System and method for using web based wizards and tools

• US 20030078927A1
• Filed: 10/18/2001
• Published: 04/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Hammersmith, Robert Alan, Wadhwa, Alka, Cheetham, William Estel, Hammond, Christopher Reynolds, Zingelewicz, Stephen Eric, Kniffin, Bethany Bleil
• Application Number:
  US09/982,942
• Publication Number:
  US 20030078927A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A system and method are proposed wherein knowledge and tools for solving business problems are accessible through a single distribution point. The wizard central system and method allows for developing, approving, revising, searching for and using of web based wizards or tools. After use, the wizards or tools can be stored in a centralized solution repository for later retrieval and analysis. The wizards and tools are categorized based on pre-defined criteria. Searches are thus limited by the categorization and the user is shown only wizards and tools which are applicable to the business problem. The system also provides an approval and revision workflow for the wizards and tools. This workflow provides the capability of revising the wizard or tool knowledge base to keep it current with evolving expert opinion and design documentation.

Claims

1. A system configured for uploading web based information, comprising:

an application configured with a database of web related information data, said application capable of allowing a user to input information into the database for upload to a server and allowing a user to download information from the database;

at least one wired or wireless access means for the user;

an input means for filtering information between the user and the server; and

an interface between the at least one wired or wireless access means and the server.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the web related information data comprises categorized knowledge-based tools or wizards relevant to specific business issues and related documents.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the input means comprises a wizard central.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the wizard central allows for developing, approving, revising, searching for and using web based wizards or tools.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a centralized solution repository for storing results of said web based wizards or tools for later retrieval and analysis.

6. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the web based wizards or tools are accessible through a single distribution point.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the server is comprised of hardware and software that allows said user to access relevant wizards or tools in response to input from said user.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said server is configured to store and download text and digital images.

9. A workflow system configured for allowing web based knowledge to be maintained, comprising:

an application configured with a database of web related knowledge data, said application capable of allowing a user to input information into the database for upload to a server and allowing a user to download web related knowledge from the database;

at least one wired or wireless access means for the user;

an input means for filtering information between the user and the server; and

an interface between the at least one wired or wireless access means and the server.

10. A workflow system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the web related knowledge data comprises categorized knowledge-based tools relevant to specific business issues and related documentation.

11. A workflow system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the application allows for developing, approving, revising, searching for and using web based wizards or tools.

12. A workflow system as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a centralized solution repository for storing results of said web based wizards or tools for later retrieval and analysis.

13. A workflow system as claimed in claim 11 further comprising means for providing an approval process for said web based wizards or tools.

14. A workflow system as claimed in claim 11 further comprising means for providing revision control of said web based wizards or tools.

15. A workflow system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the web based wizards or tools are accessible through a single distribution point.

16. A method for accessing and uploading web based information for internal users and external users using a system which includes a server and at least one client system, the method comprising the steps of:

uploading user information and user selections to the server;

downloading from the server, web pages configured to direct internal and external users to a database and related applications within the server, the database configured with categorized wizards or knowledge-based tools and related documentation, responsive to the user information; and

using an input means to filter information between the user and the server.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the web based information comprises categorized wizards or knowledge-based tools relevant to specific business issues.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of configuring the server to store and download wizards or tools and associated documentation, including text and digital images.

19. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the step of downloading from the server, web pages configured to direct internal and external users to a database and related applications within the server, further comprises the step of downloading from the server, web pages configured to direct internal and external users to actual wizards or tools and results of wizards or tools relevant to a specific problem input by said user.

20. A method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of maintaining the web based information.