International Business Machines Corporation

Jeffrey Edward Selden

Diane Elaine Olson

Pernell James Dykes

Devon D Snyder

Kenneth Edgar Brown

Erik Duane Lindberg

Marcia Lynn Brandt

James Orrin Walts

According to the preferred embodiment, a computer system and method for providing access to a software application from a web browser over the WWW is disclosed. 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 application gateway then generates a conversation identifier to identify this conversation between the web browser and the software application. The application gateway performs the function requested in the web server input data by formatting the appropriate commands with the software application. The operation of the software application can be suspended at any time by calling a disconnect mechanism. The disconnect mechanism directs the application gateway to save the state of the software application such that the software application can be restarted later. This system thus allows complex software application processes that may need to be suspended before completion to be directed from a remote based web browser.

Computer apparatus and method including a disconnect mechanism for communicating between software applications and computers on the world-wide web

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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Jacksonville Beach, FL, United States of America

Jeffrey Edward Selden