Abstract: Installing a program on a first or primary computer system, and duplicating the installation on a second or secondary computer system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising installing a software program on a first computer system by way of a human interacting with the first computer system (the installing by way of a plurality of operations), programmatically duplicating each operation on a second computer system coupled to the first computer system (the duplicating of each operation on the second computer system in real time with each operation on the first computer system), programmatically analyzing a result of each operation on the first computer system against a result of each operation on the second computer system, and notifying the human (by way of the first computer system) when the result of the operation on the second computer system is unexpected.

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: A computer system has an OS running on it. The computer system has Virtual Execution Environments (VEEs—containers or Virtual Machines), an old OS (to be replaced), a memory area which has data needed for system restart and restore from the VEE. The VEEs are moved into snapshot and a new OS is loaded into the memory. The new OS launches and receives data needed for restore of the system from the snapshot. Then, the new OS activates the VEEs. Thus, the new OS is reloaded onto the computer system without a physical memory reset.

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: A method and apparatus for installing an application on a computer are disclosed. Following receipt of a request to install an application, a software state, comprising the new application and several of the applications installed on the computer, is derived. Then, the method determines whether the software state can be implemented on the computer. If the software state cannot be implemented on the computer, then the method derives another software state. This is repeated until the derived software state can be implemented on the computer system, or until determining that no software state exists which can be implemented on the computer system.

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: Mechanisms are disclosed for updating a virtual machine monitor (“VMM”). Facilities of a guest operating system running in a guest virtual machine managed by the VMM are leveraged to facilitate receiving an update package. The update package may contain updates for guest operating systems extensions in addition to a VMM update. An updater process, running in a guest operating system, extracts the VMM update and transfers it down to the VMM. Upon successful transfer, the updater process applies any necessary updates to guest operating systems extensions and then signals the VMM to commit the transferred VMM update.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments include a method, system, and computer program product for early configuration of an application in a deployment of an enterprise application. A section is located in an enterprise application deployment file of the enterprise application. The section includes configuration information of the application. The configuration information of the application is loaded before completing loading of the enterprise application deployment file such that the application is configurable without waiting for the loading of the enterprise application deployment file to complete. Loading the enterprise application deployment file is continued without waiting for a configuring of the application using the configuration information of the application that is loaded.

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: n (where n is a natural number) divided software components divided from software to be installed are individually recorded in n recording mediums. Each of the second to n-th recording mediums from among the n recording mediums includes an install execution file that executes an install processing of a corresponding divided software component, an install assistant file that executes a run determination processing for determining whether or not the install of the divided software component recorded in the first recording medium is executed and when the install is not executed, runs the install execution file, and an autorun setup file that enables the install assistant file to be automatically run on an operating system.

Abstract: A universal appliance combines the benefits of a fixed-function CE device with the generality of a PC. The universal appliance includes a host environment for supporting fixed functions and virtual machines that can provide general computing capabilities (e.g., a Windows® OS). The user can select fixed functions and virtual machines for operation on the universal appliance. In some implementations, software environments, including the fixed functions and virtual machines, can be delivered by a universal appliance service provider over a network or other communication medium. The software environments for fixed functions and virtual machines can also be delivered by a removable or portable medium (e.g., a USB flash drive, compact disk, media player, mobile phone). Twenty-four hour server functions can be provided with the universal appliance to allow for automatic data backup, remote access to personal data and an Internet telephone that can accept calls 24 hours a day.

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: One set of instructions is generated in part by compiling application-specific source code. When natively executed on a platform provided by a device, the set of instructions provides an application. Another set of instructions is generated in part by compiling the same business logic source code. When natively executed on another platform provided by another device, the other set of instructions provides the same application. The business logic source code is substantially free of code specific to any platform. Moreover, the business logic source code defines substantially all application-specific functionality of the application.

Abstract: Automated deployment 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, along with information representing (a) associations between the users and the user devices, (b) user attributes from which access privilege level information for individual users is determinable, and (c) device attributes for each of the plurality of user devices, including network connectivity information. The initial software installation package is custom-configured for individual user devices based on the information representing (a) and (b) to produce a different specially-configured software installation packages. Each one includes installation parameters that establish functionality for the software application based on the access privilege level of the corresponding user. Data transfer channels are custom-configured for individual user devices based on the information representing (a) and (c).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for deploying virtual appliances. In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may include receiving information representative of one or more requirements of virtual appliances and one or more resources available to host the virtual appliances. A download manager may be used to install the virtual appliances. The installation may be configured based on the received information. The start of the virtual appliances may be initiated based on a dependency description. The dependency description includes a sequence for starting the virtual appliances including the network configuration. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A user terminal device connected in a network is provided. The user terminal device includes a display to display a main user interface (UI) screen including therein a first install menu to install an application and a second install menu to install a driver, an input unit through which one of the first install menu and the second install menu is selected on the main UI screen, and a controller to carry out an application installation in which an application program is installed onto a device connected in the network, if the first install menu is selected, and carry out a driver program installation in which a driver program is installed onto the user terminal device, if the second install menu is selected. The controller causes the display to display a map image, indicative of an arrangement of devices in an environment where the network is constructed, and carries out the application program installation or the driver program installation onto the device selected from the map image.

Abstract: An application Runtime Expert (ARE) manages deployment of application software on multiple computer systems. The ARE assists the user in verifying and fixing configuration and environment details of an application deployed on multiple computer systems. The ARE creates a user configurable XML template that contains configuration and environment details based on information collected from a master system that has a known good deployment. The ARE allows a user to edit the XML logic in the template and add plug-ins to the template. The XML template with the added plug-ins are sent to a target system and used to verify the deployment on the target system compared to the master system and to make fixes to the target system's configuration.

Abstract: A method of reprogramming a flash memory of a liquid crystal display (LCD) in a presentation device can include using an external electronic diagnostic tool and a controller area network (CAN) diagnostic interface within the device to initiate data transfer. Data can be transmitted to an LCD microcontroller within the device using a high speed infrared link between the diagnostic tool and microcontroller. The data can be stored in a memory within the device in bi-directional communication with the microcontroller. Proper reception by the microcontroller of the infrared transmitted data can be verified by the diagnostic tool and the CAN diagnostic interface. A command can be issued from the diagnostic tool directing how to employ the data to reprogram the LCD.

Abstract: A component identification system and method, including an identifier associated with a replacement component, a memory to store one or more identifiers for each previously used component corresponding to the replacement component, and a processor to compare the identifier of the replacement component with the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. The replacement component is acceptable where the identifier of the replacement component differs from the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component, and the replacement component is unacceptable where the identifier of the replacement component corresponds to one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. Prior to accepting the replacement component, one or more predetermined validation operations can be performed on the identifier of the replacement component, with the identifier being formed in a serial number or code type scheme.

Abstract: A software distribution mechanism evaluates network addresses of requesting clients to determine a location for each client. The clients from a particular location are grouped together and a fraction of those clients in a particular group are recipients of a software distribution. The faction is adjusted to enable more or fewer clients to download, thus effectively throttling the amount of bandwidth consumed by a mass distribution event. The fraction may be adjusted for particular geographical locations and the time of day to make more effective use of network bandwidth.

Abstract: Method, system, and programs for deploying a distributed application stack on a cluster. A request is first received to deploy the distributed application stack including a plurality of software artifacts on the cluster including a plurality of nodes. Configuration information is then retrieved from a configuration repository based on the received request. The configuration information includes a version of each software artifact of the distributed application stack and a type of each node of the cluster. An instruction is created for each node based on the retrieved configuration information. The instruction is to be used to direct each node to deploy at least one of the plurality of software artifacts from a software package repository onto the node itself. The created instruction is then transmitted to each node.

