Identification of redundancies and omissions among components of a web based architecture

Abstract

A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework such as a web architecture framework. First, an area of an existing network framework is determined in which redundancies and omissions exist. Next, a pictorial representation of the existing network framework is presented along with a plurality of its components. The foregoing redundancies and the omissions are then highlighted by indicia coding the components of the existing network that reside in the area. As such, a diagnostic analysis of redundant efforts and gaps in a current implementation of the existing network framework is effectively conveyed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework comprising the steps of:

(a) determining at least one area of an existing network framework in which redundancies and omissions exist;

(b) presenting a pictorial representation of the existing network framework and a plurality of components thereof; and

(c) highlighting the redundancies and the omissions by indicia coding the components of the existing network framework that reside in the at least one area.

2. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the redundancies and the omissions include redundancies and omissions of business efforts among the components of the existing network framework.

3. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the redundancies and the omissions indicate redundancies and omissions in the implementation of technology using the components of the existing network framework.

4. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the omissions are indicated by a lack of indicia coding.

5. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the components of the existing network framework are selected from the group of components including security services, network services, web services, client services, integration capabilities, data services, directory services, management services, operation services, and developer services.

6. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the components of the existing network framework are selected from the group of components including commerce-related services, content-related services, administration-related services, customer-related services, and education-related services.

7. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the indicia coding is selected from the group of indicia coding including texture coding, color coding, and shading coding.

8. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein the existing network framework is a web architecture framework.

9. A method for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 1, wherein a legend is presented which defines the indicia coding with respect to the redundancies and the omissions.

10. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework, the computer program comprising:

(a) a code segment that determines at least one area of an existing network framework in which redundancies and omissions exist;

(b) a code segment that presents a pictorial representation of the existing network framework and a plurality of components thereof; and

(c) a code segment that highlights the redundancies and the omissions by indicia coding the components of the existing network framework that reside in the at least one area.

11. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the redundancies and the omissions include redundancies and omissions of business efforts among the components of the existing network framework.

12. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the redundancies and the omissions indicate redundancies and omissions in the implementation of technology using the components of the existing network framework.

13. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the omissions are indicated by a lack of indicia coding.

14. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the components of the existing network framework are selected from the group of components including security services, network services, web services, client services, integration capabilities, data services, directory services, management services, operation services, and developer services.

15. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the components of the existing network framework are selected from the group of components including commerce-related services, content-related services, administration-related services, customer-related services, and education-related services.

16. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the indicia coding is selected from the group of indicia coding including texture coding, color coding, and shading coding.

17. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein the existing network framework is a web architecture framework.

18. A computer program for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework as recited in claim 10, wherein a legend is presented which defines the indicia coding with respect to the redundancies and the omissions.

19. A system for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework comprising:

(a) logic for determining at least one area of an existing network framework in which redundancies and omissions exist;

(b) logic for presenting a pictorial representation of the existing network framework and a plurality of components thereof; and

(c) logic for highlighting the redundancies and the omissions by indicia coding the components of the existing network that reside in the at least one area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to conveying information regarding a web architecture framework and more particularly to diagnostically demonstrating redundant efforts and gaps in a business.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common in presentations and the like to present and convey information through graphic representations. These representations may take a variety of forms, such as alphanumeric characters, various sorts of graphs, as well as images of physical objects rendered on various mediums such as a computer display, paper product, transparency, etc. For example, various graphics such as line graphs, bar charts and pie charts have been quite popular in the presentation of business data such as sales, budgets and the like.

Typically, a person can absorb and manipulate information placed in a visual or graphical context much faster than if the same information is represented merely by alphanumeric text or conveyed verbally. The person is also much more likely to retain that information. However, a balance must be maintained between presenting information in a manner so as to be more likely to be retained by the viewer and keeping the graphic presentation simple enough to be easily and quickly comprehended.

Traditional graphs and charts, such as bar and pie charts, work well only for small amounts of information and are typically only useful for presenting statistical information. Attempting to produce such graphs and charts for large amounts of information leads to presenting the information in such small increments, such as bars (in a bar chart) or wedges (in a pie chart), as to lead to confusion, not to mention the greatly reduced chance that a viewer would retain the information presented.

Further, when similar types of information are being grouped together as a divisible unit, such as in the same bar or wedge of a chart, the confusion is compounded. Still further adding to the confusion would be the addition of indicia coding to selected information in the divisible unit, such as attempting to indicia code certain portions of a bar (in a bar chart) already having four components while ensuring that the individual components remain identifiable.

Nor do such charts and graphs do well in providing the overall picture of how the information is organized as a whole, such as how the divisible units (each formed of a variety of different types of information) are related to each other. Simply stating that two or more charts or portions of charts are related may not be enough to enable a viewer to comprehend the interrelationship of the information presented.

There is thus the need for a way to create and display information in a graphic representation that presents the information concisely and in a well organized manner in order to reduce the likelihood of confusion and maximize retention in a viewer and further to increase the viewer's understanding of the organization and interrelation of the various pieces of information with each other. There is further a particular need for such a system in the art of conveying information regarding network frameworks such as a web architecture framework.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for conveying redundancies and omissions among components of a network framework such as a web architecture framework. First, an area of an existing network framework is determined in which redundancies and omissions exist. Next, a pictorial representation of the existing network framework is presented along with a plurality of its components. The foregoing redundancies and the omissions are then highlighted by indicia coding the components of the existing network that reside in the area.

As such, a diagnostic analysis of redundant efforts and gaps in a current implementation of the existing network framework is effectively conveyed. In one aspect of the present invention, the redundancies and the omissions include redundancies and omissions with respect to business efforts or the current implementation of technology using the components of the existing network framework. Further, the omissions may be indicated by a lack of indicia coding.

In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention may be used to convey information regarding components of the existing network framework such as security services, network services, web services, client services, integration capabilities, data services, directory services, management services, operation services, or developer services. In the alternative, the components of the existing network framework may include commerce-related services, content-related services, administration-related services, customer-related services, or education-related services.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the indicia coding may be selected from the group of indicia coding including texture coding, color coding, and shading coding. As an option, a legend may be presented which defines the indicia coding with respect to the redundancies and the omissions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart depicting multiple coding methods for conveying various information relating to a system such as web architecture framework;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method for identifying redundancies and omissions among components of a web based architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method for identifying redundancies and omissions among components of a web based architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method of conveying which components of a system are required for implementation of technology in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method of conveying which components of a system are required for implementation of technology in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the method of prioritizing components of a system that are required for implementation of technology in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method of prioritizing components of a system that are required for implementation of technology in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the method of indicia coding system components to be delivered in different phases in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method of indicia coding system components to be delivered in different phases in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the method of comparatively analyzing network entities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method of comparatively analyzing network entities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the method for selling products in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method for selling products in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the method of identifying various components of a system for building, management, and support purposes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method of identifying various components of a system for building, management, and support purposes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the method for mapping products or services in a network framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method for mapping products or services in a network framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the method of identifying alliances among a plurality of business entities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the method for planning the testing of network components in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart providing more detail of the method for planning the testing of network components in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21, divided into the partitions FIGS. 21A-21F, is an illustration of one implementation of operations 10 and 24 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 21A-21F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operations 10 and 24 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of one implementation of operations 10 and 24 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23, divided into the partitions FIGS. 23A-23F, is an illustration of one implementation of operations 12, 20, 22 and 26 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 23A-23F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operations 12, 20, 22 and 26 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 23;

