Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Aaron Cornelius

David T Fong

Jeremy Mercer

Giovanni Stallo

Cameron John Parker

Margaret F Fitzgerald

A visual design surface that identifies configuration errors to a user in an inconspicuous manner is disclosed. Shapes representing software artifacts are arranged on the design surface. Each shape may have one or more configuration parameter. The parameters associated with each shape are analyzed to locate configuration errors. When an error is identified, an error icon is placed next to the shape. The user may select the icon and be presented with one or more proposed solutions.

Dynamic contextual helper user interface

Systems and methods for integrating collaborative services with content. Collaboration services are provided to a user in the context of content such that the user may collaborate with other contacts or users within the context of the content. The collaborative services are accessed through a pane or window that initially displays a list of experts and peers as well as frequently asked questions links, availability data and configuration data. When a contact is selected, more details about the selected contact are provided to the user including a contact block that indicates how the user may collaborate with the selected contact. The contact block identifies modes of communication such as e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, threads, telephone, and the like. When a mode of communication is selected, the user may collaborate with the selected contact. The context of the content is often supplied to the selected contact to improve the collaboration.

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Verona, WI, United States of America

Aaron Cornelius