Software distribution via stages
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method of distributing software to a plurality of nodes, wherein the software exists in a plurality of releases, the method comprising:
- receiving one or more designations indicating one or more designated nodes operable to execute the software as nodes to be distributed software of a selected software stage;
determining that one or more of the designated nodes is designated as to be distributed software of the selected software stage; and
responsive to determining that the one or more of the designated nodes are so designated, selecting a release of the software associated with the selected software stage as to be distributed to the one or more of the designated nodes;
wherein the release of the software of the selected software stage is released to nodes associated with a distribution threshold value after a progressing index reaches the distribution threshold value.
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Abstract
Software can be automatically distributed in stages. An administrator can specify a stage indicating software to be distributed to nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. Administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate an appropriate software stage for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover what software is appropriate. Software of the proper stage can be provided and installed. The software can be provided via an application service provider scenario, and automatic installation can be achieved even if the nodes are behind a firewall. A versionless arrangement can be implemented.
98 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method of distributing software to a plurality of nodes, wherein the software exists in a plurality of releases, the method comprising:
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receiving one or more designations indicating one or more designated nodes operable to execute the software as nodes to be distributed software of a selected software stage; determining that one or more of the designated nodes is designated as to be distributed software of the selected software stage; and responsive to determining that the one or more of the designated nodes are so designated, selecting a release of the software associated with the selected software stage as to be distributed to the one or more of the designated nodes; wherein the release of the software of the selected software stage is released to nodes associated with a distribution threshold value after a progressing index reaches the distribution threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of facilitating software distribution to a plurality of nodes having access to a network, the method comprising:
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via the network, receiving an indication of an association of at least one of the nodes with a software stage; and after a version of software associated with the software stage becomes available, automatically distributing the version of the software to the nodes via the network; wherein the distributing distributes the version of the software associated with the software stage to nodes associated with a distribution threshold value after a progressing index reaches the distribution threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of distributing software to a plurality of nodes, wherein the software exists in a plurality of releases, the method comprising:
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receiving one or more designations indicating one or more designated nodes operable to execute the software as nodes to be distributed software of a selected software stage; determining that one or more of the designated nodes is designated as to be distributed software of the selected software stage; and responsive to determining that the one or more of the designated nodes are so designated, selecting a release of the software associated with the selected software stage as to be distributed to the one or more of the designated nodes; wherein the release of the software of the selected software stage is released to nodes associated with a distribution threshold value after a progressing index reaches the distribution threshold value.
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22. A system for automatically distributing computer software via a network, the system comprising:
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means for receiving information associating nodes with software stages; and means for replying to requests from the nodes and providing a list of software of an appropriate stage out of the software stages wherein the software stages comprise a beta stage, a middle stage, and a late stage and wherein the list of software of the appropriate stage is released to a requesting node when a distribution controlling parameter reaches a value set for the requesting node. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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26. A computer user interface for designating a software stage for one or more nodes, the user interface comprising:
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a user interface element by which a selected software stage can be designated for one or more designated nodes; wherein the user interface element is presented by a data center, and responsive to activation of the user interface element, software of the selected software stage is automatically distributed by the data center to the one or more designated nodes according to a staggered distribution after a progressing index reaches a distribution threshold parameter associated with the one or more designated nodes. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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Specification