Managing application programs in a computer network by using a database of application objects
First Claim
1. An application launcher for launching an application program in a computer network, the application launcher comprising:
- a resource setup routine for setting up network resources for use by the application program;
a process initializer for causing an operating system to initialize a process control structure for the application program; and
a routine which reads configuration settings from a launcher configuration attribute located in a hierarchical synchronized-partition database of network resources.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for management of application programs in a computer network are disclosed. A modified hierarchical database which includes application objects that represent applications and their execution environments is utilized. Administrator tools support the creation, deletion, and modification of application objects. Each application object includes the location of an executable code for a given application, an icon, a working directory name, drive mappings, printer port captures, command line parameters, and similar information. An application launcher queries the database and updates a list of available applications which is kept in the user'"'"'s desktop. The launcher automatically launches specified applications when a user runs the launcher. The launcher also uses the information in the application object to setup resources needed by the application, to create a process that executes the application, and to clean up after the application terminates. Resource setup involves mapping drives and capturing printer ports as needed. The database, the launcher, and the administrator tools allow consistent tracking and use of information about application programs and their execution environments in the network.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An application launcher for launching an application program in a computer network, the application launcher comprising:
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a resource setup routine for setting up network resources for use by the application program; a process initializer for causing an operating system to initialize a process control structure for the application program; and a routine which reads configuration settings from a launcher configuration attribute located in a hierarchical synchronized-partition database of network resources. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An application launcher for launching an application program in a computer network, the application launcher comprising:
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a resource setup routine for setting up network resources for use by the application program; and a process initializer for causing an operating system to initialize a process control structure for the application program; wherein the resource setup routine accesses a hierarchical database to determine which network resources to set up. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification