Showing papers on "Services computing published in 2001"

DAML-S: semantic markup for web services

Abstract: The Semantic Web should enable greater access not only to content but also to services on the Web. Users and software agents should be able to discover, invoke, compose, and monitor Web resources offering particular services and having particular properties. As part of the DARPA Agent Markup Language program, we have begun to develop an ontology of services, called DAML-S, that will make these functionalities possible. In this paper we describe the overall structure of the ontology, the service profile for advertising services, and the process model for the detailed description of the operation of services. We also compare DAML-S with several industry efforts to define standards for characterizing services on the Web.

Grid information services for distributed resource sharing

Abstract: Grid technologies enable large-scale sharing of resources within formal or informal consortia of individuals and/or institutions: what are sometimes called virtual organizations. In these settings, the discovery, characterization, and monitoring of resources, services, and computations are challenging problems due to the considerable diversity; large numbers, dynamic behavior, and geographical distribution of the entities in which a user might be interested. Consequently, information services are a vital part of any Grid software infrastructure, providing fundamental mechanisms for discovery and monitoring, and hence for planning and adapting application behavior. We present an information services architecture that addresses performance, security, scalability, and robustness requirements. Our architecture defines simple low-level enquiry and registration protocols that make it easy to incorporate individual entities into various information structures, such as aggregate directories that support a variety of different query languages and discovery strategies. These protocols can also be combined with other Grid protocols to construct additional higher-level services and capabilities such as brokering, monitoring, fault detection, and troubleshooting. Our architecture has been implemented as MDS-2, which forms part of the Globus Grid toolkit and has been widely deployed and applied.

Product services: from a service supporting the product to a service supporting the client

Abstract: Challenges the traditional perspective of product services in the business marketing literature. An original classification system is proposed that isolates and compares two types of product services: services that support the supplier’s product (e.g. after‐sale services) and services that support the client’s action in relation to the supplier’s product (e.g. training service). A qualitative study based on this classification is then reported. The study centered on one of the main European manufacturers in the micro‐electronics industry, and involved interviews with customers, distributors, and managers in the manufacturing firm.

Building distributed software services as aggregations of other services

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform) A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time

ICrafter: A Service Framework for Ubiquitous Computing Environments

Abstract: In this paper, we propose ICrafter, a framework for services and their user interfaces in a class of ubiquitous computing environments. The chief objective of ICrafter is to let users flexibly interact with the services in their environment using a variety of modalities and input devices. We extend existing service frameworks in three ways. First, to offload services and user input devices, ICrafter provides infrastructure support for UI selection, generation, and adaptation. Second, ICrafter allows UIs to be associated with service patterns for on-the-fly aggregation of services. Finally, ICrafter facilitates the design of service UIs that are portable but still reflect the context of the local environment. In addition, we also focus on the system properties such as incremental deployability and robustness that are critical for ubiquitous computing environments. We describe the goals and architecture of ICrafter, a prototype implementation that validates its design, and the key lessons learnt from our experiences.

CRUMPET: creation of user-friendly mobile services personalised for tourism

Abstract: More and more people combine several purposes with travelling, such as business, leisure, entertainment, and education. Such people may not have time to pre-plan a travel schedule in detail. They need location-aware information about the destination domain and expect individualised information and services. The EU funded research project CRUMPET addresses these factors and will provide new information delivery services for a far more heterogeneous tourist population. The services proposed by CRUMPET take advantage of integrating four key emerging technology domains and applying them to the tourism domain: location-aware services, personalised user interaction, seamlessly accessible multimedia mobile communication, and smart component-based middleware or "smartware" that uses multi-agent technology.

Intelligent network providing network access services (INP-NAS)

Abstract: An open Information Services network architecture is disclosed which enables multiple business entities to assume specialized roles of access provider, service provider, and service retailer. The disclosed technology provides instant plug-and-play service, decouples access and service networks and provides seamless (single step) access enabling customers to maintain a service account regardless of location. The benefits of the disclosed technology, among others, include: Multi-level and multi-service registration; Broker Services providing customers with a choice of provider; Security Services relating to distribution; Revenue Assurance services, Gentle Reminder/Gentle Touch; Revenue Assurance services pertaining to usage integrity verification upon registration; mobile services derived from G-ISN; and claim benefits pertaining to LNP services derived from G-ISN.

Method of providing maintenance services

Abstract: The method of providing includes providing an assessment of the maintenance and technical service needs of a plant, as broadly defined, and recommending services for outsourcing selected from a menu of services The services are modular and may be mixed and matched to a customized fit with the needs of the plant Categories of services are directed to technical services, motor maintenance, electro-mechanical services, etc A generic approach to all plant maintenance provides a framework in which to offer the services Services are offered throughout the life cycle of a plant Particular industries are targeted for outsourced services

Method and system for providing intelligent network content delivery

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing improved acceleration of web content and/or related services are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the invention provides services and business arrangements that allow delivery of web content more quickly and effectively using a variety of innovative techniques including: managing content provided to different content distribution networks; providing an easier interface for publishers to sign up for acceleration services and implement acceleration policies; and providing easier billings to publishers and selection of acceleration services.

Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling a network services provider to deliver application performance management services

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling a network services provider to deliver application performance management services to its enterprise customers The invention allows network service providers to extend their service model beyond connectivity-oriented MNS services to more productivity-oriented, managed application services The present invention, in one embodiment, allows network service providers to offer an application-aware service that provides real-time monitoring, measurement and control of application performance over MNS and other wide-area network services

Adaptable wireless proximity networking

Abstract: System and method for dynamic delivery of services and applications from a server to mobile computing devices in a wireless proximity framework. This wireless proximity framework allows users of mobile computing devices to dynamically access services and applications available in a given geographic area without preinstalling software for each service or application. Further, the wireless proximity framework allows developers to more quickly and easily adapt existing non-wireless services for use by heterogeneous mobile computing devices. Still further, the wireless proximity framework allows for services and applications to be delivered in a customized manner to each mobile computing device.

Service and technology: opportunities and paradoxes

Abstract: Technology is profoundly changing the nature of services and the ways in which firms interact with their customers. The result, while positive, also has its downside. This paper elaborates on the opportunities that technology presents for firms to develop new services, and provide better, more efficient services to customers as well as the paradoxes and dark side of technology and services. The paper concludes with a section on what customers expect from technology‐delivered services suggesting that “the more things change, the more some things remain the same”. Customers still demand quality service no matter how the firm chooses to structure the relationship. It is incumbent upon firms to develop technology‐based services that can provide the same high level of service that customers expect from interpersonal service providers.

Applications and services

Abstract: Applications and services have a major role to play in realizing telecommunication systems that combine a rich set of features with easy, cost-effective operation.

Dynamic deployment of services in a computing network

Abstract: A process is defined whereby conditions such as usage metrics for incoming client requests (or other network conditions such as load balancing considerations) are monitored, and used to trigger dynamic deployment, redeployment, and/or undeployment of web services to locations in the network in order to improve efficiency. The undeployment may apply to distributed locations of a service and may also apply to an origin server from which the service was originally deployed. Service requests are dynamically routed to the destination where the service resides, in a manner which is transparent to the client. In an optional aspect, programmatic replication of system upgrades may be implemented by redeploying services using this same dynamic deployment approach, enabling the complexity of upgrading previously-deployed software to be reduced significantly. As another optional aspect, previously-deployed software may also be automatically and programmatically undeployed using disclosed techniques.

Reputation and endorsement for web services

Abstract: The web services set of standards promise the dynamic creation of loosely coupled systems, such as those that are required for e-commerce applications. However, current approaches for web services lack key functionality, especially to locate, select, and bind services meeting certain criteria of quality. We propose an approach wherein software agents assist in this task by disseminating reputations and endorsements through a specialized agency, which augments the capabilities of current standards.

System and method for providing distributed computing services

Abstract: A method for providing distributed computing services via a network is disclosed wherein an organization, in particular a manufacturer, distributor, or the like, leases computing resources on information handling systems (e.g., personal computers, network servers, information appliances, and the like) purchased or upgraded by customers. The leased computing resources are then utilized to provide distributed computing services to users of such services via a network such as the Internet or the like.

Dynamic, real-time integration of software resources through services of a content framework

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform). A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role. A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies. The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described. The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform. The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time.

Searching for services on the semantic web using process ontologies

Abstract: The ability to rapidly locate useful on-line services (e.g. software applications, software components, process models, or service organizations), as opposed to simply useful documents, is becoming increasingly critical in many domains. As the sheer number of such services increases it will become increasingly more important to provide tools that allow people (and software) to quickly find the services they need, while minimizing the burden for those who wish to list their services with these search engines. This can be viewed as a critical enabler of the 'friction-free' markets of the 'new economy'. Current service retrieval technology is, however, seriously deficient in this regard. The information retrieval community has focused on the retrieval of documents, not services per se, and has as a result emphasized keyword-based approaches. Those approaches achieve fairly high recall but low precision. The software agents and distributed computing communities have developed simple 'frame-based' approaches for 'matchmaking' between tasks and on-line services increasing precision at the substantial cost of requiring all services to be modeled as frames and only supporting perfect matches. This paper proposes a novel, ontology-based approach that employs the characteristics of a process-taxonomy to increase recall without sacrificing precision and computational complexity of the service retrieval process.

Distributed web services network architecture

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating deployment, configuration and maintenance of web services networks. The present invention features a distributed web services network architecture that, in one embodiment, leverages the functionality of existing network infrastructure to provide a low cost, efficient and reliable web services solution. The web services network architecture according to the present invention can be implemented across any suitable computer network, including an intranet or the Internet.

