Abstract:
A method includes recording a report navigation workflow followed by any of a plurality of users. The recorded report navigation workflow included data identifying an ordered series of reports selected from a plurality of reports. The report navigation workflow is electronically saved. The acts of recording and saving are repeated to maintain a report knowledgebase. The report knowledgebase is utilized to guide a subsequent report navigation for one of the plurality of users.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Computer generated reports are used in many industries to make decisions. In the IT industry, for example, such reports may supply information concerning the performance and availability of infrastructure elements. Different individuals can use these reports to arrive at decisions such as long-term capacity planning, hardware refresh, and improving performance to meet service level agreements. Often, a user navigates through a series of reports to obtain information sufficient for making an informed decision. This navigation among the reports defines a workflow. Over time, different users may benefit from being able to repurpose the workflow of another or otherwise utilize data related to another user&#39;s use of the various reports. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  depicts an environment in which various embodiments may be implemented. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2  depicts a system according to an embodiment. 
           [0004]      FIG. 3  depicts a visual representation of a report navigation workflow according to an embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 4  depicts the logical elements of a report knowledgebase according to an embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting a memory and a processor according to an embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram depicting an implementation of the system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting steps taken to implement an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]    Introduction: 
         [0010]    Various embodiments described below were developed in an effort to maintain and utilize a report knowledgebase to guide a user navigating a series of computer generated reports. The report knowledgebase is maintained using report navigation data recorded as users navigate through the reports. The recorded data can be used to define report navigation workflows as well as dimension data. A workflow can identify an ordered series of reports as well as parameters passed for generating each of those reports. Dimension data can be recorded for each instance or use of a report by a given user. In other words, an instance of a report occurs when a user causes the report to be generated. Dimension data can include, for each instance, data identifying the user&#39;s role, the user organization, the user&#39;s location, and a usage date or timestamp. As the knowledge base grows, it can be utilized to guide the report navigation of the users. Such guidance can include recommending a next report to which a user may navigate as well as the selection and execution of a recorded workflow. 
         [0011]    The following description is broken into sections. The first, labeled “Environment,” describes an exemplary environment in which various embodiments may be implemented. The second section, labeled “Components,” describes examples of various physical and logical components for implementing various embodiments. The third section, labeled as “Operation,” describes steps taken to implement various embodiments. 
         [0012]    Environment: 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts an environment  10  in which various embodiments may be implemented. Environment  10  is shown to include application device  12 , client devices  14 , knowledgebase device  16 , and data store  18 . Application device  12  represents generally any computing device or collection of computing devices configured to generate and communicate reports to client devices. As used herein, a report is electronic data that can be presented to a user. Presentation can take a number of forms including presenting as part of a graphical user interface and printing. Presentation may also include providing the electronic data in a format that can be later displayed or printed. A report is used to communicate information concerning a topic of interest. For example, in an IT environment a report may communicate information regarding the performance of a server or the utilization of a virtual machine. 
         [0014]    Client devices  14  each represent a computing device capable of being used to request reports from application device  12 . The requesting of a report, for example, can include passing parameters to application device  12  that can be used to generate the requested report. Knowledgebase device  16  represents a computing device or combination of computing devices configured to maintain a knowledgebase in data store  18  using report navigation data recorded for users of client devices  14 . Report navigation data is data gleaned as the users request reports. In particular, the report navigation data is data that can be used to define dimensions for each instance of a report and to define report navigation workflows. Thus the knowledgebase includes either or both of the dimension data and the report navigation workflows and is used by knowledgebase device  16  to guide a subsequent report navigation for a user. Data store  18  represents generally any device or combination of devices capable of storing electronic data that can be updated and utilized by knowledgebase device in the performance of its functions. 
         [0015]    In the example of  FIG. 1 , application device  12 , knowledgebase device  16 , and data store  18  are depicted as distinct devices. However, devices  12 ,  16 , and  18  may be wholly or partially integrated with one another. For example application device  12  and knowledgebase device  16  may be integrated in a single device or distributed together across multiple devices. Likewise, data store  18  may be integrated wholly or partially with knowledgebase device  16  or application device  12 . 
