The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 18, 2012
Filed:
Jun. 05, 2008
David F. Bantz, Portland, ME (US);
Thomas E. Chefalas, Somers, NY (US);
Steven J. Mastrianni, Unionville, CT (US);
Clifford A. Pickover, Yorktown Heights, NY (US);
David F. Bantz, Portland, ME (US);
Thomas E. Chefalas, Somers, NY (US);
Steven J. Mastrianni, Unionville, CT (US);
Clifford A. Pickover, Yorktown Heights, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for controlling software patching activity. Techniques may implement a software shell and institute a patching policy to control patching activities. When implemented, the software shell acts as a barrier which permits patching of the underlying software only when the patching activity would be in accordance with the instituted patching policy. Various patching policies can be instituted. Patching may be performed when convenient; or just before when the software requiring the patch is needed; or patching may be blocked to prevent unwanted software characteristics and/or behavior. Patching may be delayed until confidence has been established in a new patch so as to avoid disrupting a computer system that is already functioning in an acceptable manner. A particular software action may be blocked so as to avoid the necessity of having to patch software, particularly when the action may interrupt the orderly function of a computer system.