Managing application programs in a computer network by using a database of application objects
US5859978A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/604
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for management of application programs in a computer network are disclosed. A modified hierarchical database which includes application objects that represent applications and their execution environments is utilized. Administrator tools support the creation, deletion, and modification of application objects. Each application object includes the location of an executable code for a given application, an icon, a working directory name, drive mappings, printer port captures, command line parameters, and similar information. An application launcher queries the database and updates a list of available applications which is kept in the user's desktop. The launcher automatically launches specified applications when a user runs the launcher. The launcher also uses the information in the application object to setup resources needed by the application, to create a process that executes the application, and to clean up after the application terminates. Resource setup involves mapping drives and capturing printer ports as needed. The database, the launcher, and the administrator tools allow consistent tracking and use of information about application programs and their …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.