Method and system for providing a service in a photorealistic, 3-D environment

Abstract: Method and system for providing 3-D services and 3-D visual directories in a photorealistic, 3-D virtual environment depicting a real-life entity. The real-life entity depicted in the 3-D virtual environment may be an actual place and/or actual entity that is not limited to a geographic location but may include other environments such as, for example, a subway system, library, a virtual card catalogue, a factory, an underground aqueduct system, an organism (e.g., an internal view of a human body), a cable system, a mechanism (e.g., a motor, a computer, a computer circuit), and a warehouse. A photorealistic, 3-D model is used as a platform for the services provided. These services may include mapping services, browsing services, historical services, educational services, entertainment services, and commercial services, such as advertising.

Method and System for Operating a Commissioned E-Commerce Service Prover

Abstract: A method for operating a commissioned e-commerce service provider provides services to businesses on a computerized network such as the Internet in exchange for a small commission on the commercial transactions generated using those services. Unlike most ISPs that provide services to individuals and businesses, the commissioned e-commerce service provider preferably provides Internet services for businesses operating web sites or other application that generate e-commerce transactions for the business. Instead of paying a monthly fee for the Internet services required to host a web site or operate and e-commerce site, the business contracts with the commissioned e-commerce service provider to provide these services based on receiving a percentage commission of the commercial transactions generated using these services. Preferably, the commission percentage is tiered in accordance with the amount of traffic at the site to provide a nominal level of service at a lower commission rate, yet allow for an exceptional volume of traffic to be accommodated by the site at a higher commission rate without having the site fail or the service become overwhelmed.

Issues for Context Services for Pervasive Computing

Abstract: Context-aware computing has the potential to greatly alleviate the human attention bottleneck. To facilitate the development of context-aware applications, we envision a context service that provides standardized support for applications. It supports both synchronous queries and asynchronous event notifications. It also addresses privacy concerns by providing controls that allow people to limit the release of their context information.

Managing Public Services - Implementing Changes: A thoughtful approach to the practice of management

Abstract: First Thoughts 1. Managing in the Changing Context of Public Services Role 1: Managing Change 2. Managing Resistance to Change in Public Services 3. Managing Strategy and Change in Public Services Role 2: Managing Operations and Activities 4. Managing the Market for Public Services 5. Managing the Quality of Public Services Role 3: Managing People 6. Managing Groups and Leading Teams in Public Services 7. Managing Leadership and Motivation in Public Services 8. Managing Individuals in Public Services Role 4: Managing Resources 9. Managing Budgets in Public Services 10. Managing Resources in Public Services 11. Managing Audit, Accountability and Performance in Public Services Role 5: Managing Information 12. Managing Information and Communication in Public Services Role 6: Managing Learning and Personal Development 13. Managing Learning in Public Services 14. Managing Personal Development in Public Services Final Thoughts 15. Management Values: Management as Religion

Menu driven management and operation technique

Abstract: An overall plan for providing maintenance and technical services for businesses and plants includes generic procedures for the services written as a manual of standard practices (10). A knowledge base or experience database (12) of data and people is utilized. Both hardware and software tools (14) are selected and used in providing services.

E-services: problems, opportunities, and digital platforms

Abstract: Services that are delivered over the Internet-e-services-pose unique problems yet offer unprecedented opportunities. In this paper, we classify e-services along the dimensions of their level of digitization and the nature of their target markets (business-to-business, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-consumer). Using the case of application services, we analyze how they differ from traditional software procurement and development. Next, we extend the concept of modular platforms to this domain and identify how knowledge management can be used to rapidly assemble new application services. We also discuss how such traceability-based knowledge management can facilitate e-service evolution and version-based market segmentation.

Online business development services for entrepreneurs: an exploratory study

Abstract: This paper addresses the use of the Internet to provide business development services such as training, consulting, counselling and networking. Using a Delphi study of experts from around the world, the possible uses of the Internet as well as criteria for successful implementation are presented. Three critical success factors for providing online services are identified. First, an effective use of online resources requires that the inherent strengths of the Internet be exploited. Using online tools when they are perceived to be a ‘second-best’ mode of communication is inefficient and can be counterproductive. Second, personal contact is still very important and can complement online services. Third, successful online services require an effective Internet site and program management. The study also shows that the specific nature of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs must be carefully considered when developing online services. The entrepreneur is more concerned about his/her problems and is less concerne...

DAML-S: A Semantic Markup Language For Web Services

Abstract: The Semantic Web should enable greater access not only to content but also to services on the Web. Users and software agents should be able to discover, invoke, compose, and monitor Web resources offering particular services and having particular properties. As part of the DARPA Agent Markup Language program, we have begun to develop an ontology of services, called DAML- S, that will make these functionalities possible. In this paper we describe the overall structure of the ontology, the service profile for advertising services, and the process model for the detailed description of the operation of services. We also compare DAML-S with several industry efforts to define standards for characterizing services on the Web.

SiteLang: Conceptual Modeling of Internet Sites

Abstract: Internet information services are developed everywhere. Such services include content generation and functionality support which has to be modeled in a consistent way. Within our projects we developed a methodology resulting in a language SiteLang which allows specification of information services based on the concepts of the story and interaction spaces as well as media objects.The specification can be automatically mapped to implementations.