Abstract: Prior to updating of an information processing program that stores a program update module for updating a wireless interface driver or the information processing program used for communications with a router, a printer stores the minimal information necessary for communications such as the wireless interface driver or setting information (service set identification (SSID), Wep key, etc.) necessary for using the wireless interface driver in basic update user information stored in an area different from an area for the information processing program. If updating of the information processing program is suspended and an error occurs in the information processing program, a basic update module protected from overwriting utilizes the basic update user information to restart communications with the router.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which applications can be installed is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes an application information obtaining part for obtaining application information that is used for determining whether an application is installable in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method, system, and device supporting installation of updates to software and/or firmware in memory of an electronic device. The updates may be accompanied by advertising, promotional and information content that is dynamically displayed to a user during processing of the update in the electronic device. The update information may be automatically generated based upon a list of all software components or packages already present on the electronic device, and may comprise software components for all dependencies of an application being installed by the update that are not already present on the electronic device.

Abstract: Monitor services deployable on device networks may be implemented using a modular approach, in which a core monitor service is mapped to one or more devices included in, or associated with, the device networks. Additional monitoring-related functionality may be provided to such devices using plug-ins, add-on services or service components, or other service modules, which interact with the core monitor service. The core monitor service(s) and any monitor service modules may be mapped, to specific ones of the devices, based on, for example, requirements of other services and/or relevant device metadata (e.g., capabilities) of the devices. In additional or alternative implementations, various protocols may be used to register new devices and deployed monitor service(s) with the distributed monitoring service(s) in a fast, secure, energy-efficient, and reliable manner, even as devices join or leave the device network(s).

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein includes a method for loading a carrier specific operating system (OS) onto a computing device depending on any corporation the computing device is associated with and the network the computing device is connected to. The computing device detects any corporation the computing device is associated with based on the subscriber number of the computing device. The computing device detects an identity of a network by examining a subscriber identification module (SIM) card electronically connected to the device. The device then sends a request including the identity of the corporation and the network to a remote registration service. In turn the device receives an instruction from the remote registration service identifying a distribution of an OS specific for the corporation and the network. After retrieving the OS distribution, the device loads the distribution of the OS on the computing device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for verifying the trustworthiness of code prior to issuing code-signing certificates may include (1) receiving a request from a software publisher to sign code, the request including a copy of the code and a digital signature that verifies the integrity of the code, (2) prior to signing the code, verifying the trustworthiness of the code based at least in part on an analysis of the copy of the code included within the request, (3) upon verifying the trustworthiness of the code, signing the code by generating a digitally signed trustworthiness certificate for the code that certifies that the code is trustworthy, and then (4) providing the trustworthiness certificate to the software publisher to enable the software publisher to attest that the code is trustworthy. Various additional methods, systems, and encoded computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an online ordering machine that manages the distribution of products over a distributed computer system is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A system for peer-to peer distributed client updates. The system includes an update server to which a list of target network accessible devices as devices that are to receive an update file is uploaded. The update server also receives an update file from a licensing server remote from the server. The generates a list of the targeted network accessible devices, which includes a plurality of superior nodes and a plurality of subordinate nodes, which are each subordinate to a respective one of the superior nodes. The server then sends the update file to each of said superior nodes, which send the update message to each of the nodes subordinate to the respective superior nodes.

Abstract: A computing device configured for installing an application is described. The computing device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The computing device determines if an application instruction length is a first instruction length or a second instruction length. The first instruction length is shorter than the second instruction length. If the application instruction length is the first instruction length, then the computing device runs an application installer in a first instruction length mode. If the application instruction length is the second instruction length, then the computing device determines if an operating system instruction length is the first instruction length or the second instruction length. If the operating system instruction length is the second instruction length, then the computing device disables a compatibility module.

