System and method for implementing a user interface in a client management tool

• US 6,734,878 B1
• Filed: 04/28/2000
• Issued: 05/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: DeLuca, Steve A., Bishop, David A., Darcy, Paul B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cabeca, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): HAILU, TADESSE
• Application Number:
  US09/560,945
• Time in Patent Office: 1,474 Days
• Field of Search: 345/734-748, 345/771, 345/772, 709/220-229, 710/220
• US Class Current: 715/735
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0213 Standardised network management protocols, e.g. simple network management protocol [SNMP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0806 for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0843 based on generic templates
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/12 Discovery or management of network topologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/145 involving simulating, designing, planning or modelling of a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/045 for graphical visualisation of monitoring data
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0882 Utilisation of link capacity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/16 Threshold monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99953 Recoverability
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/968 interface for database querying and retrieval

Abstract

A method and system are provided for implementing a user interface in a client management tool. A user interface allows a user to select a number of polling agent configurations in the client management tool. Another interface allows a user to issue and modify various client attributes without having to terminate a measurement. A further user interface allows a user to archive client management data within the client management tool.

Claims

1. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display and a user interface selection device, a method of providing and selecting a polling configuration in a client management tool, said method comprising:

retrieving a set of menu entries indicative of a plurality of polling agent configurations;

displaying the menu entries on the display;

receiving a menu entry selection indicative of a user selection of one of the plurality of polling agent configurations; and

implementing the selected polling agent configuration.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of polling agent configurations includes a central polling agent configuration.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of polling agent configurations includes a resident polling agent configuration.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising displaying an indication of the selected polling agent configuration.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the set of menu entries includes displaying a graphical representation of the plurality of polling configurations.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the set of menu entries includes displaying a textual representation of the plurality of polling configurations.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the set of menu entries includes displaying a combination of graphical and textual representations of the plurality of polling configurations.

8. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 1.

9. A computer system having a processor, a memory, and an operating environment, the computer system operable to execute the steps recited in claim 1.

10. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display and a user interface selection device, a method of providing and selecting a measurement of a client process, said method comprising:

retrieving a set of menu entries indicative of client process measurement attributes for selection by a user;

displaying the menu entries on the display;

receiving a menu entry selection indicative of a first user selection of one or more of the client process measurement attributes;

sending a first group of data indicative of the first user selection to the client process;

repeating said retrieving step and said displaying step;

receiving a menu entry selection indicative of a second user selection of one or more of the client process measurement attributes; and

sending a second group of data indicative of the second user selection to the client process to replace the first group of data without requiring termination of the client process measurement.

11. The method as recited in claim 10 further comprising displaying a management template corresponding to the first user selection.

12. The method as recited in claim 10 further comprising displaying a management template corresponding to the second user selection.

13. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the step of sending the first group of data includes issuing a management template to the client process.

14. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the step of sending the second group of data includes issuing a second management template to the client process.

15. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the step of displaying the menu entries includes displaying a textual portion of a first menu entry and a graphical portion of the first menu entry to allow a user to select the first menu entry.

16. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 10.

17. A computer system having a processor, a memory, and an operating environment, the computer system operable to execute the steps recited in claim 10.