Novell, Inc.

Damon V Janis

Matthew G Brooks

Kelly Ervin Sonderegger

Calvin R Gaisford

Kevin L Hopton

Andy Lawrence

Thomas B Oldroyd

Lori K Dayton

Carla M Heesch

Todd F Millett

A system and method of providing associations between resources and actions in a network includes the steps of providing, in a database schema an action object class defining the structure and attributes of actions available in the network. During operation, action objects are created and stored in a database. When a user enters the system, an internal list is created at that user, identifying the resources available to that user and the action objects capable of being performed on those resources. When a user selects an resource object, the action objects associated with that resource object are displayed, the user selects the action, and the action is performed at the resource. In one example the selection of an action objects cause an associated application to be launched. Each action object represents a string of executable code. The executable code may either be hardcoded in the network software, such that action objects are created at network startup, or alternatively may be linked to the network via an external code module.

Apparatus and method for performing actions on object-oriented software objects in a directory services system

An apparatus for distributing software implements directory services of a network to provide data for controlling a distribution of software. A software object may be any electronic representation of data of any type, from a single byte, to a complex application, or the like. A directory services computer, responsible for maintaining a data store of inter-related logical entities may store a distribution object containing all distribution information associated with a distribution. Distribution information may include a listing of targets, actual entities represented as logical entities in the data store, which are to receive a distribution of a software object. The directory services computer provides instantiations of various portions or an entire data store to be read by various nodes or computers throughout a network or internetwork. Accordingly, an individual computer, such as an individual client or workstation may read information in a distribution object, identified itself as a target of a distribution, and pull the designated software object, completing the distribution to itself. Distribution may also be effected by a workstation from a remote source node to a remote destination node. Authorizations, timing, targets, and software objects, may all be identified in a distribution object.

Directory-services-based software distribution apparatus and method

A method and apparatus for management of application programs in a computer network are disclosed. A modified hierarchical database which includes application objects that represent applications and their execution environments is utilized. Administrator tools support the creation, deletion, and modification of application objects. Each application object includes the location of an executable code for a given application, an icon, a working directory name, drive mappings, printer port captures, command line parameters, and similar information. An application launcher queries the database and updates a list of available applications which is kept in the user's desktop. The launcher automatically launches specified applications when a user runs the launcher. The launcher also uses the information in the application object to setup resources needed by the application, to create a process that executes the application, and to clean up after the application terminates. Resource setup involves mapping drives and capturing printer ports as needed. The database, the launcher, and the administrator tools allow consistent tracking and use of information about application programs and their execution environments in the network.

Managing application programs in a computer network by using a database

Growing community of inventors

Provo, UT, United States of America

Damon V Janis