177 results about "Business software" patented technology

A method for performing life cycle management of business software applications and their components across a multiple-platform, multiple-language network. The method takes advantage of the inheritance properties of object-oriented programming (OOP) by developing all components of a business application from a set of base classes, thus deploying a common set of methods across all application components. These methods enable monitoring by a Central Administrator element without interdependence between any of the business application components and the Central Administrator. The Central Administrator then determines when a need to reconfigure one or more components of the business application has arisen. The Central Administrator then modifies or replaces existing components of the business application or installs entirely new components over the network without end user interaction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Central Administrator is aided by a set of Distributed Administrators located on each virtual node server / host computer of a business application operating over a network. The business application can thus reconfigured without terminating the application's business function in a scaleable, extensible manner without regard to platform or language.

An intranet providing a multiple-carrel public-access kiosk provides free access to foreign and domestic informational e-commerce intranet sites as well as e-mail and public service educational and informational materials. The kiosk accepts anonymous pre-paid cards issued by a local franchisee of a network of e-commerce intranets that includes the local intranet. The paid services provided by each carrel may include video-conference and chat room time, playing and / or copying audio-visual materials such as computer games and music videos, and international e-commerce purchase support services such as customs and currency exchange. Third-party sponsored public service materials may include audio-visual instructional materials in local dialects introducing the user to the use of the kiosk's services and providing training for using standard business software programs.