Abstract: A software development method defers certain implementation details until load time. A programmer first annotates, in source code, a selected set of software components using metadata (such as Java-style annotations) that define one or more criteria—e.g., criteria relating to the state of the target hardware platform, the capabilities of the platform, or arbitrary user input. The annotated source code files are then compiled to create one or more intermediate code files (e.g., Java bytecode files). During load time of the resulting intermediate code files, one or more of the selected set of software components are loaded from the intermediate code files based on the criteria.

Abstract: A method to recreate an application (“app”) experience on a first device on a second device, includes identifying one or more existing apps on the first device; generating a query for one or more apps matching the existing apps; sending the query to an application search engine through an application programming interface (API); searching an application search engine for one or more matching applications; and returning a set of matching apps in response to the query using the API.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises transmitting, from a mobile computing device to a server computer, first data identifying a selection at the mobile computing device of an app that is not associated with an identification module associated with the server computer that would allow the server computer to identify the device; receiving, at the mobile computing device from the server computer, second data identifying zero or more apps lacking the identification module that have been selected previously using the mobile computing device; determining whether a protocol handler for each of the zero or more apps lacking the identification module is in the mobile computing device; in response to determining that a particular protocol handler for one of the apps is in the mobile computing device, transmitting to the server computer a message specifying that the particular protocol handler is in the mobile computing device; communicating a reward to any of: a particular one of the apps that is associated with the p

Abstract: Conversion tracking systems and methods are described herein.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided for deployment of software tools across a network. One example method includes initiating a discovery mechanism to poll a plurality of computing machines 121-1, . . . , 144-T from a remote deployment system 101 to multiple systems 120/130/140 across a network 108. The multiple systems 120/130/140 include computing machines 121-1, . . . , 144-T having different operating system (OS) types. Respective agents 151 are deployed for each type of OS identified in the response to the discovery mechanism 210/220. Each of the respective agents 151 is configured to manage communications 230 between the deployment system 101 and the different OS types for each of the plurality of computing machines 121-1, . . . , 144-T on the network 108 and to initiate application deployment and monitoring on each of the plurality of computing machines 230.

Abstract: A software-based customer relationship management system and method are provided. The system has a client and a primary installation that has a database that contains a plurality of pieces of information, one or more modules that access the database to pull pieces of information from the database based on a request from the client and display a user interface to the user containing the requested information and one or more controllers that control access by the client to the one or more modules and the database. The system also may have a portal generated based on the primary installation wherein a user interface of the portal is updated based on a user interface of the primary installation.

Abstract: Automated configuration of a software application to be installed via a software installation package onto different user devices for different users. An initial software installation package is obtained, as is information representing (a) associations between the plurality of users and the plurality of user devices, and (b) user attributes from which access privilege level information for individual users is determinable. The initial software installation package is configured for the user devices based on the information representing (a) and (b), to produce a plurality of different specially-configured software installation packages, each one of which corresponds to one or more specific users and one or more specific user devices. Each specially-configured package includes parameters that establish functionality for the software application based on the access privilege level of the users.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for provisioning mobile communication device upgrades. In an embodiment, the method comprises: providing an automated web service device management interface (“WSDMI”) accessible to one or more carriers; adapting a supplier provisioning system to receive via the WSDMI one or more upgrade requests from the one or more carriers; adapting the supplier provisioning system to respond via the WSDMI to the one or more upgrade requests from the one or more carriers; and adapting the supplier provisioning system to execute one or more device upgrades on one or more supplier provisioning system connected devices. In an embodiment, the receiving and responding via the WSDMI is based on SOAP encoded XML messages.