FIG. 24 , divided into the partitions FIGS. 24A-24F, is an illustration of one implementation of operations 14, 16 and 18 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 24A-24F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operations 14, 16 and 18 of FIG. 1 as partitioned in FIG. 24;

FIG. 25, divided into the partitions FIGS. 25A-25F, is an illustration of one implementation of operations 14, 16, 18 and 30 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 25A-25F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operations 14, 16, 18 and 30 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 25;

FIG. 26, divided into the partitions FIGS. 26A-26D, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 22 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 26A-26D provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 22 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 26;

FIG. 27, divided into the partitions FIGS. 27A-27F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 27A-27F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 27;

FIG. 28, divided into the partitions FIGS. 28A-28F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 28A-28F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 28;

FIG. 29, divided into the partitions FIGS. 29A-29F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 29A-29F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 29;

FIG. 30, divided into the partitions FIGS. 30A-30F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 30A-30F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 30;

FIG. 31, divided into the partitions FIGS. 31A-F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 31A-31F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 31;

FIG. 32, divided into the partitions FIGS. 32A-32F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 32A-32F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 32;

FIG. 33, divided into the partitions FIGS. 33A-33F, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 33A-33F provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 33;

FIG. 34, divided into the partitions FIGS. 34A-34B, is an illustration of one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 34A-34B provide a detailed illustration of one segment of the implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1, as partitioned in FIG. 34;

FIG. 35 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 36 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 37 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 38 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 39 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 40 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 41 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 42 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 43 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 44 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 45 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 46 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 47 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 48 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 49 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 50 is an illustration of an architecture diagram for one implementation of operation 28 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of a hardware implementation of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is an illustration of the Integrated Development Environment Architecture (IDEA).

FIG. 53 is an illustration showing a Development Organization Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is an illustration showing a security organization functional according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is an illustration showing the responsibilities of an Environmental Management Team;

FIG. 56 is an illustration showing the responsibilities of an Application Team structure;

FIG. 57 is an illustration showing a model migration plan in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 is an illustration showing a single release capability development pipeline in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is an illustration showing a multiple release capability development pipeline in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 60 is an illustration showing a multiple release capability development pipeline with code base synchronization among three pipelines;

FIG. 61 is an illustration showing a Development Tools Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 62 is an illustration showing information captured in the Repository and reused;

FIG. 63 is an illustration showing the Repository's central role in the development environment;

FIG. 64, divided into the partitions FIGS. 64A-64B, is an illustration showing an Operational Architecture Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 64A-64B provide a detailed illustration of an Operational Architecture Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, as partitioned in FIG. 64;

FIG. 65, divided into the partitions FIGS. 65A-65F, is a block diagram of a Web Architecture Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 65A-65F provide a detailed illustration of a block diagram of a Web Architecture Framework in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, as partitioned in FIG. 65;

FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating the commerce-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for facilitating a virtual shopping transaction;

FIG. 68 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for facilitating a virtual shopping transaction by comparing different products and services;

FIG. 69 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for creating a hierarchy of the features of the items selected in accordance with the customer's profile;

FIG. 70 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for facilitating a virtual shopping transaction by ascertaining needs of a user;

FIG. 71 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for facilitating a virtual shopping transaction by generating a solution based on the requirements of the user;

FIG. 72 is a illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for allowing a user to customize an item for purchase in a virtual shopping environment;

FIG. 73 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for advertising in a virtual shopping environment;

FIG. 74 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for advertising in a virtual shopping environment;

FIG. 75 is an illustration of yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 76 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for automatically generating a contract between an owner of software and a user of the software;

FIG. 77 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention for automatically generating a contract between an owner of software and a user of the software

FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating the content channels-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 79 is a flowchart illustrating the customer relationship management-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 80 is a flowchart illustrating a profile management service of the customer relationship management-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 81 is a flowchart illustrating a profile management service of the customer relationship management-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 82 is a flowchart illustrating the content management and publishing-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 83 is a flowchart illustrating the education-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 84 is a flowchart illustrating one manner of generating an educational curriculum in the education-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 85 is a flowchart illustrating one manner of generating an educational curriculum in the education-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 86 is a flowchart illustrating the web customer-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 87 is a flowchart illustrating one component of the web customer-related web application services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 88 is a flowchart illustrating the security services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 89 is a flowchart illustrating the network services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 90 is a flowchart illustrating the internet services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 91 is a flowchart illustrating the client services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 92 is a flowchart illustrating the data services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 93 is a flowchart illustrating the integration capabilities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 94 is a flowchart illustrating miscellaneous services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 95 is a flowchart illustrating the directory services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 96 is a flowchart illustrating the management and operations services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 97 is a flowchart illustrating the web developer services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for providing a web architecture framework and further a system, method, and article of manufacture for conveying various aspects of such web architecture framework. This may be done for presentation purposes or with any other objective in mind. For example, the present invention may be employed in optimally conveying to a client or customer information relating to a specific web architecture framework in order to make a point or for sales purposes. In the present description, the details of the presentation aspects will first be set forth after which details relating to a specific web architecture framework of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the presentation method of the present invention first includes displaying a pictorial representation of a system, i.e. web architecture framework, including a plurality of components. Note operation 10. Next, in operations 12-30, the pictorial representation is indicia coded in order to demonstrate any one or more of various aspects of the system. Such indicia coding may take the form of color coding, texture coding, shading coding, or any other coding which is capable of conveying the desired information.

It should be noted that the pictorial representation and indicia coding may be displayed in any manner that conveys the desired information. For example, the pictorial representation may take the form of a transparency with an outline of the various components of the system. Further, the indicia coding may take the form of an overlay removably situated on the transparency such that, together, the transparency and the overlay depict the indicia coding and the pictorial representation in combination. In the alternative, the transparency and overlay may comprise a single unitary display device. Further, such device may take the form of a slide, full size transparency, or any other device that conveys the desired information. In still yet another embodiment, the pictorial representation and indicia coding may be displayed via a computer with any desired presentation software. An example of such pictorial representation will be set forth hereinafter in greater detail.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the aforementioned pictorial representation, or "base chart". In the example where the system is a web architecture framework, such pictorial representation depicts all of the application capabilities and associated infrastructure services required to establish a comprehensive web presence. A plurality of components are shown which are necessary to afford various activities over the Internet. Such components may include: an electronic commerce component, a content channels component, an administrative component, a customer relationship management component, a content management and publishing services component, an education related services component, and a web customer service component. More detail about these and other components is provided below and with reference to FIG. 65. In one embodiment, the pictorial representation may be used alone in order to convey various services which would be provided in a business offering.

