Todd F Millett

US Patent:

61155497, Sep 5, 2000

Filed:

Feb 12, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/798837

Inventors:

Damon V. Janis - Provo UT
Todd F. Millett - Lindon UT
Calvin R. Gaisford - Sandy UT
Matthew G. Brooks - Orem UT
Carla M. Heesch - Spring Lake UT

Assignee:

Novell, Inc. - Provo UT

International Classification:

G06F 9445

US Classification:

395712

Abstract:

An apparatus for distributing software implements directory services of a network to provide data for controlling a distribution of software. A software object may be any electronic representation of data of any type, from a single byte, to a complex application, or the like. A directory services computer, responsible for maintaining a data store of inter-related logical entities may store a distribution object containing all distribution information associated with a distribution. Distribution information may include a listing of targets, actual entities represented as logical entities in the data store, which are to receive a distribution of a software object. The directory services computer provides instantiations of various portions or an entire data store to be read by various nodes or computers throughout a network or internetwork. Accordingly, an individual computer, such as an individual client or workstation may read information in a distribution object, identified itself as a target of a distribution, and pull the designated software object, completing the distribution to itself. Distribution may also be effected by a workstation from a remote source node to a remote destination node.