|Publication number||US5394522 A|
|Application number||US 08/120,313|
|Publication date||Feb 28, 1995|
|Filing date||Sep 13, 1993|
|Priority date||Dec 10, 1990|
|Also published as||DE69131122D1, DE69131122T2, EP0490624A2, EP0490624A3, EP0490624B1, USRE36444|
|Publication number||08120313, 120313, US 5394522 A, US 5394522A, US-A-5394522, US5394522 A, US5394522A|
|Inventors||Alejandra Sanchez-Frank, Martin J. Sirkin|
|Original Assignee||International Business Machines Corporation|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (13), Non-Patent Citations (24), Referenced by (207), Classifications (29), Legal Events (2) |
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
Selecting and locating graphical icon objects to define and configure the workstations in data processing networks
US 5394522 A
A system and method for configuring communication and database networks in a user friendly graphical environment and automatically generating related configuration files. In a preferred practice, the user defines multiple network workstation nodes using icons, specifies the resources associated with each icon, defines connections between icons using specified protocol constraints, validates the network so defined, and generates the associated configuration files for the respective workstation nodes. The workstations have requester/server capability for communication and database network operation. The configuration files for the respective workstations in the network are preferably distributed and installed using the network resources. The network topology information so created can be stored, retrieved and modified as necessary to suit the needs of an evolving network.
1. A method by which a configuration workstation is used to generate configuration parameters for a network of workstations, comprising the steps of:
generating and positioning by drag-drop manipulation icons for each of three or more first network objects on a graphical video display of the configuration workstation;
generating graphical representations of paths and protocols connecting the first network objects on the video display;
generating parameters for configuring devices in a physical network responsive to a network defined by a first combination of network objects and connections; and
distributing the configuration parameters from the configuration workstation to corresponding devices in the physical network.
2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of:
generating and positioning in a second functional mode icons and representations of paths and protocols corresponding to a second combination of network objects and connections, some of which icons and representations of paths and protocols in the second combination of network objects and connections correspond to the first combination of network objects and connections.
3. A system for generating parameters which create a network of multiple workstations, comprising:
means for graphically depicting network nodes on a workstation display using icon type objects which correspond by node;
means for graphically depicting path and protocol connections on the workstation display using graphical representations which relate to selected icon type objects;
means for a user of the workstation display to select and position by drag-drop manipulation the icon type objects and connections as depicted on the workstation display;
means for deriving network configuration parameters from information represented by a combination of the depicted icon type objects and connections; and
means for distributing the network configuration parameters.
4. The system recited in claim 3, wherein the means for distributing network configuration parameters sends those parameters to physical devices which correspond to icon type objects.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/625,249, filed Dec. 10, 1990, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the configuration of data processing networks. More particularly, the invention defines a computer program architecture and method of use for graphically defining a network and deriving configuration parameters for the node terminals of the network.
The configuration of multiple personal computers and workstations into networks, and with increasing frequency hierarchically ordered sets of networks, provides communication and information retention resources not available to independent workstations. Consequently, there exists a significant trend toward network use of workstations. Unfortunately, the industry remains fluid as to network protocols and includes as prevailing and representative communication networks Ethernet, Token-Ring, PC Network (trademark of IBM Corporation), IEEEE 802.2, Netbios, X.25, SDLC, and APPC. Furthermore, given that the network users expect database capability in addition to that of the communication, database requester and database server functions in workstations and bridges are similarly subject to particularization in the course of defining the composite network. Network definition is even further complicated by the common use of multiple communication boards interfacing distinctly differing networks in one or more of the node workstations.
The configuration of the individual workstations in networks to match communication and database protocols has routinely been the responsibility of a network administrator. As the number of network nodes, the number of internetwork bridges and variety of network protocols increase, it has become apparent that the network administrator needs computer assistance to define and revise networks, and to generate the appropriate configuration files for each of the workstation within the network.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,492 recognized the need for assisting a network administrator. The patent thus provides a system and method for applying a knowledge based expert system to the creation of configuration parameters individualized to the workstations of complex networks. The knowledge of the expert system is used to provide a menu and control the selections available to the network administrator.
Another reference of some relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,540. The subject matter in that patent relates to creating and selecting a communication path between a user's terminal and a destination terminal by selecting the communication parameters from a scrollable menu. Graphical representations of the terminals and path are depicted in response to different menu selections. Though network usage is noted, the teachings relate to the definition of a communication path between a pair of terminals, namely, between the user's local terminal and a single remote terminal.
The increased prevalence of networks with greater numbers of nodes, diverse communication protocols, and different functional modes, together with the bridging of multiple local area networks into wide area networks, has created an environment in which there is a need for graphically depicting networks having numerous nodes, for interactively specifying the connecting protocols between the nodes, and for automating the configuration of each workstation in the network based upon its capabilities, the modes of operation defined for the workstation, and the protocols specified for such modes of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system, a program architecture, and method of operation by which a network administrator can, as a first feature, graphically depict a network by defining a multiplicity of workstation nodes with respective hardware and operating system characteristics, can then define the protocols of the communication paths between the network workstations, and based upon such network of workstations and communication path constraints can thereafter generate configuration parameters for the operating systems of the respective workstations. A further variation of the invention allows the configuration manager to switch the modes of operation defined for the network, for example between a communication mode and a database mode, and thereupon selectively redefine the workstation and communication path characteristics for the combined modes of operation. A further refinement of the invention provides for the automated distribution of such network workstation configuration parameters as an element of configuring the network depicted by graphical representation. The network parameters are capable of being stored, recalled, redefined and retransmitting with relative ease by graphical manipulation.
These and other features of the invention will be understood and appreciated with greater specificity upon considering the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a network environment relating to a use of the invention.
FIG. 2 schematically depicts a video display image of a network node and a related dialog window.
FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically depict video display images at differing stages of network definition.
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a video display image of the network including a dialog window suitable to save network configuration information.
FIGS. 6-20 contain flow diagrams representing different functions available to a user of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 schematically depicts an extended network, which has been simplified for purposes of illustrating the principles of the invention, composed of two local area networks, individually having different forms of workstations, which are joined through a network bridge. The composite network, often referred to as a wide area network (WAN), includes a token-ring local area network (LAN) at 1 and a PC Network LAN (PC Network is a trademark of IBM Corporation), generally at 2, communicating through network bridge 3. Token-ring LAN 1 is shown to have three nodes, including database and LAN requester node 4, database requester node 6, and database and LAN server node 7. The nodes are preferably configured with IBM brand PS/2 (trademark of IBM Corporation) workstations having appropriate OS/2 (trademark of IBM Corporation) operating system programs for accomplishing the prescribed functions LAN 2 is shown to have a single node database requester, again preferably configured with a PS/2 workstation having the appropriate database requester OS/2 operating system. Network bridge 3, which joins the two LANs and thus creates the WAN, is preferably configured with a PS/2 workstation employing a DOS operating system and running the Token-Ring Network Bridge Program application program, also available from IBM Corporation. It should be apparent that representative real world networks would include a significantly greater number of workstations nodes, connections and associated network protocols.
In the context of the network depicted in FIG. 1, the burden of the network administrator is to configure each of the workstations by prescribing and individually loading parameters such as node name, node operating system type, node machine type, node address, and available communication protocols suitable to accomplish the defined database requester, LAN requester, database server, LAN server or network bridge functions attributed to such workstation node within the network. As the number and diversity of the workstations and function increase, the complexity of the network and appropriate configuration definition increased exponentially. As the variety of hardware types, operating systems, protocols and modes of operation increase, menu driven tabulated entry of WAN information is error prone even with the assistance of an expert system. In part this can be attributed to the fact that the network administrator is not provided with a dynamically responsive visual representation of the interactions between network nodes, connections, protocols and modes of operation.
The present invention introduces the use of graphical representation to define network elements in the course of deriving configuration parameters. First, workstations within the network are graphically depicted as nodes having prescribed hardware operating system resources, and communication features. The graphically depicted connection of the nodes is overlayed, but only following a validation that the selected connections are functionally compatible with the previously specified node characteristics. For instances, and with reference to FIG. 1, the absence of a LAN server operating system in node 7 would preclude the designation of workstation 7 as a LAN server to workstation 4. Node 7 can still have the resources to provide database server functions for workstations 4 and 6.
FIG. 2 depicts an early stage in a preferred use of the invention. The illustration presents an image as would appear on a video display of the workstation used by the network administrator. The screen includes a workspace pane, generally at 8, a workstation/communication link device/data storage device selection pane, generally at 9, and a network configuration and protocol definition pane, generally at 11.
The depiction in FIG. 2 also includes a window 12 overlapping the workspace, node selection, and connection selection panes. Window 12 is the dialog window associated with workstation 13, a workstation which was selected from the choices in pane 9 and placed in workspace 8 for purposes of specifying one node of a network. Note that the node dialog window 12 is used to specify the characteristics of the node in terms of machine type, node type and card (DLC) capability. As embodied, the dialog window 12 provides for name and address defaults together with resources for describing two distinct data link cards.
The invention preferably practiced using a PS/2 workstation having an OS/2 operating system and an IBM brand mouse pointing and control device. Using such mouse, the network administrator selects the workstation icon 13 from pane 9 and places it into work space 8 node in the network. Once the dialog information for window 12 has been entered by the administrator, the functional characteristics of node 13 are established.
FIG. 3 illustrates the image of the screen at a later stage in the definition of the network. At this stage an additional workstation 14 as well as database server 16 have been added to the network being defined. FIG. 3 also illustrates the commencement of a connection to be definition between workstation 14 and database server 16. A connection dialog window is not necessary in that the connection parameters are derivable by matching the connection network selected from pane 11 to the link card capabilities ascribed to each workstation node. The three node network depicted in FIG. 4 corresponds to the token-ring LAN identified at 1 in FIG. 1.
Pane 9 in FIG. 4 includes icons suitable to select an OS/2 operating system database requester workstation 17, an OS/2 operating system database server workstation 18, an OS/2 operating system database requester and server workstation 19, a DOS database requester workstation 21, an OS/2 or DOS operating system requester (whichever is booted) workstation 22, a DOS requester with OS/2 operating system database server workstation 23, and an OS/2 operating system requester and server with DOS requester workstation 24, and a "no function" overlay 26. The "no function" overlay icon identifies nodes without specific functionality in the network mode, e.g., communication or database, being defined. Such a diversity of node capability alone suggests a monumental effort for a network administrator not having the resources of the present invention.
The communication protocols available to link the node workstations are similarly diverse. The icons representing the various forms of connection protocol are depicted in pane 11 of FIG. 4. Icon 27 represents a no connection mode of operation, and invokes the mode use when selecting and dragging node icons from pane 9 into workspace pane 8. Connection icon 28 represents a SQL LOO communication LAN. The APPC (advance program to program communication) network represented by icon 29 corresponds to an IBM Corporation SNA communication network. The network of icon 31 represents the combined capability of the APPC and the SQL LOO protocols. Icon 32 corresponds to a netbios network, while network icon 33 represents a network combining SQL LOO with netbios. Icon 34 represents a network having APPC combined with netbios. Icon 36 represents the relatively all inclusive combination of APPC, SQL LOO, and netbios protocol capability network. Again, it should be clearly evident that a network administrator is burdened with an inordinate selection not only as to the node functions but now also as to the media of connection and communication between the nodes.
According to the system, program, and method of the present invention, the administrator selects icons representing diverse workstation capabilities and interconnects such workstation nodes by selecting communication protocols. The nodes and connections are graphically depicted by icons and connecting lines or arrow patterns. The network can be manipulated as needed and is particularized by dialog windows with broad default capability. As depicted in FIG. 5, by the presence of window 37, the network configuration information can be stored and subsequently recalled for selecting refinement. The invention also contemplates a spreadsheet interface for very large networks, to permit easy replication of corresponding node functions and connection protocols. Direct transformation between spreadsheet parameters and graphical representations is readily accomplished by known transformation programs and methods.
As a further refinement of the invention, the node and connection characteristics are preferably validated at the time they are specified in the workstation used by the network administrator. Such validation will likely include a comparison of workstation resources and network requirements, a confirmation of uniqueness in node addresses and names, a verification of consistency between machine types and node functions ascribed thereto, and a comparison of connection protocols to workstation card functionality. Systematic and automated validation avoids the common prior experience of discovering configuration errors after configuring all the workstations and enabling the network.
Preferably validation extends to the whole of the network, thereby including all nodes and connections. Validation should be performed at the earliest opportunity, e.g., by validating the structure of a node when the node name is defined or by validating that two nodes can communicate with a given protocol when the connection is defined. Thus, the validation process is distributed among the operations which can be performed and invoked when first feasible. Validation also applies to the generation of configuration files, performed to ensure that an installation would be successful if undertaken.
The invention also contemplates the creation and ensuing distribution of the configuration files to the respective node workstations. The comprehensive definition of the complete network, including a wide area network, allows for the immediate generation of configuration files for each of the node workstations. Files are related to workstation directories. In a network having a requester/server capability, the present program and process contemplates the automated and direct distribution of configuration files from the workstation of the network administrator. In the absence of such LAN requester/server capability, floppy disks are generated for each network workstation. Thereafter, installation into each workstation becomes fairly mundane.
The network topology storage and recollection feature of the present invention provides the network administrator with the resources to update the network as changes occur in the node functions or connection protocols. New configuration files are thereafter installed manually or via the LAN requester/server distribution method described above. The invention contemplates that such updates be selectively limited to only those of the workstations within the network which have had configuration changes. Again, automated comparison in the context of exceptional workstation and connection protocol diversity reduces reconfiguration delays the likelihood of errors.
Flow diagrams representing the dominate features of the program and method to which the invention pertains are depicted in the succession of FIGS. 6-20. The letter "A" within a circle symbolizes a program state in which a user input is being sought. Text adjacent such symbols in a starting location describes the command provided by the user to initiate the ensuing operation. Such commands are derivatives of the menus appearing at the headings of the screen images depicted in FIGS. 2-5, or can be invoked by user manipulation of the keyboard or mouse. The features of the flow diagrams will be described briefly in the ensuing paragraphs.
FIG. 6 relates to the start of the program. FIG. 7 involves a transition to an OS/2 Extended Edition Version 1.2 operating system Presentation Manager program routine as one might invoke to scroll, move or resize a window. FIG. 8 illustrates the sequence involved in saving a network depiction in a nonvolatile memory file, while FIG. 9 relates to the recall of such previously saved network data file. FIG. 10 relates to the selection of a node icon from the pane 9 (FIG. 4). FIG. 11 relates to the generation of configuration files for a network that has been defined, including the automated installation thereof for networks having the requisite LAN requester/server resources.
The flow diagram in FIG. 12 depicts the operations relating to the definition of a node within the workspace pane, and as such includes both its placement and functional dialog activity. FIGS. 13-16 relate to the view, delete, dialog, and save/restore menu options. FIG. 17 relates to the operations by which default parameters are defined.
FIG. 18 depicts the operations of the program and method to replicate the network nodes for purposes of creating other nodes with similar properties and network connections, e.g., a database mode network versus a communication mode network. This is also where icon 26 (FIG. 4) is used to identify the presence of a workstation which lacks the resources to operate as a functional node within the context of the mode being defined. For instances, as a first mode the network can be defined in terms of communications capability. Thereafter, the same network of workstations can be redefined for purposes of database functionality. Thus, some nodes can be inoperative in one or the other network modes. The noted icon is used to identify to the network administrator and program the nodes which are inoperative to the mode under consideration.
FIG. 19 sets forth the operations by which nodes in the workspace panel are connected according to defined protocols. FIG. 20 relates to the operations involved in modifying a previously defined network, and to translations between local and wide area network depictions.
The program of the present invention is further defined by pseudo code of a form and content suitable for one of skill in the art to derive source code to implement the operations as depicted by flow diagram and video display screen images.
1. Load in language specific files
2. Load in options files
3. Initialize all graphics variables, and display starting screen.
4. Gather user input.
5. Case (input) is:
A. Exit from program:
1. Exit and close up files.
B. Scroll, resize or move a window:
1. Scroll, resize or move a window.
C. Save a network menu item:
1. Put up file dialog to select a file.
2. If file selected . . .
A. If that file already exists . . .
1. Ask if user wants to over-write.
2. If so, write new topology file.
B. Else . . .
1. Write the topology file.
D. Restore a network menu item:
1. Put up file dialog to select a file.
2. If file selected . . .
A. Clear the current network(s).
B. Load the new network(s) into memory.
C. Display the new network(s).
E. Generate configuration files menu item:
1. Generate all necessary files for all workstations.
2. If using LAN distribution . . .
A. Send files over LAN to proper workstations.
B. Run a remote program on each workstation to install the files.
C. Each workstation must be rebooted to use changes.
3. Else . . .
A. Create one diskette for each workstation.
B. Put each diskette into proper workstation.
C. Run a program (reboot) each workstation.
D. Each workstation must be rebooted to use changes.
F. Click on a node or connection in the right pane:
1. Make that node or connection the "current" one (highlight it).
G. Click on an icon below the line in the left pane:
1. Change the connection mode to that mode.
H. Drag an icon from above the line in the left pane:
1. If icon ends up in right pane . . .
A. If all data items are auto-defaulted . . .
1. Put new node on screen. Add to data structure.
B. Else . . .
2. Goto main item I.
I. Create a node menu item:
A. Put up the create node dialog.
B. If all data items entered OK . . .
1. If data accepted by user . . .
A. Put new node on screen. Add to data structure.
J. Change view menu item:
1. Change the screen view to the selected view.
K. Delete menu item:
1. Delete current node/connection from screen memory.
L. View a node/connection menu item:
1. Put up view node/connection dialog.
M. One of the default items menu items:
1. Put proper default dialog box.
2. If data changed . . .
A. If data is OK . . .
1. Change the default values.
N. One of the options menu items:
1. Put up proper option dialog box.
2. If data changed . . .
A. If data is OK . . .
1. Change the option values.
O. Save options menu item:
1. Write options to options file.
P. Restore options menu item:
1. Read in and change options from options file.
Q. Drag a node in the right pane:
1. If in a connection mode . . .
A. Draw a rubber band line.
B. If end location is in a different node . . .
1. If connection is valid . . . A. Make and draw the connection.
2. Else . . .
A. Drag node to new location.
B. Fix up screen image.
R. Double click a node/connection in right pane:
1. If in Wide Area Network View and click on a node . . .
A. Switch to a view of the selected node.
2. Else . . .
A. Put up modify node/connection dialog.
B. If data is changed and is valid . . .
1. Modify node/connection.
2. Change memory/screen image.
S. Modify menu item:
1. Goto item R.2.A
T. Copy menu item:
1. If current item is a node . . .
A. Put up the copy node dialog.
B. If data entered OK . . .
1. If all data is auto defaulted . . . A. Create the copies and connections. B. Update the screen and memory.
2. Else . . . A. Put up one dialog for each copy . . . B. If data entered is valid . . . 1. Create that copy in memory and on screen.
The present invention has by system, computer program, and method provided a network administrator, or one of like responsibility, with the resources for graphically defining and configuring a network, including sub-networks thereof, each composed of multiple nodes and connection paths. The respective nodes and connection paths are capable of exhibiting selectively diverse functionality. The network can be validated during design and subject to automated distribution as configuration files to respective network workstations. The network topology can be retained for subsequent revision and is subject to individualized configuration by mode, such as communication and database.
