Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Vinay Gupta

Roger Shane Barga

Stelios Paparizos

Gur Kimchi

Zachary Apter

Eric J Horvitz

Doug Burger

John Steven Strauch

Various embodiments are described for systems and methods for managing data. The system may include a device group configured for peer-to-peer communications, the device group including a computing device and one or more peer computing devices. The system includes a cross device application programming interface (API) that is implemented as a device group API client executed on the computing device and each of the peer computing devices. Each device group API client includes a permissions module that is configured to determine whether a request satisfies a device-group-specific permission for access to data stored on any device associated with the device group. Upon authorization of the request, a file storage module is configured to retrieve and output the requested file.

Computing system for managing data

A server computing device and related method for providing recommendations to a user computing device are disclosed. In one example, user activity of the user of a user computing device and friend activity of a friend using a friend computing device are received. A request for a recommendation is received from the user device. Based on the user and friend activities, it is estimated that the user and friend will approach an intersecting location within a window of time, and the user and friend are available to meet in that window. A recommendation of a service offered within a distance of the location is sent, with the recommendation displayed on the user computing device.

Server computing device for recommending meeting a friend at a service location based on current location, travel direction, and calendar activity

A long-term personal agent program, executable as network service and/or on one or more user computing devices and related method for identifying opportunities and making recommendations on behalf of one or more users, are disclosed herein. In one example, the personal agent program includes a monitoring engine configured to monitor and interpret a user's activities over time with a plurality of sensing and logging methodologies according to user authorization, the use of statistical methods for learning to understand a user's goals and behavioral patterns from data, and the use of procedures for computing the expected value of information guiding sensing and logging in different contexts. The personal agent further may include a recommendation methodology configured to make suggestions and to take actions on behalf of the user, in the present moment as well as for future times, based on inferences about user goals and opportunities in the world.

User computing device with personal agent program for recommending meeting a friend at a service location based on current location, travel direction, and calendar activity

A web based sign-off process that allows a customer and an installation technician to electronically sign-off on a broadband installation for the purpose of recording that service is operating correctly thereby enabling the service providers to start billing for the broadband service. The sign-off takes place once the broadband installation is complete by navigating to a web site containing a sign-off form. Once the form is filled out by the customer and the technician, it is returned over a network to a service provider. The service provider modifies the customer's billing entry so that billing can commence at a broadband access rate.

Broadband sign-off

A communications device, method and service are provided that integrate broadband and dial-up internet access in a seamless service package. A modem is provided that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The modem includes an auto-sense procedure for switching between the two types of connections. Additionally, a connectivity utility allows a user to interact with a modem that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The connectivity utility receives various event notifications from the modem and provides the user with the ability to receive off or on-line help, current modem or connection status, the status of an order for service, control of modem parameters, billing information, and other features.

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Sammamish, WA, United States of America

Vinay Gupta