Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer data routing – Least weight routing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-02-03
2001-08-14
Banankhah, Majid (Department: 2151)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer data routing
Least weight routing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275844
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to maintenance systems, and more particularly, to automatically maintaining applications in a computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, a number of software applications can be run on a computer system during its operation. Because network problems, unstable vendor software, bugs within an application, conflicts with other applications, or the like, may cause one or more of these applications to fail, the applications must be maintained in order to ensure proper operation of the computer system.
Previous techniques and systems for maintaining applications in a computer system were problematic for various reasons. For example, according to one technique, a system administrator was required perform the required maintenance, for example, by manually deactivating and/or restarting applications in response to a failure. Such work was both time-consuming and an inefficient use of the administrator. Furthermore, for a network comprising a plurality of computers, the system administrator was required to log onto each computer separately in order to perform the necessary maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with maintaining applications in a computer system have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a maintenance system is provided for maintaining applications in a computer system. The maintenance system includes a database which stores a check-in entry associated with an application. A processor, coupled to the database, determines whether a check-in time for the application associated with the check-in entry is later than a specified time. If such is the case, then the processor deactivates the application.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for maintaining applications in a computer system. The maintenance system includes a database which is operable to store a check-in entry associated with an application and configuration information for the application. A processor is coupled to the database. The processor is operable to determine whether a check-in time for the application associated with the check-in entry is later than a specified time, deactivate the application associated with the check-in entry if the check-in time is later than the specified time, and start the application associated with the check-in entry if the application is not running.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for maintaining applications in a computer system. In the method, a check-in entry associated with an application is generated. If a check-in time for the application associated with the check-in entry is later than a specified time, then such application is deactivated.
Important technical advantages of the present invention include automatically maintaining applications in a computer system. This is accomplished by requiring that each application in the computer system periodically check-in with a check-in database. A deactivator module reviews the check-in database at predetermined intervals of time. If an application has not checked-in, the deactivator module deactivates the application. A starter module starts or restarts any applications that are not currently running, such as, for example, those which have crashed or have been deactivated. Accordingly, the applications on a computer system can be maintained during operation.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention includes providing multiple modules which operate independently to maintain applications on a computer. These modules may include a deactivator module and a starter module. Because the modules operate independently, implementation of a maintenance system is simplified because coding and/or hardware is not required to support the coordinated operation of the modules. Furthermore, if one module fails, the operation of the remaining module or modules is not affected.
Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes providing a centralized location for the administration of a maintenance system which supports a computer system comprising a plurality of computers. This is accomplished by operating separate maintenance modules on each computer in the computer system, but accessing and storing configuration information for these modules in a service locator and configuration database maintained on only one of the computers. A systems administrator can interact with the maintenance system, for example, to input or change the configuration information, from the central computer, and, accordingly, is not required to log onto each individual computer separately.
Other important technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Baker & Botts LLP
Banankhah Majid
Electronic Data Systems Corporation
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