Patent ID: 7539686
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for communicating update metadata corresponding to a software update to a client computer, the method comprising: with a computer, receiving a synchronization request from a client computer for information regarding a software update corresponding to a software product; and responsive to the synchronization request: determining whether a software update is available for the software product; generating a tag-based data structure storing metadata corresponding to a software update available for installation on the client computer, the tag-based data structure comprising: a tag-based identifier element storing metadata that uniquely identifies the software update; a relationship element storing metadata identifying relationships the software update has to other software updates, the relationship element including bundle information that identifies a plurality of software updates that must be installed coextensively, wherein the plurality of software updates are joined together with Boolean operators into a logical statement, such that evaluation of the logical statement determines the suitability of the plurality software updates for installation on the client computer; and at least one additional element of the following tag-based elements: a property element storing metadata identifying general properties relating to the software update including update handler information identifying an update handler for installing the identified software update on the client computer; a localized property element storing metadata identifying language specific information directed to a computer user relating to the software update; a rule element storing metadata identifying rules for determining the applicability of the software update to a client computer; a file element storing metadata identifying the identified software update's payload and information relating to the software update's payload; and a handler element storing metadata identifying information for executing the update handler identified in the property elements for installing the identified software update on the client computer; and providing the tag-based data structure to the client computer.