Abstract: A method for discovering and installing web application plugins is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes initiating a client-side component of a server-based web application. The client side-component hosts a first document. The method opens an inline frame, such as an IFrame or Web Worker, within the first document that hosts a second document. The method uses cross-document messaging to communicate, from the second document to the first document, metadata describing a plugin's capabilities and metadata describing an API to access the plugin's capabilities via cross-document messaging. The method utilizes the capabilities of the plugin using cross-document messaging in accordance with the API. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a framework for installing an application based on manifest information, and uses a prescription manifest prescribed to be used when using the framework. The apparatus determines whether the apparatus is a model for changing a declaration value of a manifest file. When the apparatus determines that the apparatus is the model for changing the declaration value of the manifest file, a manifest file added for the model for changing the declaration value of the manifest file is overwritten to the manifest file as a default.

Abstract: A log counting program causes a computer to function as a log counting apparatus, and function as a log collection part collecting log information from a client apparatus in which an installer package operates; and a log counting part carrying out counting concerning the collected log information. The installer package causes the client apparatus to function as one or more installers for installing software; a log obtaining part obtaining logs that are output by the one or more installers and system information of the client apparatus; and a log transmission part transmitting log information including the logs and the system information to the log counting apparatus according to a setting in the installer package. The log counting part uses the system information and counts events concerning the installation while distinguishing an execution environment of the client apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand file staging, rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand registry staging and to rapidly publishing a virtual software application using on-demand staging. In one scenario, a computer system creates a high-level file listing that includes a list of specified high-level data files and directories that are part of a virtual application package. The computer system receives an indication from an application user that the virtual application is to be accessed and dynamically creates sparse data files for those data files that are to be accessed based on the received indication. Then, upon determining that the virtual application is attempting to access the sparse data files, the computer system dynamically streams the data corresponding to the sparse data files on demand from the remote data store.

Abstract: Techniques for spawning workloads are provided. A single repository is read once to obtain an image for a workload or files and resources for the image. The read operation spawns multiple, and in some cases, concurrent write operations, to instantiate the workload over a network as multiple occurrences or instances of the workload in multiple processing environments.

Abstract: A system and methods for managing applications on a mobile device. One method includes: receiving context data related to the mobile device; assigning a situational utility score to one or more applications available in an application repository by analyzing the context data and tags associated with the one or more applications to determine which applications have situational usefulness; and when a first application has a situational utility score greater than a first threshold value, displaying a prompt on the mobile device to install the first application.

Abstract: A method for installing an application in a portable terminal includes acquiring a screen image of another portable terminal and acquiring information about at least one applications from the acquired screen image, displaying a list of the at least one applications whose information is acquired, and requesting and receiving an installation file of an application selected by a user from the displayed list, and installing the selected application by using the received installation file.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a web widget are provided. The method includes a web widget manufacturing tool for manufacturing the web widget is provided to a content provider's device, web widget generation information used for manufacturing the web widget is received from the content provider's device, an installation file for the web widget is generated based on the web widget generation information, and the installation file for the generated web widget is transferred to the content provider's device, which makes it possible to easily and rapidly develop the web widget without a separate developer or planner or use of a complicated client development tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing and launching a test application on a first machine that is automatically executed on a second machine. A developer can prepare a test application on the first machine, and instead of the developer performing multiple steps to copy the test program to a second machine and set up the test environment, the method can automatically detect test environment data, and transmit the test application and the test environment data. Test environment data can include the directory of where the test program should be installed and executed. The test application can be run on the second machine and the results can be returned to the first machine where they can be displayed to the developer.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for on-boarding an application to a cloud. An application for hosting in a cloud environment is provided. Metadata related to the application is provided, and metadata related to the cloud is obtained. The application metadata and cloud metadata are compared, and the compatibility of the application with existing offerings of the cloud is ascertained. The application is on-boarded to the cloud.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, facilitating software acquisition includes accessing a memory storing software programs. A selected software program is identified. One or more product requirements of the selected software program and one or more target parameters of a target environment for the selected software program are determined. One or more commands to install the selected software program at the target environment according to the product requirements and the target parameters are determined.

