Managing distribution and local execution of computing resources
First Claim
1. A method for managing a data processing system comprising the steps of:
- maintaining configuration management information at a central service provider location, the configuration management information representing combinations of compatible versions of particular resources to be deployed within the distributed data processing system; and
a distributed networking file server having portions associated with a service provider and other portions associated with a user client side deployment, distribution of resources being made by the file server in a manner such that the users obtain only access to compatible versions of different resources and whereby user access to the compatible versions is coordinated among distributed cache system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A configuration management service in a client-server data processing system that manages distribution and installation of different versions and formats of resources so that they remain compatible with each other. When the resources are application programs, the service only distributes combinations of applications that are compatible with one another. This provides the advantages of local execution of application programs on a client computer while at the same time providing the advantages of managed configuration from the central server location. The applications continue to run on the clients and network hosting is not used. The service thus separates execution of applications from the control over their distribution. In a preferred embodiment, a hierarchical, networked cache storage arrangement is used to coordinate the actual physical storage and distribution of the resources as demands are made for them. Profile information maintained for particular users of the service may control how much control over the local file system is given to the service, implementation of different purchase options and different administrative preferences. The invention permits the implementation of a new and cost effective business model for the distribution of software to users that might not necessarily consider it to be cost effective to otherwise make use of such applications, in addition to affording more predictable behavior of installed applications and content.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for managing a data processing system comprising the steps of:
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maintaining configuration management information at a central service provider location, the configuration management information representing combinations of compatible versions of particular resources to be deployed within the distributed data processing system; and
a distributed networking file server having portions associated with a service provider and other portions associated with a user client side deployment, distribution of resources being made by the file server in a manner such that the users obtain only access to compatible versions of different resources and whereby user access to the compatible versions is coordinated among distributed cache system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for distribution of computing resources comprising:
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(c) a local storage device located at a client processor, for serving computing resources;
(b) an interposer executing on the client processor, for intercepting requests for resources, and for referring such requests to a configuration manager, and receiving instructions for accessing copies of the resources from such resource manager;
(c) a configuration manager, located at a service provider node, for (i) maintaining resource version compatibility vector, (ii) maintaining a use profile of resource selections, (iii) receiving requests for specific resources from an interposer, and (iv) responding with instructions for how to store a resource version compatible with other resource versions used by the client in the local storage device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification