International Business Machines Corporation

James Orrin Walts

Devon D Snyder

Kenneth Edgar Brown

Diane Elaine Olson

Erik Duane Lindberg

Pernell James Dykes

Marcia Lynn Brandt

Jeffrey Edward Selden

Nathaniel Calvert

Earl Walter Emerick

Beth Ann Krupit

Eric Gunter Roubal

Gail Lynn Sawyer

Emil Pelnar

Susette Marie Townsend

Loren Edward Smith

A computer system and method provides access to a software application from a web browser over the world-wide web (WWW). The system includes one or more computers executing a web browser, a web server application, an application gateway, and a software application. The system and method allows a user of the web browser to access the software application. The user inputs data via the web browser, which is communicated to the web server application. The web server application authenticates the web browser and passes appropriate input data to an application gateway, including data to uniquely identify and track the user's request. The application gateway then performs the function requested in the web server input data by formatting the appropriate commands with the software application. The software application responds by outputting data to the application gateway that includes an identifier that the application gateway uses to match the output data with the web browser that requested the output data. This system thus allows numerous web browsers access to the software application simultaneously.

Computer apparatus and method for communicating between software

The present invention provides the capability to easily access many different application programs over the WWW via a common user interface. By providing standard procedures, routines, tools, and software 'hooks' for accessing software applications over the WWW, software developers can concentrate on the functionality of the application program and easily use HTML to provide a GUI interface for the application program. HTML is a well-known language which can be used by almost any computer system on the market today. In addition, since HTML is a fairly well controlled and standardized language, new software application features can be added as they are developed and supported by HTML. In addition, since HTML is a widely adopted, non-proprietary technology, the present invention can provide open access to a large market for even very small software developers. Further, the present invention also allows software developers to adopt a standard access protocol, which allows them to provide support for any computer system which is capable of utilizing a HTML cognizant browser. Finally, by providing easy-to-implement, standardized solutions to the issues of user interface, authentication/security, and web transaction support, the common user interface of the present invention overcomes the limitations existing in previous solutions.

Computer apparatus and method for providing a common user interface for

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Rochester, MN, United States of America

James Orrin Walts