Though the invention has been described and illustrated by way of specific embodiments, the programs and methods should be understood to encompass the full scope of any structures and practices defined by the claims set forth hereinafter.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US4833592 *||Sep 1, 1987||May 23, 1989||Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha||Master station apparatus for remote supervisory control system with touch panel video display|
|US4864492 *||Sep 17, 1986||Sep 5, 1989||International Business Machines Corporation||System and method for network configuration|
|US4901221 *||Apr 14, 1986||Feb 13, 1990||National Instruments, Inc.||Graphical system for modelling a process and associated method|
|US4937784 *||Jun 2, 1987||Jun 26, 1990||Hitachi, Ltd.||Distributed interactive processing method in complex system including plural work stations and plural host computers and apparatus using the same|
|US4942540 *||Mar 2, 1987||Jul 17, 1990||Wang Laboratories, Inc.||Method an apparatus for specification of communication parameters|
|US5002491 *||Apr 28, 1989||Mar 26, 1991||Comtek||Electronic classroom system enabling interactive self-paced learning|
|US5060135 *||Nov 1, 1988||Oct 22, 1991||Wang Laboratories, Inc.||Apparatus for manipulating documents in a data processing system utilizing reduced images of sheets of information which are movable|
|US5072412 *||Mar 25, 1987||Dec 10, 1991||Xerox Corporation||User interface with multiple workspaces for sharing display system objects|
|US5101425 *||Aug 7, 1990||Mar 31, 1992||Digital Systems International, Inc.||Operations monitoring system|
|US5109486 *||Jan 6, 1989||Apr 28, 1992||Motorola, Inc.||Distributed computer system with network and resource status monitoring|
|US5261044 *||Nov 7, 1991||Nov 9, 1993||Cabletron Systems, Inc.||Network management system using multifunction icons for information display|
|US5276789 *||May 14, 1990||Jan 4, 1994||Hewlett-Packard Co.||Graphic display of network topology|
|US5295244 *||Aug 3, 1993||Mar 15, 1994||Cabletron Systems, Inc.||Network management system using interconnected hierarchies to represent different network dimensions in multiple display views|
|1||Carr, "Networks by Design", Lan Mag., Nov. 1990, pp. 38-48.|
|2|| *||Carr, Networks by Design , Lan Mag., Nov. 1990, pp. 38 48.|
|3||Chang et al, "A Network Status Monitoring System Using Personal Computer", Globecom '89, Nov. 1989, pp. 201-206.|
|4|| *||Chang et al, A Network Status Monitoring System Using Personal Computer , Globecom 89, Nov. 1989, pp. 201 206.|
|5||Dupuy, "Nest", Comm. of the ACM, Oct. 1990, p. 63(12).|
|6|| *||Dupuy, Nest , Comm. of the ACM, Oct. 1990, p. 63(12).|
|7||Harding, "Windows & Icons & Mice Oh My!", Proceeding 1989, Oct. 1989, pp. 337-342.|
|8|| *||Harding, Windows & Icons & Mice Oh My , Proceeding 1989, Oct. 1989, pp. 337 342.|
|9||Jackman et al, "A Graphical Methodology for Simulating Communication Networks", IEEE Trans on Comm, Apr. 1988, pp. 459-464.|
|10|| *||Jackman et al, A Graphical Methodology for Simulating Communication Networks , IEEE Trans on Comm, Apr. 1988, pp. 459 464.|
|11||Kramer, "Proteon Provides Net-Management OverView", PC Week, Nov. 7, 1988, p. 103(2).|
|12|| *||Kramer, Proteon Provides Net Management OverView , PC Week, Nov. 7, 1988, p. 103(2).|
|13|| *||Lan Mag., Apr. 1989, pp. 23 26, 42, 162.|
|14||Lan Mag., Apr. 1989, pp. 23-26, 42, 162.|
|15||Marsan et al, "Topnet", IEEE Journal on Sel. Areas in Comm., Dec. 1990, pp. 1735-1747.|
|16|| *||Marsan et al, Topnet , IEEE Journal on Sel. Areas in Comm., Dec. 1990, pp. 1735 1747.|
|17||Millikin, "Proteon", Patricia Seybold's Network Monitor, Aug. 1989, p. 1(10).|
|18|| *||Millikin, Proteon , Patricia Seybold s Network Monitor, Aug. 1989, p. 1(10).|
|19||Muralidhar et al, "Mapcon", IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, Jun. 1988, pp. 869-873.|
|20|| *||Muralidhar et al, Mapcon , IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, Jun. 1988, pp. 869 873.|
|21||Pompili, "HP Unveils Net-Management System", PC Week, Mar. 22, 1988, P.C-4(1).|
|22|| *||Pompili, HP Unveils Net Management System , PC Week, Mar. 22, 1988, P.C 4(1).|
|23||Rizzo, "Monitoring Your Network", Mae User, Aug. 1989, p. 201(3).|
|24|| *||Rizzo, Monitoring Your Network , Mae User, Aug. 1989, p. 201(3).|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US5535403 *||Apr 12, 1993||Jul 9, 1996||International Business Machines Corporation||Method and apparatus for displaying clusters on a computer network|
|US5548722 *||Oct 14, 1993||Aug 20, 1996||Apple Computer, Inc.||User-centric system for choosing networked services|
|US5559947 *||May 23, 1995||Sep 24, 1996||Ast Research, Inc.||Component-based icon construction and customization system|
|US5623592 *||Oct 18, 1994||Apr 22, 1997||Molecular Dynamics||Method and apparatus for constructing an iconic sequence to operate external devices|
|US5630025 *||Jul 13, 1994||May 13, 1997||Unisys Corporation||Generalized configurator using a declaratively constructed two-level bi-partite graph as a knowledge representation|
|US5644740 *||Nov 30, 1993||Jul 1, 1997||Hitachi, Ltd.||Method and apparatus for displaying items of information organized in a hierarchical structure|
|US5666500 *||Dec 24, 1992||Sep 9, 1997||International Business Machines Corporation||Workstation user interface for use in conjunction with a host data processing system|
|US5666501 *||Mar 30, 1995||Sep 9, 1997||International Business Machines Corporation||Method and apparatus for installing software|
|US5687315 *||Nov 1, 1994||Nov 11, 1997||Hitachi, Ltd.||Support system for constructing an integrated network|
|US5689286 *||Jul 1, 1996||Nov 18, 1997||Ast Research, Inc.||Component-based icon construction and customization system|
|US5715413 *||Jun 25, 1996||Feb 3, 1998||International Business Machines Corporation||Dragging and dropping with an instantiation object|
|US5715432 *||Apr 4, 1995||Feb 3, 1998||U S West Technologies, Inc.||Method and system for developing network analysis and modeling with graphical objects|
|US5724506 *||May 5, 1995||Mar 3, 1998||Apple Computer, Inc.||Replaceable and extensible connection dialog component of a network component system|
|US5751962 *||Dec 13, 1995||May 12, 1998||Ncr Corporation||Object-based systems management of computer networks|
|US5751965 *||Mar 21, 1996||May 12, 1998||Cabletron System, Inc.||Network connection status monitor and display|
|US5754808 *||Sep 29, 1994||May 19, 1998||Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd||Method for implementing a program for an object-oriented programming system using graphics|
|US5774655 *||May 7, 1997||Jun 30, 1998||Koninklijke Ptt Nederland N.V.||Method and apparatus for displaying multiple representations of connections in a communications network with differing levels of detail|
|US5774667 *||Mar 27, 1996||Jun 30, 1998||Bay Networks, Inc.||Method and apparatus for managing parameter settings for multiple network devices|
|US5774669 *||Jul 28, 1995||Jun 30, 1998||The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration||Scalable hierarchical network management system for displaying network information in three dimensions|
|US5796951 *||Dec 22, 1995||Aug 18, 1998||Intel Corporation||System for displaying information relating to a computer network including association devices with tasks performable on those devices|
|US5797139 *||Dec 14, 1995||Aug 18, 1998||International Business Machines Corporation||Method for directing a computer system|
|US5802293 *||Apr 16, 1996||Sep 1, 1998||The Dow Chemical Company||Computer integrated environment|
|US5802383 *||Jun 18, 1996||Sep 1, 1998||International Business Machines Corporation||Method and apparatus for displaying clusters on a computer network|
|US5819042 *||Feb 20, 1996||Oct 6, 1998||Compaq Computer Corporation||Method and apparatus for guided configuration of unconfigured network and internetwork devices|
|US5821937 *||Aug 12, 1996||Oct 13, 1998||Netsuite Development, L.P.||Computer method for updating a network design|
|US5825361 *||Mar 29, 1996||Oct 20, 1998||Intellution, Inc.||Dynamic graphical system configuration utility|
|US5831610 *||Feb 23, 1996||Nov 3, 1998||Netsuite Development L.P.||Designing networks|
|US5838907 *||Feb 20, 1996||Nov 17, 1998||Compaq Computer Corporation||For a computer system|
|US5838918 *||Mar 31, 1995||Nov 17, 1998||International Business Machines Corporation||Distributing system configuration information from a manager machine to subscribed endpoint machines in a distrubuted computing environment|
|US5841981 *||Sep 27, 1996||Nov 24, 1998||Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.||Network management system displaying static dependent relation information|
|US5848243 *||Nov 13, 1995||Dec 8, 1998||Sun Microsystems, Inc.||Network topology management system through a database of managed network resources including logical topolgies|
|US5867713 *||Apr 5, 1995||Feb 2, 1999||International Business Machines Corporation||Committing an install plan object for the network installation of application programs|
|US5870611 *||Nov 21, 1997||Feb 9, 1999||International Business Machines Corporation||Install plan object for network installation of application programs|
|US5903455 *||Dec 12, 1996||May 11, 1999||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||Interface controls for use in a field device management system|
|US5909217 *||Sep 30, 1997||Jun 1, 1999||International Business Machines Corporation||Large scale system status map|
|US5940294 *||Apr 12, 1996||Aug 17, 1999||Fisher-Rosemont Systems, Inc.||System for assisting configuring a process control environment|
|US5958012 *||Jul 15, 1997||Sep 28, 1999||Computer Associates International, Inc.||Network management system using virtual reality techniques to display and simulate navigation to network components|
|US5960214 *||Dec 4, 1996||Sep 28, 1999||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||Integrated communication network for use in a field device management system|
|US5960439 *||Jan 30, 1998||Sep 28, 1999||Intel Corporation||Defining a schema for a database representing a model of a computer network|
|US5999174 *||Dec 5, 1997||Dec 7, 1999||At&T Corporation||Reusable sparing cell software component for a graphical user interface|
|US6009466 *||Oct 31, 1997||Dec 28, 1999||International Business Machines Corporation||Network management system for enabling a user to configure a network of storage devices via a graphical user interface|
|US6009527 *||Oct 23, 1997||Dec 28, 1999||Intel Corporation||Computer system security|
|US6018769 *||Jul 16, 1997||Jan 25, 2000||Hitachi, Ltd.||Integrated network installation system|
|US6021433 *||Jan 24, 1997||Feb 1, 2000||Wireless Internet, Inc.||System and method for transmission of data|
|US6023729 *||Jun 17, 1997||Feb 8, 2000||Mpath Interactive, Inc.||Method and apparatus for match making|
|US6031528 *||Nov 25, 1996||Feb 29, 2000||Intel Corporation||User based graphical computer network diagnostic tool|
|US6052719 *||May 14, 1998||Apr 18, 2000||International Business Machines Corporation||Stored file of prerecorded keystrokes and cursor selections for controlling automatic installation and configuration of programs and components in a network of server and client computers|
|US6064812 *||Mar 4, 1997||May 16, 2000||National Instruments Corporation||System and method for developing automation clients using a graphical data flow program|
|US6067093 *||Aug 14, 1996||May 23, 2000||Novell, Inc.||Method and apparatus for organizing objects of a network map|
|US6076106 *||Jan 30, 1998||Jun 13, 2000||Intel Corporation||User interface for displaying information about a computer network|
|US6078320 *||Feb 18, 1998||Jun 20, 2000||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||System for configuring a process control environment|
|US6098097 *||May 14, 1998||Aug 1, 2000||International Business Machines Corporation||Controlling the installation and configuration of programs and components in a network of server and client computers through entries into a primary server computer|
|US6100887 *||Dec 5, 1997||Aug 8, 2000||At&T Corporation||Reusable reversible progress indicator software component for a graphical user interface|
|US6112015 *||Dec 6, 1996||Aug 29, 2000||Northern Telecom Limited||Network management graphical user interface|
|US6167426 *||Nov 14, 1997||Dec 26, 2000||Wireless Internet, Inc.||Contact alerts for unconnected users|
|US6195095 *||Sep 20, 1994||Feb 27, 2001||International Business Machines Corporation||Method and apparatus for displaying attributes of a computer work station on a graphical user interface|
|US6219050 *||Jul 16, 1997||Apr 17, 2001||Compuware Corporation||Bounce diagram: a user interface for graphical exploration of packet trace information|
|US6222559||Oct 2, 1997||Apr 24, 2001||Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation||Method and apparatus for display of hierarchical structures|
|US6229538||Sep 11, 1998||May 8, 2001||Compaq Computer Corporation||Port-centric graphic representations of network controllers|
|US6259448 *||Jun 3, 1998||Jul 10, 2001||International Business Machines Corporation||Resource model configuration and deployment in a distributed computer network|
|US6271846||Sep 30, 1998||Aug 7, 2001||International Business Machines Corporation||Method for reanchoring branches within a directory tree|
|US6272113||Sep 11, 1998||Aug 7, 2001||Compaq Computer Corporation||Network controller system that uses multicast heartbeat packets|
|US6289380 *||Sep 27, 1999||Sep 11, 2001||Computer Associates Think, Inc.||Network management system using virtual reality techniques to display and simulate navigation to network components|
|US6381218||Sep 11, 1998||Apr 30, 2002||Compaq Computer Corporation||Network controller system that uses directed heartbeat packets|
|US6396810||Sep 8, 1999||May 28, 2002||Metasolv Software, Inc.||System and method for analyzing communication paths in a telecommunications network|
|US6437805 *||Aug 18, 1998||Aug 20, 2002||National Instruments Corporation||System and method for accessing object capabilities in a graphical program|
|US6448985||Aug 5, 1999||Sep 10, 2002||International Business Machines Corporation||Directory tree user interface having scrollable subsections|
|US6449642 *||Sep 15, 1998||Sep 10, 2002||Microsoft Corporation||Method and system for integrating a client computer into a computer network|
|US6453413 *||Mar 29, 1999||Sep 17, 2002||Inventec Corp.||Method for pre-installing software programs which allows customizable combinations of configurations|
|US6480889 *||Sep 16, 1998||Nov 12, 2002||Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba||Scheme for managing nodes connected to a home network according to their physical locations|
|US6480901||Jul 9, 1999||Nov 12, 2002||Lsi Logic Corporation||System for monitoring and managing devices on a network from a management station via a proxy server that provides protocol converter|
|US6480955||Jul 9, 1999||Nov 12, 2002||Lsi Logic Corporation||Methods and apparatus for committing configuration changes to managed devices prior to completion of the configuration change|
|US6538669 *||Jul 15, 1999||Mar 25, 2003||Dell Products L.P.||Graphical user interface for configuration of a storage system|
|US6559867 *||Nov 24, 1999||May 6, 2003||The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy||Configuration system for networked training modules and associated methods|
|US6567849 *||Aug 17, 1998||May 20, 2003||International Business Machines Corporation||System and method for configuring and administering multiple instances of web servers|
|US6570589||Jul 2, 1996||May 27, 2003||Sun Microsystems, Inc.||Method and apparatus for associating capabilities with a virtual input device and a display object|
|US6577327 *||Sep 15, 1999||Jun 10, 2003||Nortel Networks Limited||System, method and graphical user interface for building virtual private networks|
|US6584499||Jul 9, 1999||Jun 24, 2003||Lsi Logic Corporation||Methods and apparatus for performing mass operations on a plurality of managed devices on a network|
|US6587124 *||Mar 22, 1999||Jul 1, 2003||Virtual Access Ireland Ltd.||Apparatus and method for generating configuration data for a device to access a service|
|US6601095 *||Apr 18, 1991||Jul 29, 2003||International Business Machines Corporation||Method and apparatus for remote administration of programmable workstations in a data processing system|
|US6618630||Jul 8, 1999||Sep 9, 2003||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||User interface that integrates a process control configuration system and a field device management system|
|US6636239 *||Feb 24, 2000||Oct 21, 2003||Sanavigator, Inc.||Method of operating a graphical user interface to selectively enable and disable a datapath in a network|
|US6647448||Jun 29, 2000||Nov 11, 2003||Sony Corporation||Method and apparatus for managing resource schedules in a peer to peer distributed networking environment|
|US6654803 *||Jun 30, 1999||Nov 25, 2003||Nortel Networks Limited||Multi-panel route monitoring graphical user interface, system and method|
|US6664985||Dec 5, 1997||Dec 16, 2003||At&T Corporation||Method and apparatus for supervising a processor within a distributed platform switch through graphical representations|
|US6721769||Aug 4, 2000||Apr 13, 2004||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for a building database manipulator|
|US6735614||Jun 6, 2000||May 11, 2004||Verus International Group, Limited||Contact alerts for unconnected users|
|US6769022||Jul 9, 1999||Jul 27, 2004||Lsi Logic Corporation||Methods and apparatus for managing heterogeneous storage devices|
|US6772204||Oct 5, 1998||Aug 3, 2004||Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.||Method and apparatus of providing a configuration script that uses connection rules to produce a configuration file or map for configuring a network device|
|US6795853 *||Jun 30, 1998||Sep 21, 2004||International Business Machines Corporation||Integration of additional computer components into a computer operation through attribute enabled interactive selections presented in composite lists available to the user in a variety of display screens|
|US6813531||Sep 20, 2002||Nov 2, 2004||International Business Machines Corporation||Method, system, and article of manufacture for product configuration|
|US6850946||May 26, 1999||Feb 1, 2005||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for a building database manipulator|
|US6868538||May 2, 2000||Mar 15, 2005||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||Object-oriented programmable controller|
|US6876951||Apr 23, 2002||Apr 5, 2005||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method for creating a computer model and measurement database of a wireless communication network|
|US6901444||Jun 30, 2000||May 31, 2005||Sony Corporation||Method of and apparatus for communicating data structures between devices in a networking environment|
|US6944704||Oct 4, 2001||Sep 13, 2005||Sony Corporation||Method and apparatus for utilizing extended AV/C command frames including status inquiry, notify inquiry and control inquiry command types|
|US6971063||Jul 28, 2000||Nov 29, 2005||Wireless Valley Communications Inc.||System, method, and apparatus for portable design, deployment, test, and optimization of a communication network|
|US6973622||Sep 25, 2000||Dec 6, 2005||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||System and method for design, tracking, measurement, prediction and optimization of data communication networks|
|US6996510||Jan 18, 2001||Feb 7, 2006||Metasolv Software, Inc.||System and method for modeling communication networks|
|US7003604||Oct 4, 2001||Feb 21, 2006||Sony Corporation||Method of and apparatus for cancelling a pending AV/C notify command|
|US7019753||Dec 17, 2001||Mar 28, 2006||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Textual and graphical demarcation of location from an environmental database, and interpretation of measurements including descriptive metrics and qualitative values|
|US7035914||Jul 9, 1999||Apr 25, 2006||Simpleair Holdings, Inc.||System and method for transmission of data|
|US7036006||Jan 30, 2002||Apr 25, 2006||Veritas Operating Corporation||System to provide computing as a product using dynamic computing environments|
|US7043724||Jun 1, 2001||May 9, 2006||Veritas Operating Corporation||System and services for handling computing environments as documents|
|US7055107||Sep 22, 2000||May 30, 2006||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for automated selection of optimal communication network equipment model, position, and configuration|
|US7065563||Dec 12, 2001||Jun 20, 2006||International Business Machines Corporation||Visible multi-level online-offline configuration control|
|US7065637 *||Sep 15, 2000||Jun 20, 2006||Veritas Operating Corporating||System for configuration of dynamic computing environments using a visual interface|
|US7082521 *||Sep 15, 2000||Jul 25, 2006||Veritas Operating Corporation||User interface for dynamic computing environment using allocateable resources|
|US7085697||Aug 4, 2000||Aug 1, 2006||Motorola, Inc.||Method and system for designing or deploying a communications network which considers component attributes|
|US7093113||Jun 25, 2001||Aug 15, 2006||Veritas Operating Corporation||Application model for dynamic computing environments in software sales cycle|
|US7096160||Nov 4, 2002||Aug 22, 2006||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||System and method for measuring and monitoring wireless network performance in campus and indoor environments|
|US7096173||Aug 4, 2000||Aug 22, 2006||Motorola, Inc.||Method and system for designing or deploying a communications network which allows simultaneous selection of multiple components|
|US7130315||Jul 25, 2000||Oct 31, 2006||Sony Corporation||Method of and apparatus for utilizing extended AV/C command and response frames including transaction label and common result/error code|
