Method and apparatus for dynamically loading and managing software services on a network device
US7127526B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F15/16
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dynamically loading and managing software services on a network device. A service environment ported to the network device includes a service environment kernel and a virtual machine. The service environment kernel continually operates on the network device and manages the downloading of services from a remote location onto the network device. In accordance with a request from a remote client such as a network manager, the service environment kernel causes instructions corresponding to the downloaded service to be provided to the virtual machine for execution on the network device. Associated with the service are service relationships. The service environment kernel manages these relationships by maintaining a registry of services and their dependencies on other services. The service environment kernel also controls the execution of services in accordance with the service relationships.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.