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: A system and method for application migration include matching an infrastructure of a source application with a plurality of multi-image work sets from a catalog by selecting a mapping of components of the infrastructure with components in the multi-image work sets to provide one or more selected multi-images. The source application is migrated to a target environment using the one or more selected multi-images.

Abstract: A social networking system user is prompted to take an action or is provided with additional information associated with a location where the user has checked-in or has associated with content using a tag. When an input including the check-in or tagged location is received, the social networking system selects one or more actions based on the location, the user, and/or contextual information included in the input. A prompt identifying the one or more of the selected actions is generated and presented to the user.

Abstract: A cloud computing environment with the ability to deploy a web application that has been developed using one of a plurality of application frameworks and is configured to execute within one of a plurality of runtime environments can be delivered as a self-contained virtual machine disk image configured to launch in a virtualization environment. Upon request (or alternatively, in a pre-processing phase), a cloud computing platform provider can compose a virtual machine disk image comprising the cloud computing environment. The virtual machine disk image may be attached to any virtual machine, whether running on a personal computing device such as a laptop or in an infrastructure-as-a-service service provider to provide a cloud computing environment that is automatically configured to receive and deploy a web application.

Abstract: A method is presented for installing a software application on a data processing system that may include multiple data processing entities. The software application may include multiple components for installation on one or more of the entities. The method may include providing input information for each of the components designated for installation. Each component may then be installed according to its corresponding input information, and output information corresponding to each component may be generated. This output information may be provided to one or more data processing entities identified for installation of a subsequent component. The input information corresponding to the subsequent component may be at least partially determined from this output information.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for deploying applications hosted by an application service provider. An application in a first environment is automatically deployed to a second environment in response to receiving a request over a network from the party for whom the second environment is being hosted. The first environment may be an environment where applications are developed by the party over the network. Deployment of the application may entail provisioning of an environment for the application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic retrieval of installation packages when installing software is described herein. In one embodiment, a process can be provided to determine a specific installation package to be installed for software having one or more packages to be installed. A repository can be automatically identified from a plurality of repositories from which to obtain the specific installation package, based on priority criteria. The priority criteria can be based on dynamically changing parameters. The specific installation package can be obtained from the identified repository.

Abstract: A method and system for managing maintenance events in an enterprise computing environment. A client receives a maintenance file associated with a maintenance event from a server. The client device stores the maintenance file in local storage (e.g., cache), without installing the maintenance file. Subsequently, the client device receives an instruction from the server to install the previously downloaded and stored maintenance file.

Abstract: A computer hardware life-extension apparatus and method is disclosed to circumvent hardware-dependent software installation locks, imposed by selected software packages, which may artificially enforce compliance with a minimum set of hardware requirements before allowing installation. Various techniques may be used to circumvent the artificial hardware locks, thereby effectively extending the useful life, and delaying the forced obsolescence, of selected computer hardware. An apparatus and method in accordance with the invention may be used to extend the life of a wide variety of computer hardware, including but not limited to processors, main memory, secondary storage devices, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a metadata-driven upgrade of a network element is described. A network element comprises an active and backup controller card and receives new software to be installed on that network element. In addition, the network element installs the software on the backup controller card and synchronizes the active state of the network element to the backup controller card. Furthermore, the network element uses metadata to translate the active state to the format used by the new software.

Abstract: An administrator system can generate a version identifier for a computing system based on the software packages installed on a computing system. The version identifier can represent the software packages installed on the computing system. The administrator system can identify the software packages installed on a computing system and data specific to the software packages. The administrator system can apply a hash function to the specific data to generate hashed data. Then, the administrator system can concentrate the hashed data to generate the version identifier.

Abstract: A provisioning server can import a software distribution and determine the type of distribution in order to integrate the software distribution in the software provisioning environment. The provisioning server can be configured to determine a type for the software distribution. Once determined, the provisioning server can be configured to locate a configuration template that matches the type of the software distribution. The configuration template can allow the generation of a configuration file that enables the software distribution to be incorporated into software provisioning processes, automatically. Once located, the provisioning server can be configured to generate a profile for the imported software distribution.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products that automatically control the installation of software applications on a device are provided. The installation of a software application on a device is detected. The installation is temporarily halted and information about the detected software application installation is collected. A danger level of the detected software application is assessed based upon the collected information. Installation of the detected software application is allowed to continue if the assessed danger level is below a threshold level and installation of the detected software application is terminated if the assessed danger level is above the threshold level.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a mechanism to allow end users to install web applications and websites onto their desktop. In accordance with one or more embodiments, client-side code can be utilized to allow developers associated with a website to define boundaries associated with user interaction, and have those boundaries enforced by a run-time engine. In at least some embodiments, developers can provide, through JavaScript code and/or HTML markup, various configurations for the creation of a start menu shortcut, navigation, and so-called jumplist integration.

Abstract: A package manager receives a request to install a version of an application on a host server, the version of the application having an associated database script provided by database scripts package. The package manager determines a currently installed schema in a management database associated with the host server and compares the database script associated with the application to the currently installed schema in the management database. Prior to installing the version of the application, the package manager verifies that the database script is installed and updated to match the database schema and performs the database upgrade if required.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for receiving security content utilizing a serial over LAN connection. In use, an unsuccessful attempt to connect to a network for accessing security content at a remote second device is indicated by a first device, where the unsuccessful attempt results from a malfunction at the first device. Further, the security content is received at the first device utilizing a serial over local area network (LAN) connection established with the remote second device, based on the indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide electronic content that requires that the playing computing device download a shared library. Created electronic content can be combined into a package that includes logic to download the shared library, a piece of loading content, and the created electronic content. When the package is used on a computing device, the preloader downloads the shared library, the loading content plays while the shared library downloads, and the created electronic content plays after the shared library has finished downloading.

Abstract: An information processing device for installing and executing an application program which enables at least one of a plurality of information processing functions comprises: a storage part for storing functional restriction information configured for each of a plurality of users is defined; an obtaining part for obtaining, based on the functional restriction information, common functional restriction information in which restriction on use of at least one of the plurality of information processing functions except for a common available function commonly available for all the plurality of users is defined; a determination part, in installation of the application program, for determining whether or not a command contained in the application program enables an unavailable function restricted with the common functional restriction information by analyzing the command; a rewrite part for rewriting the command; and an installation part for installing the application program containing the command rewritten by the

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is arranged to determine whether or not the software is installed from any one of the updater from the recording medium and the downloaded updater, in accordance with a type of the updater determined by a server based on version information of the software stored in the external recording medium and is also arranged to operate such that when the updater type includes a full updater, the software in the external recording medium is not installed but the full updater is downloaded from the server apparatus and installed, and when the updater type does not include the full updater, the software in the external recording medium is installed and a difference data is downloaded from the server and installed concurrently with it.

Abstract: A system and method for directing download and execution of an application. A runtime engine receives an identifier of a block of shared memory from a directing process. The shared memory stores a map indicating which portions of an application file have been stored in a local copy of the application file. The runtime engine also receives an instruction from the directing process to execute the local copy when the local copy stores less than the entire application file. As the application executes, the runtime engine identifies requests from the application to access portions of the local copy and uses the map to determine whether the requested portions have been stored in the local copy. If the requested portions are not stored in the local copy, the runtime engine prevents the executing application from accessing the local copy until the map indicates the requested portions have been stored therein.

Abstract: Task sequences are used to manage devices. According to one aspect, a user-defined or user-selected task sequence is received. The task sequence is converted into an ordered series of steps, and the series of steps are performed, in accordance with their order, in managing a device over a network. In certain implementations, the ordered series of steps are steps for automatically deploying an operating system on the device.

Abstract: A new system and method for cloud based application packaging is disclosed, comprising a platform-independent manifest file that can deploy an application into any cloud environment.