To create such a pictorial representation, referring to FIG. 22, each of the primary components of the system, such as the components listed above, are arranged for display in operation 62. Examples of primary components shown in FIG. 21 include "Security Services", "Commerce", and "Data Services". Preferably, the primary components are grouped under descriptive headings, as in operation 63. Examples of such headings shown in FIG. 21 are "Web Application Services" and Common Web Services". Each of the primary components is formed of a group of secondary components. In operation 64, each set of secondary components is positioned towards or over each of the primary components in such a manner that a viewer would visually associate a group of secondary components with the proper primary component. A legend may be provided in operation 65 to provide reference as to what the indicia coding represents. Finally, in operation 66, the components and legend are displayed.

With reference to FIG. 1, operation 12 includes indicia coding in order to provide a diagnostic presentation of a past, current, and/or desired web presence. By this method, redundant efforts and omissions among the components of a particular implementation of a web architecture framework may be effectively conveyed. An example of indicia coding in accordance with the present description is shown in FIG. 23. As shown, components of the web architecture framework without shading indicate that such components are omitted in the framework (i.e., not provided by services of any vendor). On the other hand, components of the web architecture framework with multiple types of shading indicate redundancy in such components (i.e., provided by services of more than one vendor). To accomplish this, referring to FIG. 2, operation 31 determines at least one area of an existing network framework in which redundancies and omissions of business efforts exist. Operation 32 presents a pictorial representation of the existing network framework including a plurality of components, such as the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 21. Then, in operation 33, the redundancies and omissions are highlighted by indicia coding the components of the existing network that reside in the area.

In one exemplary method to determine whether an area of an existing network framework has redundant or omitted components, a database may be created which includes a listing of all of the components of the area. See operation 31a of FIG. 3. Also, listings of all services provided by vendors that correspond to the components of that area of the framework are created in the same or a second database in operation 31b. Then, the listing of the components is compared with the listing of the vendor services corresponding to those components in operation 31c to determine whether and how many vendors supply services to each particular component. A third listing is created in operation 31d. The third listing lists components not being provided by a vendor service. These components have been omitted by business efforts of the vendors. A fourth listing is created in operation 31e. The fourth listing includes all of the components that are provided by services of more than one vendor. These components are being served by redundant business efforts. Alternatively, the fourth listing could include components that are provided by more than one service of the same vendor. A pictorial representation, such as is shown in FIG. 21, is prepared, as described above in operation 32. Then, referring to FIG. 23, each vendor is assigned a unique indicia coding. Each of the components provided by a vendor service is indicia coded to indicate which vendor or vendors provide the services, as performed in operation 33. Any component omitted in the framework has no indicia coding, while any components having redundant business efforts have multiple types of indicia coding.

Operation 14 of FIG. 1 includes indicia coding for effectively conveying which components of a system are required for implementation of technology using the web architecture framework, thereby affording a project definition and an implementation plan. See also FIG. 4. Operation 34 of FIG. 4 displays a pictorial representation of a system including a plurality of components, again, such as the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 21. Then the components of the system are indicia coded in order to indicate required components for the implementation of the system. See operation 35. An example of such indicia coding is shown in FIG. 24. As shown, components of the web architecture framework without indicia coding indicate that such components are not required for implementation of technology using the web architecture framework. In contrast, components of the web architecture framework with indicia coding represent components which are required for implementation of the technology. In the present description, such technology may relate to any sort of use of the web architecture, i.e. specific commerce implementations, etc.

In one exemplary method to determine which components are required for the implementation of the system in order to indicia code them in operation 35, a database may be created which includes a listing of all of the components of the system. See operation 35a of FIG. 5. Also, listings of all components of the framework necessary to the implementation of the system are created in the same or a second database in operation 35b. Then, the listing of the entire set of components is compared with the listing of the required components in operation 35c. In operation 35d, any components that match are indicia coded on the pictorial representation created in operation 34.

As shown in operation 16 of FIG. 1, the indicia coding may be further employed to indicate priority of implementation for components of the system. First, a priority is identified among the plurality of components required for implementation of a predetermined technology. See operation 36 of FIG. 6. To accomplish this, referring to FIG. 7, a listing of all of the components required for implementation of the technology using an existing network framework is compiled in operation 36a. Priority may be determined based on a requirement that certain components be in place before other components will perform properly. In such case, primary components, which should or must be installed before other secondary components will function properly, are positioned forward of, or in an otherwise prioritized relation to, the secondary components in the listing in operation 36b. Further, any tertiary components that should or must be installed after a particular secondary component should be positioned below the corresponding secondary component on the listing, as in operation 36c. Thus, the listing provides a particular order in which the components of the network framework should or must be installed. It should be noted that this procedure can be followed for any particular area of the network framework or the entire network as a whole.

Then, referring back to FIG. 6, a pictorial representation of the existing network framework and its components is generated in operation 37. Operation 38 indicia codes a first component or components of the existing network framework in order to indicate that the first component is a primary component, as selected in operation 36b, which must be implemented first. Operation 39 indicia codes a second component and any remaining components of the existing network framework in order to indicate that the second component and remaining components are secondary components, as determined in operation 36c, and must be implemented after the first component. For example, second components which should be provided only after other necessary first components are in place may be distinguished from the primary components by having indicia coding unique with respect to the indicia coding of the first components, and likewise for tertiary components, etc.

Further, indicia coding may indicate particular phases in which components of the system are delivered, and more particularly the order of delivery of various components of the web architecture framework. Note operation 18 in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 8, operation 40 displays a pictorial representation of an existing system including a plurality of components. Then, in operation 41, a first set of components that are to be delivered in a first phase are selected and presented by indicia coding the same. To perform operation 41, for example, referring to FIG. 9, components of the system that are required to create the base framework of the system are selected to be delivered in the first phase in operation 41a. Further, in operation 41b, the remaining components are separated into primary and secondary components, in which the primary components must be installed before the secondary components in order for the secondary components to function properly. The primary components may also be selected to be delivered in the first phase in operation 41c. Finally, in operation 42, a second set of components that are to be delivered in a second phase are selected and presented by indicia coding the same in a manner unique with respect to the indicia coding of the first set of components. Such second set of components may include some or all of the secondary components found in operation 41b. Referring to FIG. 25, an exemplary first set of components is identified in the legend under "First Delivery". In FIG. 25, second and third sets of components are identified in the legend under "Second Delivery" and "Third Delivery".

Operation 20 of FIG. 1 includes indicia coding for effectively comparing a plurality of entities which, in the present description, may refer to any organization including, but not limited to vendors, companies, and/or any other community or the like. In one embodiment, the present method may allow architecture definition and/or software/vendor assessment. In such embodiment, the components of the system are indicia coded in order to compare the services or products such as software of prospective third-party vendors who may stand alone, be part of a partnership, etc. In particular, operation 43 of FIG. 10 determines the structure and/or organization of a current network framework. Operation 44 displays a graphical depiction of the current network framework and a plurality of components thereof, such as the graphical depiction shown in FIG. 21. A comparative analysis of the vendors is presented with indicia coding that highlights aspects of (i.e., services provided by) the vendors. See operation 45. The presentation of the comparative analysis is accomplished in operation 45a of FIG. 11 by assigning each vendor a unique indicia coding. In operation 45b, a database is created that includes all of the products and services of at least two vendors of web-based products or services. The products and services in the database are compared to the components of the network framework in operation 45c. In operation 45d, each component that matches a service or product offered by a vendor is indicia coded on the graphical representation created in operation 44, with the indicia coding corresponding to the vendor of the service. Then a visual comparison of the services offered by each vendor in relation to the entire network framework may be made. FIG. 23 shows one way the present method may be implemented.

As stated above, various vendors may be represented by a unique corresponding indicia coding, i.e. color, for differentiation purposes. As such, one may assess vendors and third parties as a comprehensive, integrated solution. Further, investment opportunities may be assessed by coding their coverage, strengths, and weaknesses in terms of web architecture framework. For example, the instant method may be used to provide a valuable perspective where new start-up companies are positioned in the overall web architecture solution.

Operation 22 of FIG. 1 is provided for effectively conveying which of the components and capabilities of a system have products and services available for sale, thereby serving as a selling tool. This is accomplished by indicia coding the components of the system in order to show which of the components has services and products that can be provided. In particular, referring to FIG. 12, operation 46 determines the organization and components of an existing network framework. A database is also created which includes a compilation of all of the products and/or services offered by the various components. Operation 47 defines a plan which includes improvements to the existing network framework. For example, in operation 47a of FIG. 13, a target market is selected based on buying habits, age, gender or some other criteria. In operation 47b, a sales program is tailored to appeal to the target market by selecting only specific components having products or services likely to be purchased by the target market. Then, in operation 47c, the products or services related to the chosen components are chosen to be offered for sale.

A pictorial representation of the existing network framework and a plurality of components of the existing network framework are displayed in operation 48. In operation 49, the components of the existing network framework which were chosen according to the plan in operation 47c are indicia coded in order to sell at least one of products and services relating to the chosen components of the system in accordance with the improvements. It should be noted that the pictorial representation of the system displays the components which were not selected under the plan without indicia coding, such as if the products and services of the other components are available for sale though not featured, or such components may not be displayed at all.

FIG. 23 shows an example of operation 22 of FIG. 1. As shown, various available components are indicia coded. As an option, the available components, or capabilities, may be broken down in a bulleted format. Note FIG. 26, which is exemplary of a bulleted list of components. It should be noted that such a list may be provided for any combination of components, including all of the components. As an alternative to selecting products and services to sell, the present invention may specifically indicate which specific capabilities are available to potential clients or customers. As such, the present method of indicia coding is effective in showing such prospective clients or customers a comprehensive view of what it takes to implement solutions. Further, new opportunities may be identified through assessment of the displayed information.

In various other embodiments, the present invention may be used to clearly articulate all the services that would be provided in any type of new business offering. In operation 24 of FIG. 1, the components of the system are indicia coded in order to convey information regarding building, managing, and/or supporting the various components of the system. As such, various capabilities may be conveyed in any type of business offering. A pictorial representation of an existing system including a plurality of components is displayed in operation 50 of FIG. 14. FIG. 21 shows an example of such a pictorial representation.

In operation 51, information relating to building the components of the existing system is presented by indicia coding the components on the pictorial representation. For example, all of the components required to build the other components of the system are differentiated from the other components by the indicia. Thus, the skeleton of the system is presented. Information relating to managing the components of the existing system is conveyed by indicia coding the components on the pictorial representation in operation 52. Operation 53 presents information relating to supporting the components of the existing system by indicia coding the components on the pictorial representation.

In more detail, referring to operation 51a of FIG. 15, a database is created having three areas each adapted to contain a group of components of the system. In operation 51b, components of the existing system that are used for building the components of the system are selected and placed in a first group of components in the first area of the database. These components are indicia coded on the pictorial representation in operation 51 of FIG. 14. In operation 51c, components of the existing system that are used for managing the system and its components are selected and placed in a second group of components in the second area of the database. These components are also indicia coded on the pictorial representation, in operation 52 of FIG. 14, but with a unique indicia coding. In operation 51d, components of the existing system that are used for supporting other components of the system are selected and placed in a third group of components in the third area of the database. These components are indicia coded on the pictorial representation, also with a unique indicia coding, in operation 53 of FIG. 14.

Further, the present invention may be employed in product development planning to communicate where new products fit into an overall architecture picture. As shown in operation 26 of FIG. 1, this is accomplished by indicia coding the components of the system in order to convey information pertaining to which components of a system products or services relate. As such, the present embodiment identifies where various products or services are focused in a system. Note FIG. 23 which is representative of an example, where "Vendor 1", "Vendor 2", etc. each represent a service or product. Operation 26 is performed by determining a plurality of network products or services relating to components of a current network framework and presenting the components of the current network framework in a pictorial representation. See operations 54 and 55 of FIG. 16. Operation 56 identifies the components of the current network framework to which each of the network products or services relate by indicia coding the components.

In one example of operation 26, a first database is created in which selected services are compiled. See operation 56a of FIG. 17. In operation 56b, a second database is created. The second database has each of the services offered by the current system grouped by system component. The two databases are compared in operation 56c, and the components which have services matching the services of the first database are listed in operation 56d. The listed components are indicia coded on the pictorial representation in operation 56e.

In operation 28 of FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention identifies alliances among various business entities in certain components of a system. To accomplish this, the components of the system are indicia coded to indicate in which components of the system alliances exist between various business entities, i.e. companies, etc. This enables one to effectively discern how to use products in the components of the system where such alliances exist. The procedure for performing operation 28 begins by identifying at least one alliance among a plurality of business entities in terms of components of a current network framework. Note operation 57 of FIG. 18. A pictorial representation of the current network framework and the components is displayed in operation 58. Operation 59 conveys the alliance or alliances by indicia coding the components of the current network framework in which the alliance or alliances exist. More detail is provided below.

Finally, in operation 30 of FIG. 1, it is shown that one embodiment of the present invention may be used in test planning or the like. This is accomplished by indicia coding the components of the system in order to convey the manner in which the components of the system are to be tested. An example of such technique is shown in FIG. 24. The present invention has a broad applicability across all industry groups through customization of the pictorial representation and indicia coding. In operation 60 of FIG. 19, a pictorial representation of an existing network framework including a plurality of components is displayed. In operation 61, the components of the existing network framework are indicia coded in order to convey a plan by which the components of the system are to be tested. Looking to FIG. 20, it is seen that one method of performing operation 61 includes devising a plan for testing the system. See operation 61a. The plan may be based on administrator or programmer testing specifications. In operation 61b, a plurality of components are selected for testing based on the plan. The selected components are then indicia coded on the pictorial representation in operation 61c. Thus, a pictorial depiction of the testing plan is created.

In various alternate embodiments, the indicia coding may be used to differentiate between base capabilities and technologies, indicate support for Internet Protocol, and/or convey any other aspect of implementation of technology. The present invention thus ensures a comprehensive implementation solution.

Referring again to operation 28 of FIG. 1, and more particularly to FIGS. 18 and FIGS. 27-34, it is seen that FIG. 27 provides an exemplary pictorial representation of various components of a web architecture framework, each component being represented by a box. Three business entities are represented in this example as Business1, Business2, and Business3. Each business entity has a unique indicia coding, as shown in the legend. Indicia coding is provided in each component box that has related products or services offered by a business entity. For example, in the Security Services section, the Browser Based Authentication component has all three types of indicia coding. Thus, all three of the business entities provide products or services related to that component. Also in the Security Services section, the Virtual Private Networks component has only two types of indicia coding. Referring to the legend, it is seen that only Business1 and Business2 offer products or services related to that particular component. For clarity, FIGS. 28, 30, and 32 are provided to illustrate the products or services offered by each individual entity.

The legends of FIGS. 29, 32, and 33 illustrate the particular services provided by Business1, Business2, and Business3, respectively. (The chart on the following pages provides more detail as to the services provided by each entity.) Each service has a unique indicia coding, as shown in the legend. Indicia coding is provided in each component box that has a component provided by that service. Looking to FIG. 29 in this example, it is seen that Business 1 offers 13 types of services. The Secure Browser Communication component of the Web Services component of the Web Architecture Framework is provided by eight of the services offered by Business1: Netra/ISP Server Bundles, System Management Tools, Business/Java Web Servers, News Server/Forum, Directory Services, Business.net, the Browsers, and the Wallet/Card/eCheck Service.

FIG. 34 is an exemplary data page which provides even more detail for selected components of the Web Architecture Framework. It should be noted that such data pages may be provided to include each of the various components and subcomponents. Each component box has indicia coding again representative of the services which provide that particular component. Alongside each component are various operations associated with that component. Smaller boxes are provided adjacent each operation, one box for each service providing the main component. If a service performs the particular operation, indicia coding representing that service is provided in one of the boxes adjacent that operation. If the service does not perform the particular operation, its representative indicia coding will not appear in a box adjacent that operation.

FIGS. 35 through 50 illustrate exemplary architectures of various components of the systems of Business1 and Business2. These Figures also correlate with the appropriate portions of the following chart.

1.1 Business1

Business1 offers a variety of products in the hardware, networking, architecture, infrastructure, security and development tool areas. These products are used as the foundation to build applications and systems. Business1 offers limited products with out-of-the-box functionality or application capabilities.

Product Functionality

    Product Name/
    Category           Product Details
    Application        A platform for the development, delivery and management
     of enterprise
    Server             network applications. Based on CORBA and Java, Product1
     uses an open and
                       secure architecture to develop business applications.
     The Product1 product
                       family consists of the following components:
                           .cndot. Product1 Studio -- a visual integrated
     development environment tool for
                               developing Java-based applications in Product1
     and Java. It
                               incorporates wizards and editors for creating
     web-based applications,
                               including construction of user interface, data
     access and PACs. It also
                               integrates with source code control, testing and
     deployment tools.
                           .cndot. Product1 Application Server -- a Java- and
     CORBA-based server that
                               provides state and session management, built-in
     load balancing,
                               processing of application logic and integration
     with external databases
                               and enterprise systems.
                           .cndot. Product1 Java Object Framework -- a
     framework of reusable Java and
                               JavaBeans objects. A host of Product1 Java
     classes and methods are
                               available out-of-the-box for custom development.
                           .cndot. Product1 Command Center -- a Java-based
     application that provides
                               local and remote management and monitoring of
     the platform in real-
                               time. This management console provides control
     of the application
                               server, with the ability to configure a range of
     properties for each server
                               component and the processes within them. It can
     also distribute
                               components across multiple systems and manage
     multiple
                               configurations.
                       The Product1 product family may be extended through
     these components:
                           .cndot. PAC SDK -- Product1 platform that allows
     developers to build
                               customized Platform Adapter Components (PACs)
     for external
                               enterprise systems.
                           .cndot. PACs -- Business1 provides a PAC for SAP and
     PeopleSoft. Business1
                               partners deliver other 3rd party PACs that can
     be purchased from
                               partners directly.
    Internet Mail      A family of Internet mail server products that securely
     handles mail messages
    Server (SIMS)      in a variety of formats. SIMS also provides a secure
     Java Administration
                       Console for centralized and remote administration,
     backup and restore features.
                       SIMS is a replacement for the UNIX sendmail program
     which has been the
                       target of frequent system break-ins.
    Internet News      Targeted for internet service providers, the Internet
     News Server is a full-
    Server             featured news server which offers user-focused
     interfaces, streamed
                       feeder/reader design, web-based installation and
     administration and remote
                       access.
                       The Internet News Server is a component of the Product2
     ISP Server suite.
    Forum              Workgroup collaboration tools that allow users to
     communicate in a
                       heterogeneous environment of Business1 workstations, PCs
     and Macintosh
                       computers. Forum allows users to share a whiteboard and
     applications with
                       others and seamlessly transfer files and "chat" with
     co-workers.
    Personal           Personal WebAccess -- a customizable, compact web
     browser for devices that
    WebAccess          run the PersonalJava platform. Personal Web Access is
     designed for
    Browser            manufacturers who want to provide consumers with an easy
     way to access the
                       Web and retrieve information from a variety of consumer
     devices, including
                       screen phones, set-top boxes, and wireless hand-held
     devices. The browser
                       supports common internet services such as
     authentication, FTP, applets, audio
                       and media files.
    HotJava            HotJava Browser -- a lightweight, customizable browser
     designed for OEMs
    Browser            and developers who create web-enabled devices and
     applications.
    Product3           A secure, standards-based web server for accessing,
     managing, and distributing
                       information over the Internet, extranets, or intranets.
     Product3 supports Java
                       servlet development and network caching of web pages.
                       Product3 simplifies management of website environments
     through delegation
                       of administrative privileges such as access rights to
     administer meta-data
                       components or load-balancing.
    Java Web Server    The first commercially available Java service based on
     the JavaServer API
                       framework for Java servlets. It uses servlet technology
     to enable server-side
                       Java applications and provides access control and
     security features.
                       Java Web Server provides session tracking that provides
     a mechanism to track
                       how people use and navigate websites. It also provides
     remote administration
                       and logging features.
    Directory Services A multi-protocol, scalable global directory for storing
     information such as user
                       definitions, user profiles, network resource
     definitions, and configuration
                       parameters. It employs naming, directory, and
     authentication protocols on top
                       of a shared, distributed, object repository. Users and
     applications can use the
                       directory to locate and access information from anywhere
     in the network.
    JavaWallet         Java Electronic Commerce Framework (JECF) is Business1's
     new initiative to
                       create a standard, secure framework within which to
     conduct business
                       transactions using any combination of currencies and
     payment instruments
                       such as credit and debit cards, electronic cash and
     checks, and smart cards.
                       The initial component of the JECF is the JavaWallet, a
     client-side application
                       that will be distributed as a core component of the Java
     environment.
                       JavaWallet will allow users of any Java-enabled web
     browser or operating
                       system to purchase goods and services from
     JECF-compliant merchant
                       websites.
                       JavaWallet provides a single user interface for
     electronic transactions, secure
                       from tampering. When a consumer uses a Java-enabled
     browser to navigate an
                       online mall, selects goods and services for purchase, he
     can access the
                       JavaWallet for home banking and portfolio management.
     The consumer owns
                       the JavaWallet that will be used to complete purchases
     and banking
                       transactions. The user may set spending limits and can
     monitor spending
                       through an auditable transaction log. Privacy of all
     data is protected through
                       the use of encryption and digital signatures.
                       Merchants offer goods and services for sale on the
     Internet using applets which
                       adhere to the JavaWallet architecture. These applets may
     include interfaces to
                       payment processing, security services, customer profile
     services and database
                       services.
                       The Java Wallet family consists of the following
     components:
                           .cndot. Java Commerce Business (JCC) -- a client
     side solution for
                               eCommerce transactions. JCC provides users with
     a wallet-like user
                               interface, a database, and a platform that
     enables a variety of payment
                               instruments and protocols.
                           .cndot. Commerce JavaBeans -- enables developers to
     write components to
                               extend JCC functionality such as interfacing
     with payment servers and
                               other transaction protocols.
                           .cndot. Gateway Security Model -- allows a secure
     shield around protected
                               APIs and components.
    Java Card          A card that is embedded with either a microprocessor and
     a memory chip or
                       only a memory chip with non-programmable logic. The
     microprocessor card
                       can add, delete, and otherwise manipulate information on
     the card, while a
                       memory-chip card can only undertake a pre-defined
     operation.
    echeck Server      A server that allows the use of electronic checks for
     transactions. Business1
                       echeck server verifies digital signatures, processes
     checks according to the
                       business rules of the bank (e.g. a check over $25,000
     requires two signatures),
                       returns invalid checks, and settles all valid checks.
    Product4 Product   A range of security-based hardware and software that
     offers packet filtering,
    Suite              encryption, security administration, virtual private
     network and access
                       restriction. The Product4 Product Suite includes the
     following components:
                           .cndot. Product4 Secure Net -- a complete set of
     products designed to
                               establish perimeter defense, secure intranets,
     secure remote access,
                               and secure extranets including the following:
                           .cndot. Product4 EFS -- firewall and security server
     software that screens
                               network traffic as defined by the organization's
     security policy. It
                               also acts as a high-speed encryption server to
     protect information



                               going over untrusted networks.
                           .cndot. Product4 SPF-200 -- security platform for
     perimeter defense and
                               electronic commerce. It provides stealthing to
     help protect an
                               organization from Internet attacks.
                           .cndot. Product4 SKIP -- provides encryption and key
     management
                               capabilities which enables PCs, workstations,
     and servers to achieve
                               secure/authenticated communication.
    Business1.net      A remote-access strategy and technology that enables
     users to securely access
                       all personalized data, application and information from
     Java-enabled browsers.
                       Business1.net uses recently acquired i-Planet's secure,
     remote access software.
    Calendar Server    Designed to manage large-scale enterprise calendaring
     systems, Business1's
                       Calendar Server is integrated with Business1 Internet
     Mail Server and provides
                       the following features:
                           .cndot. Maintenance of Personal Calendars
                           .cndot. Group Scheduling
                           .cndot. Calendar Security
    Product5 Internet  A web server package solution that includes third-party
     Internet and security
    Server Software    products including the following:
    Bundle                 .cndot. Product5 Administration Software -- provides
     server setup,
                               configuration, and management capabilities
     through a browser. The
                               Product5 Internet Server can be administered
     remotely for user
                               access control, email management, software
     installation and backup
                               and recovery.
                           .cndot. Checkpoint FireWall-First! -- firewall and
     security software that
                               protects data and network from unauthorized
     access from the public
                               Internet. It also offers packet-level filtering.
                           .cndot. Trend Interscan VirusWall -- virus scanning
     software that verifies
                               and filters out viruses in communications such
     as files and emails
                               that interact with the Product5 Internet Server.
                           .cndot. Business1 Internet Mail Server -- a family
     of Internet mail server
                               products that securely handles mail messages in
     a variety of
                               formats.
                           .cndot. Network Associates WebStalker-First
     Intrusion Detection -- software
                               that provides around-the-clock monitoring and
     response to
                               intrusions and misuse of a site and its files.
                           .cndot. Business2 SuiteSpot Server including
     Business2's Calendar, Chat,
                               Enterprise, Messenging and Directory Servers,
     LiveWire Pro and
                               Informix database.
    Product2 ISP Serv  Targeted for internet service providers, Business1's
     Product2 ISP Server
    Bundle             provides users with a bundle of platform extensions
     including the following:
                           .cndot. Internet Administrator -- provides secure,
     remote management of
                               distributed ISP services
                           .cndot. Internet Services Monitor -- monitors
     Internet services, identifies and
                               manages network problems
                           .cndot. Directory Services -- provides a
     multi-protocol, global directory for
                               storing information
                           .cndot. Host Configuration -- provides ISP host
     configuration features including
                               quick, repeatable installation, Product2
     security configuration, intrusion
                               detection, server process monitoring, and log
     file management.
                           .cndot. Product4 SKIP -- provides encryption and key
     management capabilities
                               which enables PCs, workstations, and servers to
     achieve
                               secure/authenticated communication
    Network            .cndot. Product2 Bandwidth Manager -- a software product
     that enables efficient
    Management             network resource management. By preventing a small
     number of
    Tools                  applications or users from consuming all available
     bandwidth, it ensures the
                           quality of service to users and network availability
     to applications.
                       .cndot. Product6 Enterprise Manager -- Business1's
     distributed network
                           management foundation that manages large
     heterogeneous networks.
                           Product6 Enterprise Manager supports and manages
     Java applications built
                           for various network types.
                       .cndot. Product6 Site Manager & Product6 Domain Manager
     -- offer centralized
                           management for networks of up to 100 nodes. Product
     features include the
                           following:
                               .cndot. Monitoring of events and network health
     for multiple local and
                                   remote environments
                               .cndot. Distribution of management data
                               .cndot. Management of file systems, print queues
     and user groups
                               .cndot. Balancing of management processing loads
     across the network
    Development and    Business1 offers a variety of development and testing
     tools including the
    Testing Tools      following:
                       Development Tools:
                           .cndot. EmbeddedJava Application Environment
                           .cndot. JavaBeans Development Kit
                           .cndot. JavaBlend
                           .cndot. Java Compiler Complier
                           .cndot. Java Development Kit
                           .cndot. Java Dynamic Management Kit (JDMK)
                           .cndot. JavaHelp
                           .cndot. Java Management API (JMAPI)
                           .cndot. Java JIT Compiler
                           .cndot. Java SDK
                           .cndot. Java WorkShop
                           .cndot. NEOWorks
                           .cndot. Personal Java Application Environment
                           .cndot. Servlet Development Kit
                           .cndot. Product6 ASN.1 Compiler
                           .cndot. Business1 Performance Workshop Fortran
                           .cndot. Business1 Visual WorkShop C++
                           .cndot. Business1 Workshop Teamware
                       Testing Tools:
                               .cndot. JavaCheck
                               .cndot. Java Heap Analysis Tool
                               .cndot. JavaPureCheck
                               .cndot. JavaScope
                               .cndot. JavaSpec
                               .cndot. JavaStar
                               .cndot. JavaLoad
    System             .cndot. JavaPC Software -- provides central
     administration and support for the Java
    Management             platform on PC-based thin client devices. JavaPC is
     targeted at OEMs
    Tools                  designing thin-client devices such as transaction
     terminals, cash registers,
                           kiosks and ATMs.
                       .cndot. Product2 Management Console -- Java-based
     utility that provides views of
                           servers on the network and applications on those
     servers. It allows
                           administrators to add users, hosts or applications
     from any client on the
                           network.
                       .cndot. Product6 Backup -- provides automated, backup,
     recovery and storage
                           management services for files and applications in a
     wide array of systems
                           on the network including UNIX, NetWare, Windows NT,
     PC or Apple
                           Macintosh systems. It also provides centralized
     administration and control
                           through a unified view.
                       .cndot. Product6 AdminSuite -- suite of tools for
     administering distributed systems
                           and managing user accounts, hosts, groups,
     administrative data, printer, file
                           system, disk and serial ports.
                       .cndot. Product5 j Software -- browser-based graphical
     administration tool that
                           provides centralized administration of JavaStation
     network computers and
                           Java Webtops on PCs. Product5 j provides Java
     technology clients with
                           connectivity to legacy databases and applications.
                       .cndot. Business1 Product7 -- host-based software used
     to monitor and administer
                           tape libraries via a Java-enabled Web browser. The
     Library Monitor allows
                           event logging and notification, remote diagnostics,
     remote configuration,
                           and remote monitoring of library activity and
     status.

    Product Name/
    Category           Product Details
    Business2          A suite of pre-built applications that run on
     Business2's Application Server.
    Commerce           These applications include buying, selling,
     merchandising, and delivering
    Product1           content over the Internet:
                           .cndot. ECProduct1 -- Software for the integration
     of eCommerce applications
                               with legacy systems. It provides for the
     sending, receiving, and
                               encrypted transmission of documents among
     heterogeneous systems of
                               trading partners over the Internet.
                           .cndot. SellerProduct1 -- An application designed to
     support advanced business-
                               to-business selling over the Internet.
     SellerProduct1 allows for the
                               enforcement of trading partner agreements and
     business rules.
                               SellerProduct1 provides the capability to create
     company-specific
                               catalogs which can be set up to present
     different products to different
                               users based upon purchase eligibility.
     SellerProduct1 includes search
                               features, management tools, and order management
     (including tax,
                               shipping, and payment services.)
                           .cndot. BuyerProduct1 -- An Internet-based corporate
     procurement application
                               that automates order and delivery, supports
     complex trading
                               relationships, and allows for the exchange of
     information via EDI or the
                               Internet.
                           .cndot. PublishingProduct1 -- An application that
     utilizes both passive and
                               active customer profiling capabilities to create
     targeted advertising, and
                               to deliver personalized information for superior
     customer service.
                               Content management tools are combined with
     application development
                               tools to allow to host and deploy multiple
     sites.
                           .cndot. MerchantProduct1 -- An online
     business-to-consumer merchandising
                               solution that provides the following features:
                               .cndot. A single shopping cart for each
     customer, forms filled with
                                   predefined account information, tax
     calculation and discounts,
                                   product availability, and up-to-date order
     status information.
                               .cndot. Payment systems, catalog creation and
     administration tools, an
                                   order management system, and rapid
     customization of a site's
                                   business processes through modifiable
     business rules and
                                   presentation templates.
                               .cndot. Search capabilities, including
     hierarchical menus, parametric
                                   searches by attribute, and simple keyword
     searches.
                           .cndot. BillerProduct1 -- An Internet bill
     presentment and payment (IBPP)
                               solution, particularly for the banking and
     telecommunications
                               industries.
                           .cndot. TradingProduct1 -- A commerce exchange
     application that enables
                               trading partners of varying size and technical
     sophistication to transact
                               business over the Internet through in-context
     document turnaround
                               capabilities, and customizable prepackaged
     forms.
    Business2 Produc   A comprehensive set of components that integrates
     browsing, email, web-based
                       word processing, chat, and group scheduling to allow
     users to communicate,
                       share, and access information.
                       Business2 Product2 includes:
                           .cndot. Product3 -- web browser with support for
     Java, JavaScript, and SSL
                           .cndot. Product4 -- an Internet mail client.
                           .cndot. Product5 -- a web authoring tool.
                           .cndot. Instant Product4 -- enables people to
     communicate easily and privately
                               in real time over an intranet or the Internet,
     either one-on-one or in a
                               group.
                           .cndot. Calendar -- delivers group scheduling based
     on a scalable real-time
                               architecture.
                       Browser Customization
                           .cndot. Business2 Business Customization Kit --
     enables Internet service
                               providers, Internet content providers, hardware
     OEMs, and others to
                               create customized versions of Product2.
                           .cndot. Business2 Mission Control Desktop --
     cross-platform administration
                               tools to configure, deploy, centrally manage,
     and update Business2
                               Product2.
    Business2          A high-performance, scalable web server software for
     deploying the largest-
    Enterprise Server  scale web sites. Business2 Enterprise Server includes a
     built-in search engine
                       and supports standard security and authentication. The
     integrated LiveWire
                       Pro software also adds content management, data access,
     and session
                       management capabilities.
                       Business2 also offers FastTrack Server -- an entry-level
     enterprise server with
                       limited functionality.
    Business2          A middleware infrastructure that supports the
     development and deployment of
    Application        transactional, business-critical Internet applications.
     Business2 Application
    Server             Server operates with other Business2 products and
     includes the following two
                       development tools:
                           .cndot. Application Builder -- provides an
     integrated and productive web
                               development environment that enables developers
     to rapidly deliver
                               enterprise-class web applications.
                           .cndot. Extension Builder -- allows corporations to
     develop custom integration
                               with heterogeneous systems and applications
     across the enterprise.
    Business2 Directo  A directory server that acts as the central repository
     for customer, supplier and
    Server             employee information. Business2 Directory Server enables
     the integration,
                       storage and management of directory information from
     disparate data sources.
                       It also provides security, authentication and
     replication features.
                       A Directory Software Developer's Kit provides
     application programming
                       interfaces that enable developers to directory-enable
     their applications.
    Business2 Proxy    A system for caching and filtering web content, log
     analysis, and boosting
    Server             network performance.
    Bussiness2 Calend  A calendar server that supports the scheduling of
     meetings, appointments, and
    Server             resources for thousands of users.
    Bussiness2 Chat    A newsgroup server that provides collaboration services
     through discussion
    Server             groups. Business2 Chat Server also supports the
     moderation of content and
                       administration of discussion groups.
    Bussiness2         An email server that delivers messages with embedded
     sound, graphics, video
    Messaging Server   files, HTML forms, Java applets, and desktop
     applications.
    Other Directory    Business2 sells a range of products that provide a user
     and security
    & Security         management infrastructure for large-scale eCommerce,
     extranet, and intranet
    Products           applications.
                           .cndot. Business2 Certificate Management System --
     issues and manages digital
                               certificates for extranet and e-commerce
     applications.
                           .cndot. Business2 Directory for Secure E-Commerce --
     expands the capabilities
                               of Business2 Directory Server to provide
     additional flexibility of user
                               and security administration for large-scale
     commerce and extranet
                               applications.
                           .cndot. Business2 Delegated Administrator --
     provides customizable self-
                               service administration for customers and
     partners to manage their own
                               user and account information.
                           .cndot. Business2 Meta-Directory -- enables
     Business2 Directory Server to be
                               automatically synchronized with relational
     databases as well as network
                               operating system, messaging, and enterprise
     resource planning system
                               directories
                           .cndot. Business2 Security Services -- enables
     developers to incorporate
                               standard Internet security technologies into
     applications.
    Other Bussiness2   .cndot. Process Manager -- Enables enterprises to
     automate and modify business
    Products               processes such as contract negotiation, bidding and
     contractor management.
                           Business2 Process Manager supports the development
     and deployment of
                           processes across extranets and intranets, and
     manages them for overall
                           efficiency and precision.
                       Process Manager has four components:
                               .cndot. Business2 Process Manager Builder -- a
     visual design environment
                                   for designing business processes using
     intuitive features such as
                                   drag-and-drop functionality and pick lists.
     Processes may be stored
                                   in Business2's Directory Server.
                               .cndot. Business2 Process Manager Engine -- the
     server-based engine that
                                   hosts processes designed with PM Builder.
                               .cndot. Business2 Process Manager Express --



     browser-based user interface
                                   to Process Manager business processes.
                               .cndot. Business2 Process Manager Administrator
     -- browser-based
                                   interface for centrally managing Process
     Manager business
                                   processes.
                       .cndot. Compass Server -- A profiling server that offers
     search, browse and
                           profiling capabilities to help administrators gather
     and organize enterprise
                           resources scattered across intranets so that users
     can find and retrieve
                           information more efficiently.
                       .cndot. Media Server -- An audio publishing,
     broadcasting, and receiving system
                           that enables the creation and delivery of media-rich
     information, both
                           inside and outside the enterprise.
                       Media server includes four components:
                               .cndot. Media Server -- play real-time audio
     feeds, provide on-demand
                                   access to pre-recorded audio clips, and
     synchronize audio with
                                   HTML documents, Java applets, and JavaScript
     applications.
                               .cndot. Media Proxy Server -- a transparent
     intermediary between Media
                                   Player and Media Servers which provides safe
     passage through the
                                   firewall for audio connections and operates
     as a reverse-proxy
                                   outside a firewall.
                               .cndot. Media Converter -- compresses and
     converts different audio
                                   formats.
                               .cndot. Media Player -- a plug-in needed to
     access audio files or a live feed
                                   from a Media Server.

    Product Name/
    Category           Product Details
    Business3          A software application that allows Business3 users to
     access their Business3
    NetMail            mail through a standard web browser without any
     Business3 software.
    Business3press     A web publishing tool which may be published to any web
     server.
                       Business3press offers the following capabilities:
                           .cndot. WYSIWYG editing
                           .cndot. Simple interfaces for creating forms and
     image maps
                           .cndot. Integrated browsing and editing
     simultaneously
                           .cndot. "Check Links" function to fix broken links
                           .cndot. Database interaction
                           .cndot. Permissions setting
                           .cndot. Work archive
                           .cndot. MiniWeb -- site management tool that
     provides graphical overview
                               of website structure. It provides a mechanism to
     save or move
                               multiple pages while maintaining appropriate
     links.
    Business3server    A multi-threaded web and publishing server that provides
     the following
                       capabilities:
                           .cndot. Serves HTML pages and other media files
                           .cndot. Runs CGI scripts and processes server-side
     includes
                           .cndot. Platform for dynamic web applications:
     Business3server Dynamic
                               Pages (ADPs)
                           .cndot. Supports Business3server's C and Tcl
     scripting and APIs
                           .cndot. Supports database connectivity
                           .cndot. Allows users to edit content across the
     network with Business3press
                               or other authoring tools
                           .cndot. Provides C API plug-in that can be used to
     serve and rotate web
                               advertisements, as on Business3's site.
                           .cndot. Supports simultaneous connections through
     multi-threading and in-
                               memory caching
                           .cndot. Supports site administration tasks including
     account management,
                               document management (automatic version control
     and archiving),
                               link management, and access control
                           .cndot. Web-based server and page administration
                           .cndot. Provides support for Art Technology Group's
     Dynamo server
                       Business3server is used extensively on Business3's sites
     and a number of other
                       Internet sites including the following: primehost.com,
     Business3.com,
                       digitalcity.com, tile.net, am.net, worldpages.com.
    Client3 Instant    A software application that provides online chatting
     capabilities, directory
    Product1           services for user profiles, and personalized news.
    Client3 Browser    A browser based upon Microsoft's Internet Explorer which
     supports common
                       internet services such as graphics, sound, meta-tags,
     plug-ins, security, FTP,
                       HTTP.
    Client3 Client     A software application installed on end-user's machines
     to obtain access to
                       Business3's private network. Business3 Business
     communicates with a host in
                       Virginia through a proprietary protocol.
    Client3 Caching    A server software that determines if a web page object
     should be cached and
    Server             when it should be check for a new version. This
     procedure, instituted in the
                       Business3 proxy subsystem improves the performance of a
     website. Business3
                       Caching Server detects images and automatically
     compresses them for quick
                       storage and access.