|US7143360 *||Oct 29, 2001||Nov 28, 2006||Cypress Semiconductor Corporation||Pin-out connections/drive levels direct-set by drop down list|
|US7155228||Jun 17, 2004||Dec 26, 2006||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for analysis, design, and optimization of communication networks|
|US7164883||Sep 18, 2001||Jan 16, 2007||Motorola. Inc.||Method and system for modeling and managing terrain, buildings, and infrastructure|
|US7171208||Jun 26, 2003||Jan 30, 2007||Motorola, Inc.||Method and system, with component kits for designing or deploying a communications network which considers frequency dependent effects|
|US7213231||Jan 11, 2002||May 1, 2007||Cisco Technology, Inc.||Cross-spectrum application model for dynamic computing environments in software lifecycle|
|US7237015 *||Jul 10, 2000||Jun 26, 2007||Canon Kabushiki Kaisha||System for setting location information in a device on a network|
|US7243054||Mar 13, 2003||Jul 10, 2007||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for displaying network performance, cost, maintenance, and infrastructure wiring diagram|
|US7246045||Aug 4, 2000||Jul 17, 2007||Wireless Valley Communication, Inc.||System and method for efficiently visualizing and comparing communication network system performance|
|US7272708||Jun 20, 2006||Sep 18, 2007||Veritas Operating Corporation||System for configuration of dynamic computing environments using a visual interface|
|US7278142||May 17, 2001||Oct 2, 2007||Veritas Operating Corporation||Dynamic computing environment using remotely allocable resources|
|US7286971||Oct 4, 2004||Oct 23, 2007||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||System and method for efficiently visualizing and comparing communication network system performance|
|US7295119||Nov 18, 2003||Nov 13, 2007||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||System and method for indicating the presence or physical location of persons or devices in a site specific representation of a physical environment|
|US7299168||Sep 17, 2002||Nov 20, 2007||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||System for the three-dimensional display of wireless communication system performance|
|US7315893||Mar 4, 2002||Jan 1, 2008||Computer Associates Think, Inc.||Method and apparatus for filtering messages based on context|
|US7342581||Oct 17, 2001||Mar 11, 2008||Computer Associates Think, Inc.||Method and apparatus for displaying 3-D state indicators|
|US7379829||Feb 23, 2006||May 27, 2008||Siemens Aktiengesellschaft||Method and apparatus for automated characterization of objects with unknown RF characteristics|
|US7406676||Nov 17, 2004||Jul 29, 2008||Microsoft Corporation||Access redirector and entry reflector|
|US7421575||Jul 16, 2004||Sep 2, 2008||Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.||Configuring a physical platform in a reconfigurable data center|
|US7457944||Jul 25, 2006||Nov 25, 2008||Symantec Operating Corporation||User interface for dynamic computing environment using allocateable resources|
|US7496888 *||Apr 7, 2005||Feb 24, 2009||International Business Machines Corporation||Solution builder wizard|
|US7496920||Jun 25, 2007||Feb 24, 2009||Symantec Operating Corporation||Dynamic computing environment using remotely allocable resources|
|US7506088 *||Mar 12, 2007||Mar 17, 2009||Apple Inc.||Method and apparatus for supporting and presenting multiple serial bus nodes using distinct configuration ROM images|
|US7506151||Feb 14, 2006||Mar 17, 2009||Symantec Operating Corporation||System for managing boot-up of target computers|
|US7530024||Oct 24, 2005||May 5, 2009||Canon Kabushiki Kaisha||System using icons representative for controlling data input and output relationship between a network of multimedia devices|
|US7565427||Mar 30, 2005||Jul 21, 2009||Sony Corporation||Method of and apparatus for communicating data structures between devices in a networking environment|
|US7571306||Apr 24, 2006||Aug 4, 2009||Symantec Operating Corporation||Application model for dynamic computing environments in software sales cycle|
|US7574323||Jan 11, 2006||Aug 11, 2009||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Textual and graphical demarcation of location, and interpretation of measurements|
|US7583855||Feb 23, 2006||Sep 1, 2009||Siemens Aktiengesellschaft||Signal source data input for radio frequency planning|
|US7595804 *||Nov 14, 2003||Sep 29, 2009||Unisys Corporation||Systems and methods for displaying individual processor usage in a multiprocessor system|
|US7596518||Oct 9, 2002||Sep 29, 2009||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for generating a real time bill of materials and evaluating network performance|
|US7603446||Nov 20, 2007||Oct 13, 2009||Dell Products L.P.||System and method for configuring a storage area network|
|US7640325||Jul 9, 1999||Dec 29, 2009||Lsi Corporation||Methods and apparatus for issuing updates to multiple management entities|
|US7680644||Oct 31, 2003||Mar 16, 2010||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system, with component kits, for designing or deploying a communications network which considers frequency dependent effects|
|US7680879||Feb 21, 2006||Mar 16, 2010||Computer Associates Think, Inc.||Method and apparatus for maintaining data integrity across distributed computer systems|
|US7702892||Oct 4, 2005||Apr 20, 2010||Symantec Operating Corporation||System to provide computing as a product using dynamic computing environments|
|US7711360||Feb 23, 2006||May 4, 2010||Siemens Aktiengesellschaft||Radio frequency planning with consideration of inter-building effects|
|US7711371||Jun 27, 2006||May 4, 2010||Motorola, Inc.||Method and system for analysis and visualization of a wireless communications network|
|US7711687||Mar 24, 2004||May 4, 2010||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc.||Method and system for using raster images to create a transportable building database for communications network engineering and management|
|US7761794||Jan 22, 2004||Jul 20, 2010||Cisco Technology, Inc.||Integrated audit and configuration techniques|
|US7769001||Jan 26, 2006||Aug 3, 2010||J2 Global Communications, Inc.||Scalable architecture for transmission of messages over a network|
|US7770151||Aug 25, 2005||Aug 3, 2010||International Business Machines Corporation||Automatic generation of solution deployment descriptors|
|US7773995||Apr 17, 2006||Aug 10, 2010||Motorola, Inc.||Method and apparatus for utilizing RF signals to create a site specific representation of an environment|
|US7774468||Jan 18, 2005||Aug 10, 2010||Siddhartha Nag||Network traffic admission control|
|US7788354||Nov 3, 2003||Aug 31, 2010||Siddhartha Nag||End-to-end service quality in a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Network|
|US7792125||Jan 18, 2006||Sep 7, 2010||Symantec Operating Corporation||System for dynamic provisioning for secure, scalable, and extensible networked computer environments|
|US7797678||Oct 27, 2005||Sep 14, 2010||International Business Machines Corporation||Automatic generation of license package for solution components|
|US7836141||Dec 11, 2006||Nov 16, 2010||Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc.||Systems and method for storing, delivering, and managing messages|
|US7836292||Sep 18, 2007||Nov 16, 2010||Symantec Operating Corporation||System for configuration of dynamic computing environments using a visual interface|
