System and method for dynamically creating a customized multi-product software installation plan

• US 20040123284A1
• Filed: 12/18/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Gutierrez-Rivas, Humberto, Bryant, Daryl Keith, Fusilero, Frederick M., Walters, Terence
• Granted Patent: US 7,228,542 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/174
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation

Abstract

A computer product generates an installation plan based on the products, components, features, and system configuration of the associated software product that the user selects for installation on the user'"'"'s system. The installation plan is printable and creates an easy-to-follow installation sequence including information regarding product configuration and software and hardware requirements. In addition, the installation plan lists the product CDs required during the installation process.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically creating a customized multi-product software installation plan, comprising:

interactively collecting user information in terms of a user'"'"'s installation preferences; and

creating a customized installation plan including required prerequisites and computer products based on the user'"'"'s installation preferences.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a pictorial view of the installation of the computer products and prerequisites.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the customized installation plan comprises a plurality of installation steps.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising interactively displaying the steps of the customized installation plan.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising printing the customized installation plan.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising navigating to a system configuration screen.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising navigating to a product overview screen.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising navigating to a planning assistant screen.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising navigating to a welcome screen.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the customized installation plan further comprises any one or more of installation steps, configuration hints, and tips.

11. A computer program product having instruction codes for dynamically creating a customized multi-product software installation plan, comprising:

a first set of instruction codes for interactively collecting user information in terms of a user'"'"'s installation preferences; and

a second set of instruction codes for creating a customized installation plan including required prerequisites and computer products based on the user'"'"'s installation preferences.

12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the customized installation plan presents a pictorial view of the installation of the computer products and prerequisites.

13. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the customized installation plan comprises a plurality of installation steps.

14. The computer program product of claim 13, further comprising a third set of instruction codes for interactively displaying the steps of the customized installation plan.

15. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising a fourth set of instruction codes for printing the customized installation plan.

16. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising a fifth set of instruction codes for navigating to a system configuration screen.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the fifth set of instruction codes permits a user to navigate to a product overview screen.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the fifth set of instruction codes permits a user to navigate to a planning assistant screen.

19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the fifth set of instruction codes permits a user to navigate to a welcome screen.

20. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the customized installation plan further comprises any one or more of installation steps, configuration hints, and tips.

21. A system for dynamically creating a customized multi-product software installation plan, comprising:

means for interactively collecting user information in terms of a user'"'"'s installation preferences; and

means for creating a customized installation plan including required prerequisites and computer products based on the user'"'"'s installation preferences.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the customized installation plan presents a pictorial view of the installation of the computer products and prerequisites.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the customized installation plan comprises a plurality of installation steps.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising means for interactively displaying the steps of the customized installation plan.

25. The system of claim 21, further comprising means for printing the customized installation plan.

26. The system of claim 21, further comprising means for navigating to a system configuration screen.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the means for navigating permits a user to navigate to a product overview screen.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the means for navigating permits a user to navigate to a planning assistant screen.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the means for navigating permits a user to navigate to a welcome screen.

30. The system of claim 21, wherein the customized installation plan further comprises any one or more of installation steps, configuration hints, and tips.