Abstract: There is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, are configured to extract driver configuration files forming a device driver from the computer in which the device driver for controlling a device has been installed, to acquire an initial setting file describing control parameters that have incorporated inputs made in regard to the control parameters to be used by the device driver for controlling the device, and to create an installer which installs a device driver, including the driver configuration files and the initial setting file and controlling the device according to the control parameters described in the initial setting file, in a computer.

Abstract: A method and system for testing and logging execution events of software delivered to a user. The user can launch and run the software product while having the support and a necessary input from the product developer. A software product is provided from a first remote server and executed on a user computer, while execution statistics are collected and analyzed by a second remote server. The software product is used in a virtual execution environment. The software product is executed on a Guest Operating System (GOS) also installed on the user computer. A hypervisor-level monitoring of tested software products and GOSs is implemented.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to update multiple devices disposed in a computing system comprising a plurality of devices. The method receives a request to perform a firmware image update for a plurality of designated target devices, where each of those designated target devices comprises a first firmware image, and where the request comprises a second firmware image. The method uploads the second firmware image to a shared memory device, where each of the designated target devices is in communication with that shared memory device, and broadcasts an update command to each of the plurality of devices. The method determines the device state of each of the designated target devices, and if each of the designated target devices reports either an operational device state or an error device state, then the method reports that the firmware update is complete.

Abstract: System and method for agentless computing system configuration management in networked environments. A configuration management service may be implemented as a service on a network with a standard network interface. A client may communicate with the service to specify a configuration for a target system, for example through a browser interface. The specified configuration may be stored by the service. The service may generate a package according to the specified configuration. The package may be delivered to the target system via the network. The package may then install the configuration, for example, one or more software, data, or other digital components, on the target systems in accordance with the specified configuration. The clients may request that the service verify and/or update the installed configuration on the target system. The service may, in response, generate an update package for the installed configuration. Target systems may include computer systems and virtual machines.

Abstract: Examples of an application experiment system are provided that can manage and run experiments for software applications. In one embodiment, the application experiment system receives definitions for experiments and treatments for an application, runs experiments in response to requests from users of the system, automatically allocates treatments to users of the application, logs experiment data and treatment allocation data, and/or reports experiment results data. The application experiment system enables application developers to test changes or features in a precise, controlled environment on a limited user base before deciding whether to deploy changes or features to all users of an application.

Abstract: Systems and methods for demonstrating a replacement information management software for a computing system. The methods may include determining if existing information management software is installed in the computing system. The methods may include identifying computing devices of the computing system using information from the existing information management software. The methods may include simulating the replacement information management software with characteristics of the identified computing devices to enable a user to experience the replacement information management software prior to committing to installing the replacement information management software in the computing system. The methods may include automatically installing the replacement information management software. Other implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-controlled method of managing third party installations within an enterprise can include inventorying the third party installations, specifying a number of configuration parameters for each third party installation, and storing the configuration parameters for the third party installations in a WSM metadata repository.

Abstract: A cloud connector key includes a network interface configured to connect to a network, a mass storage interface configured to connect to a network isolated device, and a computation module operatively connected to the network interface and the mass storage interface. The computational module is configured to connect to a cloud repository using the network interface by obtaining, from storage on the cloud connector key, a network address of the cloud repository, requesting connection to the cloud repository using the network address, and authenticating, using credentials in the storage on the cloud connector key, to an account in the cloud repository. The computational module is further configured to transfer a file between the account in the cloud repository and a network isolated device via the mass storage interface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method to monitor the distribution of software to computers on a network is provided. The network has a data source, for example a systems management tool, which stores data relating to downloads of software. It is desirable for the purpose of operating the network economically to monitor the distribution of software to users. The systems management tool is accessed to determine the number of the computers on the network which have received a particular item of software. That number is compared with a threshold number which is small compared to the number of computers on the network. If the number is less than the threshold that is taken as an indication that the particular item of software has been distributed to the computers by a download as a result of one or more individual requests by users of the computers.