|US7840091||Mar 30, 2009||Nov 23, 2010||Siemens Aktiengesellschaft||Signal source data input for radio frequency planning|
|US7840902 *||Oct 26, 2005||Nov 23, 2010||Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.||Method and an apparatus for automatic creation of secure connections between segmented resource farms in a utility computing environment|
|US7886054||Oct 11, 2000||Feb 8, 2011||Siddhartha Nag||Graphical user interface (GUI) for administering a network implementing media aggregation|
|US7895306||Oct 14, 2004||Feb 22, 2011||Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc.||Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing messages|
|US7895313||Dec 11, 2006||Feb 22, 2011||Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc.||Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing messages|
|US7895424||May 22, 2007||Feb 22, 2011||Symantec Operating Corporation||System for automated boot from disk image|
|US7933605||Jan 18, 2007||Apr 26, 2011||Motorola Solutions, Inc.||Method and system, with component kits for designing or deploying a communications network which considers frequency dependent effects|
|US7934148||Dec 11, 2006||Apr 26, 2011||Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc.||Systems and method for storing, delivering, and managing messages|
|US8010665||Jun 19, 2009||Aug 30, 2011||Sony Corporation||Method of and apparatus for communicating data structures between devices in a networking environment|
|US8032646 *||Jul 14, 2005||Oct 4, 2011||Prom KS Limited Liability Company||Administering a communication network|
|US8140664 *||May 9, 2006||Mar 20, 2012||Trend Micro Incorporated||Graphical user interface based sensitive information and internal information vulnerability management system|
|US8150797||May 20, 2005||Apr 3, 2012||Computer Associates Think, Inc.||Method and apparatus for enhancing directory performance|
|US8185640||Aug 31, 2010||May 22, 2012||Prominence Networks, Inc.||Graphical user interface (GUI) for administering a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) network implementing media aggregation|
|US8185871||Oct 5, 2004||May 22, 2012||Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.||System for configuring a process control environment|
|US8249062||Jun 28, 2010||Aug 21, 2012||J2 Global Communications, Inc.||Scalable architecture for transmission of messages over a network|
|US8249230||Jan 9, 2012||Aug 21, 2012||EC Data Systems, Inc.||Scalable and flexible internet fax architecture|
|US8260893||Aug 2, 2004||Sep 4, 2012||Symantec Operating Corporation||Method and system for automated management of information technology|
|US8290499||Apr 25, 2011||Oct 16, 2012||Wireless Valley Communications Inc.||Method and system to model frequency dependent effects of a communciations network|
|US8291324||Sep 7, 2001||Oct 16, 2012||Ca, Inc.||Network management system using virtual reality techniques to display and simulate navigation to network components|
|US8315275||Aug 10, 2009||Nov 20, 2012||Prom Ks Mgmt Limited Liability Company||End-to-end service quality for latency-intensive internet protocol (IP) applications in a heterogeneous, multi-vendor environment|
|US8428074||Apr 24, 2006||Apr 23, 2013||Prom Ks Mgmt Limited Liability Company||Back-to back H.323 proxy gatekeeper|
|US8458332||Nov 4, 2005||Jun 4, 2013||Prom Ks Mgmt Limited Liability Company||Multiplexing several individual application sessions over a pre-allocated reservation protocol session|
|US8489551 *||May 20, 2005||Jul 16, 2013||Ca, Inc.||Method for selecting a processor for query execution|
|US8503336||Jul 20, 2005||Aug 6, 2013||Wireless Valley Communications, Inc||System and method for design, tracking, measurement, prediction and optimization of data communication networks|
|US8503630||Jun 26, 2012||Aug 6, 2013||EC Data Systems, Inc.||Scalable and flexible internet fax architecture|
|US8510265 *||Mar 31, 2010||Aug 13, 2013||Emc Corporation||Configuration utility for a data storage system using a file mapping protocol for access to distributed file systems|
|US8521696||May 20, 2005||Aug 27, 2013||Ca, Inc.||Structure of an alternative evaluator for directory operations|
|US8539398||May 27, 2010||Sep 17, 2013||Cypress Semiconductor Corporation||Model for a hardware device-independent method of defining embedded firmware for programmable systems|
|US8588381||Aug 2, 2012||Nov 19, 2013||EC Data Systems, Inc.||Scalable and flexible Internet fax architecture for processing outbound fax messages|
|US8621032||Jan 6, 2006||Dec 31, 2013||Ca, Inc.||Method and apparatus for intuitively administering networked computer systems|
|US8631103||May 18, 2001||Jan 14, 2014||Symantec Operating Corporation||Web-based administration of remote computing environments via signals sent via the internet|
|US8762988 *||Oct 1, 2010||Jun 24, 2014||Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.||User terminal device for managing network device and method thereof|
|US8862998||May 15, 2007||Oct 14, 2014||Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.||Method and system for generating a network monitoring display with animated utilization information|
|US8887143||May 8, 2006||Nov 11, 2014||Symantec Operating Corporation||System and services for handling computing environments as documents|
|US8897432||Jul 1, 2011||Nov 25, 2014||Etherfax, Llc||System and method of remote fax interconnect technology|
|US8918523||May 11, 2012||Dec 23, 2014||Prom Ks Mgmt Limited Liability Company||Graphical user interface (GUI) for administering a network implementing media aggregation|
|US8943050||May 20, 2005||Jan 27, 2015||Ca, Inc.||Method and apparatus for optimizing directory performance|
|US20050273457 *||May 20, 2005||Dec 8, 2005||Harvey Richard H||Method for selecting a processor for query execution|
|US20060178864 *||Feb 8, 2005||Aug 10, 2006||Madhavi Khanijo||Automated system and method for configuring a rack assembly|
|US20110145812 *||Oct 1, 2010||Jun 16, 2011||Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.||User terminal device for managing network device and method thereof|
|CN101449268B||May 9, 2007||Dec 14, 2011||惠普公司||在硬盘驱动器仿真中维持共同命名的客户端专用文件内容|
|EP1508112A1 *||May 26, 2003||Feb 23, 2005||Comptel OYJ||Service provisioning method, system and computer program product|
|WO1997037305A1 *||Mar 27, 1997||Oct 9, 1997||Intel Corp||Computer system security|
|WO2000014640A1 *||Aug 27, 1999||Mar 16, 2000||Sony Electronics Inc||Apparatus and method for retrieving information over a computer network utilizing a hand-held portable device|
|WO2000062176A1 *||Apr 12, 2000||Oct 19, 2000||Sony Electronics Inc||System for establishing and maintaining connections and confirming format compatibility between units, subunits and content|
|WO2002075587A1 *||Mar 14, 2002||Sep 26, 2002||Andrew Killick||Mapping system and method|
| || |
|U.S. Classification||715/735, 709/220, 709/223, 707/E17.032, 715/839|
|International Classification||G06F3/00, H04L29/08, G06F13/00, G06F17/30, H04L29/00, H04L12/24, G06F15/00, H04L29/06|
|Cooperative Classification||H04L67/36, H04L69/329, H04L41/22, H04L41/0869, G06F17/30289, H04L41/12, H04L41/0843, H04L41/082, H04L29/06, H04L29/00|
|European Classification||H04L41/22, G06F17/30S1, H04L41/08A4A, H04L29/08N35, H04L29/06, H04L29/00|
|Jun 19, 1998||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jul 15, 1997||RF||Reissue application filed|
Effective date: 19970224