Tools for stacking uncoordinated software projects
First Claim
1. A method for use in assembling into a package multiple discrete software applications that are separately available from independent sources and that include at least one open source software application, comprising the steps of:
- first operating a computer based tool to receive user input information regarding a first software application for inclusion in a package of interest, wherein said input information includes one of a description, function, and name associated with said first software application, and wherein said package of interest comprises two or more software applications that share one or more logical resources or are configured for cooperative and dependent operation;
second operating said computer based tool, responsive to said input information, to determine at least a first characteristic of said first software application of said package of interest, wherein said first characteristic identifies a related second software application for inclusion in said package of interest, and wherein said second software application has a vertical dependency relationship with said first software application, wherein at least one of said first and second software applications is an open source software application; and
third operating said computer based tool, based on said first characteristic, to output information regarding said second software application of said packages wherein said third operating comprises providing said output information regarding an assembly of said first and second software applications, and said computer based tool is further operative to repeat said steps of second and third operating until all software applications required of said package of interest are identified.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tool is provided for addressing a number of issues related to assembling software stacks including multiple uncoordinated components such as open source projects. The tool identifies individual projects for stacking, manages dependency relationships and provides an intuitive graphical interface to assist a user. A project filter is also provided for controlling access to or installation of projects in accordance with filter criteria. In this manner, compliance with internal policies regarding the use of open source or other software is facilitated.
35 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for use in assembling into a package multiple discrete software applications that are separately available from independent sources and that include at least one open source software application, comprising the steps of:
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first operating a computer based tool to receive user input information regarding a first software application for inclusion in a package of interest, wherein said input information includes one of a description, function, and name associated with said first software application, and wherein said package of interest comprises two or more software applications that share one or more logical resources or are configured for cooperative and dependent operation; second operating said computer based tool, responsive to said input information, to determine at least a first characteristic of said first software application of said package of interest, wherein said first characteristic identifies a related second software application for inclusion in said package of interest, and wherein said second software application has a vertical dependency relationship with said first software application, wherein at least one of said first and second software applications is an open source software application; and third operating said computer based tool, based on said first characteristic, to output information regarding said second software application of said packages wherein said third operating comprises providing said output information regarding an assembly of said first and second software applications, and said computer based tool is further operative to repeat said steps of second and third operating until all software applications required of said package of interest are identified. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer based tool for use in assembling packages of software applications, comprising:
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a knowledge base with storage configured for storing dependency relationship information concerning interoperation of members of a set of software applications, wherein said software applications include at least one open source software application, and wherein each of said software applications is produced by an independent source; a user interface with interface logic for receiving an input and providing an output related to assembly of a package of software applications, wherein said package comprises two or more of said software applications that share one or more logical resources or are configured for cooperative and dependent operation; and a processing engine with processing logic for using said input to selectively access said storage to obtain a portion of said dependency relationship information and for outputting package information based on said portion of said dependency relationship information. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification