Programming model for subscription services

Abstract

The present invention relates to a subscription modeling system and methodology. A query processor receives subscription query and subscriber information and transforms the query and subscriber information into data. An index component propagates at least one database with the transformed data; and a matching component that associates the transformed data with event data to generate a database of notification data that can be delivered to subscribers. The invention provides for abstracting subscription and subscriber information (as well as event information if desired) to high-level classes (e.g., data fields)—thus the invention provides for modeling such notification related information as data. Subscription applications can thus be developed at high levels wherein complex subscription queries and subscriber information can be defined as data fields for example. Databases in accordance with the data fields can be propagated with subscription / subscriber specific information. The present invention takes advantages of the processing power associated with database engines (e.g., SQL server) to generate notifications via performing a join operation on the databases (e.g., subscription database(s), subscriber database(s) and event database(s)). Accordingly, notifications are generated en masse as compared to per subscription per subscriber. Thus the present invention provides for a highly scalable and efficient notification system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 180,662, which was filed Jun. 26, 2002, and entitled, “PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES.” The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to a system and method for implementing subscription applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Empowering people to make well-informed decisions has become increasingly important in today's fast-paced environment. Providing individuals with relevant and timely information is an essential element in facilitating such well-informed decisions. However, certain information that is noise to some may be very valuable to others. Additionally, some information can also be temporally critical and as such there may be significant value associated with timely delivery of such informa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention relates generally to a system and methodology for providing a notification system. The subject invention provides for facilitating notification services via a notification architecture that is highly scalable and can handle a large volume of queries with respect to a plurality of disparate subscription service providers and subscribers. One aspect of the subject invention provides for a notification platform that facilitates building and maintaining reliable, high performance, and scalable applications. More particularly, the platform of the subject invention provides for a manner in which to express event schema, subscription schema, notification schema, and match rules in a rich manner (e.g., XML) as well as allowing a subscription service provider to express content formatting and protocols that will be implemented in connection with distributing notifications. The invention includes an execution engine that integrates information propagated in accordance with the aforementioned schema, formatting and protocols to provide highly scalable notification services.

[0019] Thus, the subject invention provides for a platform that affords for subscription providers to design customized subscription services in an easy manner, and the invention provides for a powerful notification architecture that is highly scalable and powerful in that the data modeling in accordance with the present invention leverages the power of database engines to process highly complex subscriptions for large numbers of subscribers in an efficient and rich manner.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, notifications are generated en masse, as compared to per subscription per subscriber which can consume significant computing resources.

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