Portal server that provides a customizable user Interface for access to computer networks

US6327628A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Epicentric, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ed Anuff · San Francisco, US
• John Taylor · Plano, US
• Miles Chaston · San Francisco, US
• David MacLeod · Oakland, US
• Peter Leiser · Berkeley, US
• Oliver Muoto · Menlo Park, US
• Seth Ladygo · San Francisco, US
• Brian Slesinsky · San Francisco, US
• Terry Joyce · Villa Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 19, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 4, 2001
• Expiry date: May 19, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S707/99939
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A portal server presents an HTML page that comprises a plurality of modules that are formatted in a predetermined layout. Each module represents a network resource that can be accessed by a user through the portal. Some of the modules can be user-selectable, whereas others may be mandatory elements of the portal. Similarly, some aspects of the layout may be user-controllable, while others are fixed. The modular nature of the portal enables the various resources to be readily and independently updated by the entities who provide them, without affecting other features of the portal. The portal server includes an administration interface that enables an administrator to select from various layout styles, as well as control access to site information and services. A variety of customizations can be done to the portal without requiring programming skills. As a result, individual businesses and other entities can exercise complete ownership of their portals, from a hosting, branding and design perspective.