Patent ID: 8225319
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for use in a scheduling process for scheduling allocation of resources to a task, each resource having a plurality of attributes, the task having one or more operational constraints including a required plurality of capabilities, and having a performance condition associated therewith, the method comprising: receiving data indicative of a change to the status of the scheduling process; in response to receipt of the status data, reviewing the attributes of individual resources so as to indentify combinations of resources able to collectively satisfy said capability requirements of the task, wherein at least one of said resources is not required to be a computer resource; evaluating each identified combination of resources in accordance with a performance algorithm so as to identify an associated performance cost; selecting a combination of resources whose identified performance cost meets the performance condition; and scheduling said task on the basis of said selected combination of resources, wherein said receiving, said reviewing, said evaluating, said selecting and said scheduling are performed automatically during said scheduling process.