originally established. By automatically applying user-specific configuration settings to a version of an application or operating system, the translation system eliminates any post-installation reconfiguration, thereby simplifying the process of changing or upgrading the version of an application or operating system.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a process that includes receiving, during a computer programming process for a software program, a specification of a software module having a defined functionality for use by the software program. The software module is stored in a central repository having different versions of the software module. The process also includes compiling the software program. The compilation initiates steps including filtering versions of the software module that do not meet the specification. The specification corresponds to more than one version of the software module. The steps also include selecting, from versions that have not been filtered out, a version of the software module. The selection is based on one or more predetermined rules. The process also includes returning the selected version of the software module for local storage with the software program.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling asynchronous distribution and installation of software updates affecting applications installed on terminal devices of a wireless network. A versioning schema enforced by the application development environment enables the runtime environment of a terminal device to evaluate a software update to identify potential compatibility issues and control installation of the update.

Abstract: A method may include contacting, by a network device, another device to obtain at least one of a network address, authentication, or authorization, receiving, from the other device, software update information that identifies an up-to-date software that the network device should have installed and location information that identifies a location from which to retrieve the up-to-date software, comparing, by the network device, the software update information to software information that identifies software currently installed on the network device, retrieving, by the network device, the up-to-date software based on the software update information and the location information when the software update information and the software information do not match, and auto-installing, by the network device, the up-to-date software.

Abstract: Encoding a new version of a data module includes constructing a delta data module having data for providing the new version of the data module. The delta data module may indicate an encoding for copying data at an offset from one of a number of pointers into different versions of the data module. Decoding a delta data module to provide a new version of a data module includes copying, to the new version of the data module, data relative to a target pointer when an encoding in the delta data module indicates a matching pattern relative to the target pointer, and copying, to the new version of the data module, data relative to at least one other pointer when an encoding in the delta data module indicates a matching pattern relative to the at least one other pointer.

Abstract: A method to facilitate provision of services to a managed system (e.g., a PC, PDA, cell phone) includes causing installation of an agent application on the managed system, the agent application including an install component to install at least one of a plurality of service applications on the managed system. Each of the plurality of service applications is to facilitate provision of a service provided by a respective service provider of a number of service providers to the managed system. A service input (e.g., from an IT administrator) is received at the management system. The service input identifies a subset of a number of service applications to be installed on the managed system. The subset of service applications is distributed to the managed system for installation by the agent application on the managed system.

Abstract: Computer security threat management information is generated by receiving a notification of a security threat and/or a notification of a test that detects intrusion of a computer security threat. A computer-actionable TMV is generated from the notification that was received.

Abstract: An economic engine generates accurate cost estimates for adapting a test script for use against an evolving application. Applications often have complex graphical user interfaces for which the permutations and combinations of GUI elements give rise to an enormous field of potential commands and command sequences to be tested. Furthermore, these applications change over time, rendering prior test scripts unworkable. The economic engine generates cost reports that reliably estimate the resources and time needed to produce new test scripts and test subsequent application versions, while greatly reducing the time, cost, and resource expenditures needed to arrive at subsequent application versions.