×

System for software distribution in a digital computer network

  • US 5,845,090 A
  • Filed: 09/30/1996
  • Issued: 12/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/14/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of transferring digital computer programs and data from one or more source digital computers to one or more electronically connected target digital computers, each called a Target, the method comprising the steps of:

  • a. establishing a Remote Package Manager within each Target;

    b. defining an installation method and a backout method, wherein the installation method includes the step of collecting information from the Target digital computer'"'"'s memory or permanent storage, and transmitting said information to a third digital computer called a Collection Receiver;

    c. building a Package, wherein the step of building includes the step of combining the installation method and the backout method with digital computer programs and data into an object such that the Package includes embedded methods for installing and removing the digital computer programs and data;

    d. transferring the Package by electrically transmitting the Package in digital form to each Target; and

    e. unpacking the Package on each Target, wherein the step of unpacking includes the steps of;

    transmitting a message from the Remote Package Manager to the Package; and

    executing, as a function of the message transmitted from the Remote Package Manager, one or more of the embedded methods;

    whereby the Package becomes a self-executing entity that acts autonomously in response to the message to execute one or more of the embedded methods.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×