Patent · US Expired

Software distribution via stages

US7178144B2 · kind B2 · utility

30Cited by
34References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 22, 2003
Grant dateFeb 13, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 24, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L67/34
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Software can be automatically distributed in stages. An administrator can specify a stage indicating software to be distributed to nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. Administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate an appropriate software stage for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover what software is appropriate. Software of the proper stage can be provided and installed. The software can be provided via an application service provider scenario, and automatic installation can be achieved even if the nodes are behind a firewall. A versionless arrangement can be implemented.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.