Application discovery method including identifying task entry points and launch points

Abstract

A method for performing application and task discovery in a network of computer devices. The method includes broadcasting a request for application data, such as a multicast request, over a communications network. Responses are received from agents on the computer devices and include application data such as an application name or identifier and an application launch point. A list of tasks that each application can run is also typically included in the application data, and associated with each task is a task entry point and a list of elements the task can be run against. Additional element information may be provided for each application including a list of elements managed by each application. The method continues with generating link and launch lists for the network such as a list that includes task identifiers with task entry points or a list that provides application names with launch points.