Abstract: A management apparatus to manage a device driver using a device driver package or a device driver configuration package and a method of managing the device driver of the management apparatus are provided. The management apparatus and the method are to deploy at least one of a device driver package to install a device driver using the device driver or a common device driver corresponding to at least one image forming apparatus and a device driver configuration package to modify a configuration of an installed device driver.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying and managing software components to a plurality of network devices of an extended data communications network. In one embodiment of the invention, a client type defining software components required for at least one network device of the plurality of network devices may be determined. At least one network device of the plurality of network devices corresponding to the client type may be determined. The software components may be provided to the at least one network device based in part on the client type. The software components may be installed on the at least one network device such that functional capabilities of the software components may be employed by the network device. In another embodiment, a record of the software components installed on the at least one network device on a hub server associated with the extended data communications network may be stored.

Abstract: A network system and network system setting method including a control apparatus connected to a network and an image processing apparatus connected to the control apparatus so as to access the network, where when setup information for the image processing apparatus is transmitted to another image processing apparatus, setup information for the control apparatus is also transmitted.

Abstract: A method and system for performing services in a server and a client of a client/server architecture are provided, and the method includes: when performing to a preset user decision point during the service performing process, the server interrupting the service performing and initiating a user decision request to a client, wherein the user decision request includes information requesting the user to decide a service performing action after the user decision point; after a user decision information made by the client responding to the user decision request is received, determining the service performing action corresponding to the received user decision information according to the corresponding relationship between the user decision information and a service performing rule, and performing the service according to the determined service performing action. The service performing action or flow can be intervened or influenced by the client through the present invention.

Abstract: The behavior of an application is modified, responsive to an experience level of a user as calculated based on information concerning the configuration of the user's computer. Information concerning the configuration of the user's computer that is indicative of the user's experience level is gleaned. An experience index for the user is calculated, based on the gleaned information, and assigned to the user. Based on the calculated experience index, the behavior of an application utilized by the user is modified. This can comprise selecting a user interface for the application based on the user's calculated experience index, and outputting the selected user interface when the user runs the application. The modifying can also comprise selecting a version and/or features of the application for the user, based on the calculated experience index.

Abstract: A method of distributing software and supplemental display data and a client device having the same. The method reduces the cost of providing software to a number of devices on a multi-cast network. The software allows the user to gain access to the multi-cast network, and the supplemental display data is transferred to the client device over the network.

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein includes a method for loading a carrier specific operating system (OS) onto a computing device depending on what network the computing device is connected to. The computing device detects an identity of a network to which a computing device is connected or is to be connected during a network identification process executed on the computing device. The network can be identified, e.g., by examining a subscriber identification module (SIM) card electronically connected to the device. The device then sends a request including the identity of the network to a remote registration service. In turn the device receives an instruction from the remote registration service identifying a distribution of an OS specific for the network. After retrieving the OS distribution, the device loads the distribution of the OS on the computing device. Specific OS distribution is chosen based on predefined policies when the device connects to multiple networks.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing storage space requirements for an embedded hypervisor. The system and method includes installing an application context on a hypervisor while installing files needed by the applications to a shared storage device. Such a system and method provides a unique application context install. Additionally, such a system and method uniquely shares applications while reducing the space occupied on the embedded device. Also, such system and a method uniquely loads applications from remote storage without actually caching the applications on a local system.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for providing multiple installations of a software application. The method/system creates an installation template from a single correct or “golden” installation of the software application and uses the installation template to produce additional installations of the software application. In one embodiment, any references to a specific host or computing system in the files or directories of the installed software application are replaced with a temporary variable in the installation template. The installation template may then be stored on a designated server and uploaded to any computing system needing a new installation of the software application. Once uploaded, the variable is replaced with system-specific references to complete the new installations. Since the installations are produced from the installation template and not from floppy disks or CD-ROMs, the process takes significantly less time.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include methods and/or systems for updating a medical device. Embodiments include medical devices which are configured for updates in response to various events including connection of a peripheral device to the medical device, a user initiated event, or based on received recommendations.

