Mark Robert Larsen

US Patent:

6539539, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Nov 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/441245

Inventors:

Mark S. Larsen - Hoffman Estates IL
Christopher D. Liesen - Naperville IL
Alan R. Zorn - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Lucent Technologies Inc. - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

G06F 944

US Classification:

717124, 379 901, 714 40, 717121

Abstract:

In a distributed computer program, active software probes in the form of small functions built into an application are invoked by another application. When invoked, an active probe provides a positive response if the service being requested is available from the probed package. If the service is not available, the probe will fail alerting the software package installer that there is a problem. The active probes thus perform a functionality check for the software package, not a check merely based on the packages release number. Because the probe is active, it is capable of checking for subtending capabilities that the calling application may not realize are necessary for this service. This ensures full coverage of the test while hiding some implementation details from the calling application. By invoking these active probes upon installation of a new package, the installer can know immediately if the package has all services necessary to run correctly, thus reducing the possibility of a bad software package installation. The active software probes are thus capable of verifying software package compatibility at the time of program compilation as well as for program upgrades.

US Patent:

D3127141, Dec 4, 1990

Filed:

Apr 20, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/341067

Inventors:

Robert Simonelli - Palatine IL
Mark Larsen - Evanston IL
Kiyoshi Iha - Elk Grove Village IL

Assignee:

The Chamberlain Group, Inc. - Elmhurst IL

US Classification:

D32 19