Blue Coat Systems, Inc.

Cacheflow, Inc.

John M Scharber

Christopher P Healey

Storing content of a particular type at one or more cache servers may be accomplished according to a cache protocol selected according to the type of the content, a site (e.g., an origin server) associated with the content and/or a class of service requirement. In this scheme, the cache protocol may be selected and/or varied according to load balancing requirements and/or traffic conditions within a network. For example, the cache protocol may migrate from a first protocol (e.g., CARP) that allows only one copy of the content to be stored to a second protocol (e.g., HTCP or ICP) that allows more than one copy of the content to be stored. Further, the depth to which a request query is to be searched within a cache hierarchy may be determined according to the site, the content type and/or the class of service. Where necessary, a path for retrieving the content may be determined, at least in part, according to the content type.

Cost-based optimization for content distribution using dynamic protocol selection and query resolution for cache server

A method of server operation including connecting a plurality of clients to the server and establishing a profile for each of the plurality of clients. A first virtual community is formed with a first group of clients out of the plurality of clients based on the profile for each of the plurality of clients. A first group of ratings is assigned to the first virtual community based on the profile for each of the plurality of clients. A first rating is assigned to a first set of article groups. The first virtual community is provided with access to the first set of article groups if the first rating of the first set of article groups is within the first group of ratings of the first virtual community.

Growing community of inventors

Livermore, CA, United States of America

John M Scharber