         [0016]    Link  20  represents generally one or more of a cable, wireless, fiber optic, or remote connections via a telecommunication link, an infrared link, a radio frequency link, or any other connectors or systems that provide electronic communication. Link  20  may include, at least in part, an intranet, the Internet, or a combination of both. Link  20  may also include intermediate proxies, routers, switches, load balancers, and the like. 
         [0017]    Components: 
         [0018]      FIGS. 2-6  depict examples of physical and logical components for implementing various embodiments.  FIG. 2  depicts system  22  for maintaining and utilizing a report knowledgebase. In this example, system  22  is shown to include navigation engine  24 , knowledgebase engine  26 , and document engine  27 .  FIG. 2  also depicts data store  18  containing report knowledgebase  28 . 
         [0019]    Navigation engine  24  represents generally any combination of hardware and programming configured to record report navigation data for a plurality of users. Report navigation data is electronic data corresponding to the users&#39; interactions with various reports. In particular report navigation data can include dimension data for report instances, parameters passed to generate reports, and report sequences followed by users. Thus, the report navigation data can be used to define either or both of report navigation workflows followed by a plurality of users and dimension data for each instance of each report generated by the plurality of users. 
         [0020]    In performing its function, navigation engine  24 , for example, may intercept communication between a client and an application responsible for generating and returning the reports to glean the report navigation data. Navigation engine  24  may receive the report navigation data directly from that application or from a third party. For example, the application may actively communicate the report navigation data to navigation engine  24  or it may record the report navigation data locally or in a third party repository such that it may be accessed by navigation engine  24 . 
         [0021]    Knowledgebase engine  26  represents generally any combination of hardware and programming configured to maintain report knowledgebase  28  using the recorded report navigation data. Knowledgebase engine  26  is also responsible for utilizing the report knowledgebase to guide a subsequent report navigation for one of the plurality of users. In guiding the subsequent report navigation, knowledgebase engine  26  may recommend a next report to which a user might navigate. In doing so, knowledgebase engine  26  may cause a control to be displayed on the user interface of a client that identifies the next report and perhaps provides a link for accessing that next report. Such may be accomplished by intercepting and modifying a current report being prior to it being delivered from an application to the client. Such may also include providing the application with the data needed to generate the report so it includes the recommendation. 
         [0022]    Knowledgebase engine  26  may maintain report knowledgebase  28  such that it includes either or both of report navigation work flows and dimension data. Note that each report navigation workflow can include data identifying a series of reports navigated by a user as well as parameters passed to generate each of those reports. The dimension data tied to each report instance may identify any of a user identity that requested the report, the user&#39;s role or persona, the user&#39;s organization, the user&#39;s location, and a timestamp. 
         [0023]    Knowledgebase engine  26  may then utilize report knowledgebase  28  by utilizing either or both of the dimension data and the report navigation workflows to recommend a next report to which a user may navigate. For example, a user may be viewing one report that provides access to a number of other reports. Examining the dimension data, knowledgebase engine  26  can identify which of the other reports may be relevant to the user and then recommend one or more of those reports. Again the recommendation may be made by causing a user interface that displays a current report to include a control or other image that communicates the recommendation to the user. 
         [0024]    Examining the report navigation workflows, knowledgebase engine  26  can identify a report that other user&#39;s commonly navigate to from a current report being viewed. For example, engine  26  may identify report navigation workflows that identify the current report and then identify a subsequent report that is more commonly navigated to from that current report. To further refine the recommendation, knowledgebase engine  26  may examine both the dimension data and the report navigation workflows to identify a subsequent report that is more relevant to the user presently viewing the current report. Rather than looking simply at the report navigation workflows, the dimension data can be used to identify a next report that is more commonly navigated to by similar users during a recent time period—that is—a report navigated to by user having, for example the same role or working in the same organization. 