Abstract: An approach for site controller discovery, import and integration. A customer may purchase site controllers to be put at its remote location, sometimes prior to having network connectivity to the remote location. Eventually, the customer may want to integrate the remote site controller with a supervisor at its home facility. The approach may provide site controller discovery, import and integration including automation of integration of the deployed site controller configuration and enterprise hierarchy to the home facility supervisor with minimal user intervention. During importing and integration into the customer's supervisor, enterprise model data may be retrieved and added to the existing multi-site hierarchal structure with the supervisor. The import operation may automatically perform a configuration backup to complete the integration process. The configuration in the deployed site controller or controllers may be considered a master configuration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically modifying and utilizing a software package description for software installation are disclosed. According to one method, a software package that includes a software description file is loaded on a hardware platform. The software description file is dynamically modified based on the software package and the hardware platform. The method also includes utilizing the modified software description file to install the software package on the hardware platform.

Abstract: A method for distributing a computer software package using a pre-requisite query is disclosed. A first pre-requisite query is associated with a package. Attribute information is obtained from one or more managed nodes across a computer network. The attribute information is stored on an administrative system. The first pre-requisite query is run using the attribute information on the administrative system to obtain a first result. The first result indicates whether the one or more managed nodes has the necessary attribute information for the package. The package is sent to the one or more managed nodes that have the necessary attribute information for the package.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for deploying a solution artifact to a client-side application. In one method, an instruction to deploy the solution artifact to the client-side application program is received. Upon receiving the instruction, a determination is made whether a package associated with the solution artifact and the client-side application program was generated. Upon determining that the package was generated, a determination is made whether the package is current. Upon determining that the package is not current or that the package was not generated, the package is generated based on the solution artifact and the client-side application program. Upon determining that the package is current or upon generating the package, the package is deployed to the client-side application program.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for validations the configuration of distributed systems. Validation can include a collection of utilities that are systematically deployed across the nodes of an appliance. The utilities execute specified tasks, that when completed, validate the proper functioning state of hardware and/or software components of the appliance. The utilities generate logs, which can be aggregated to present a global view of the appliance.

Abstract: A system for peer-to peer distributed client updates. The system includes a server to which a list of target network accessible devices as devices that are to receive an update file is uploaded. The server then generates a list of the targeted network accessible devices, which includes a plurality of superior nodes and a plurality of subordinate nodes, which are each subordinate to a respective one of the superior nodes. The server then sends an update file to each of said superior nodes, which sends the update file to each of the nodes subordinate to the respective superior nodes. Each of the target network accessible devices then directly transmits a reporting result indicating a result of a software update at each of the superior and subordinate nodes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method in a distributed network system is disclosed. The computer-implemented method includes: receiving, at a server, a first object update message from a server-side application, wherein the first object update message includes a first object identifier; identifying, among a plurality of object-client registration records, an object-client registration record that includes the first object identifier; updating the object-client registration record in accordance with the first object update message; selecting a set of client identifiers associated with the first object identifier from the object-client registration record; and, for a first client identifier in the selected set of client identifiers, sending a second object update message to a first client device associated with the first client identifier, wherein the second object update message includes the first object identifier.

Abstract: A package manager that determines circular dependencies in a list of software packages to be installed on a client computer and resolves those circular dependencies so that the list of software packages can be installed is described. The package manager receives a list of software packages along with information regarding the dependencies of the software packages. The package manager generates a directed graph of the software packages based on the dependency information. Using the directed graph, the package manager determines strongly coupled components to collect and install, where each strongly coupled component includes a set of dependent components. The package manager further installs these strongly coupled components.

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: Deployment and servicing tasks associated with multi-tier, distributed applications, application environments and data centers are automated so that a person does not have to manually perform these tasks. All of the information describing and defining the distributed service is modeled and stored in a re-useable service template that can be used to drive an automated system to programmatically deploy and manage the service over time. Deployment and servicing of a distributed application can be automated using re-useable models that capture hardware and workload definitions. The re-useable models in the form of service templates enable delta-based servicing of the application. The service can be deployed to one or more physical machines, one or more virtual machines or to a combination thereof. A default deployment plan can be customized with instance-specific customizations of service parameters.