Web-based factory manufacturing of computers in a build-to-order manufacturing environment

• US 6,948,169 B1
• Filed: 11/16/2000
• Issued: 09/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Amro, Hatim Y., Nadon, Robert G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ingberg, Todd
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kiss, Eric B.
• Application Number:
  US09/714,323
• Time in Patent Office: 1,769 Days
• Field of Search: 717168-178, 705/26, 705/27
• US Class Current: 717/178
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/63 Image based installation; Cloning; Build to order
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4416 Network booting; Remote initial program loading [RIPL]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

One embodiment is a system and method for facilitating factory-installation of software in a build-to-order (“BTO”) manufacturing environment using a web-based software distribution system. Subsequent to physical assembly, the minimum software required for a computer to boot up and operate and connect to the Internet is installed on the hard drive thereof. Upon initial boot-up of the computer, a “Web-Based Install” (“WBI”) icon is displayed on the desktop interface element thereof. Clicking on this icon causes the computer to be connected to a secure website of the computer manufacturer (“Internet boot facility”). An ID number identifying the particular computer is then automatically provided to the Internet boot facility and a page including a list of all of the software which the customer purchased for the identified computer is displayed to the customer. The customer may select one or more programs to be downloaded to and installed on the computer by clicking on the associated link(s) or icon(s). Alternatively, rather than a WBI icon, icons for each of the purchased software packages are displayed on the desktop interface element thereof when the computer is first booted. Clicking on an icon causes the computer to connect to the Internet boot facility, and, after the computer is identified thereto, downloading and installation of the software identified by the icon is performed. Alternatively, the download and installation process is initiated immediately and automatically when the computer is first booted.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a user to complete installation of selected software programs on a computer system, having a system ID, via the Internet, the method comprising:

installing, during manufacture, at least one pre-purchased software item;

providing the computer system to the user;

the user initially booting the system;

in response to the booting, displaying on a display of the computer system a plurality of icons, one of the icons being a web-based install (WBI) icon for connecting the computer system to an Internet boot facility;

the user selecting the WBI causing the computer system to be connected to the Internet boot facility, the system ID being automatically provided to the Internet boot facility;

using the system ID to access a corresponding file displayed on a web page and including a list of the pre-purchased software items, the web page including other software items not pre-purchased;

responsive to the user selecting any of the software items, determining whether the user has pre-purchased the selected software item, and if pre-purchased, automatically downloading the selected software items;

if the selected software item is not pre-purchased, prompting the user to enter payment information;

determining whether the payment information is valid; and

if valid, downloading and installing the not pre-purchased software item on the computer system.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each icon is associated with a pre-purchased software item.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein icons are also associated with the other software items.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the Internet boot facility is maintained by a manufacturer of the computer system.

5. A system for enabling a user to complete installation of selected software programs on a computer system, having a system ID, via the Internet, the system comprising:

a minimum software package of pre-purchased software items installed on the computer system by a manufacturer;

the computer system being received and initially booted by the user;

in response to the booting, means for displaying on a display of the computer system a plurality of icons, one of the icons being a web-based install (WBI) icon for connecting the computer system to an Internet boot facility;

means for the user to select the WBI causing the computer system to be connected to the Internet boot facility, the system ID being automatically provided to the Internet boot facility;

means for using the system ID to access a corresponding file displayed on a web page and including a list of the pre-purchased software items, the web page including other software items not pre-purchased;

means, responsive to the user selecting any of the software items, for determining whether the user has pre-purchased the selected software items, and if pre-purchased, automatically downloading the selected software items;

means for determining if the selected software item is another software item not pre-purchased;

means for the user to enter payment information;

means for determining whether the payment information is valid; and

if valid, means for downloading and installing the not pre-purchased software item on the computer system.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein each icon is associated with a pre-purchased software item.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein icons are also associated with the other software items.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein the Internet boot facility is maintained by the manufacturer of the computer system.