         [0025]    Knowledgebase engine  26  may also utilize report knowledgebase  28  to guide a subsequent navigation by executing a report navigation workflow selected from report knowledgebase  28 . As noted, a report navigation workflow can identify a series of reports as well as parameters passed to generate each report in that series. Executing the workflow can include stepping the user through the series of reports. It can also include using some or all of the parameters from the report navigation workflow when generating each corresponding report in the workflow. Stepping the user the through the workflow, for example, can include from a current report being presented to the user, recommending or guiding the user to request or otherwise access the subsequent report identified in that report navigation workflow. 
         [0026]    In maintaining report knowledgebase  28 , knowledgebase engine  26  may associate each report navigation workflow with a tag corresponding to a problem or a solution identified by a user that navigated the reports identified by the workflow. The problem may be a problem the user was attempting to alleviate when navigating the reports. The solution may be a solution the user sought to achieve. In selecting a report navigation workflow from report knowledgebase, knowledgebase engine  26  may examine the tags to identify the particular report navigation workflow to be selected. That is, a current user may identify a problem, solution, or other data related to the tags allowing knowledgebase engine  26  to examine the tags in report knowledgebase  28  to identify a relevant report navigation workflow based on the user supplied data. Alternatively, the problem or desired solution may be determined automatically to cause knowledgebase engine  26  to select a relevant report navigation workflow. 
         [0027]    Document engine  27  represents generally any combination of hardware and software configured to generate consolidated documents for report navigation workflows followed by the users. Each such document includes data identifying a sequence of reports of a given report navigation workflow and data identifying parameters passed to generate each report in the report navigation workflow. The consolidated document is an electronic document that can be stored and shared with others. Such consolidated document may be stored with corresponding tags as part of report knowledgebase  28 . Thus in guiding a subsequent navigation, knowledgebase engine  26  may present a user with a consolidated document for a selected report navigation workflow. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  depicts a visual example of a report navigation workflow  30 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , workflow  30  identifies a series of reports  32  as well as parameters and other data  34  corresponding to each report. Workflow  30  starts at (a) with parameters passed to generate report A. The instance of report A is tied to dimension data. The workflow passes through (b), (c), (d), and concludes with (e) and report Z. It is noted that workflow includes two instances of report B. A consolidated document discussed above may include information such as that shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0029]    Moving to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of the logical components of report knowledgebase  28  is depicted. In the example of  FIG. 4 , report knowledgebase  28  includes report data  36  and workflow data  38 . Report data  36  includes a record  40  for each report of a plurality of reports that a user might utilize. Each report record includes dimension data  42  for each instance of that report over a period of time. In this example, dimension data includes data identifying the role  44  of the user the requested the given report instance, the user&#39;s location  46 , the user&#39;s organization  48 , and a timestamp  50  corresponding to that instance. 
         [0030]    Workflow data  38  includes report navigation workflows  52 . Each report navigation workflow  52  in this example includes a workflow identifier and tags  56 . The workflow identifier  54  distinguishes a given report navigation workflow from others. The tags, as discussed above, may correspond to a problem or a solution for which report navigation workflow  52  was followed. Each workflow  52  also includes data  60 ,  64 , and  68  that identifies parameters passed to generate reports identified by report identifiers  62 ,  66 , and  70 . Thus, each workflow  52  includes the data used by document engine  27  to generate a consolidated document as discussed above. Further, report data  36  and workflow data  38  contain the information used by workflow engine  26  to guide a report navigation for a user as explained above. 
         [0031]    In foregoing discussion, various components were described as combinations of hardware and programming. Such components may be implemented in a number of fashions. Looking at  FIG. 5 , the programming may be processor executable instructions stored on tangible memory media  72  and the hardware may include a processor or processors  74  for executing those instructions. Memory  72  can be said to store program instructions that when executed by processor  74  implement system  22  of  FIG. 2 . Memory  72  may be integrated in the same device as processor  74  or it may be separate but accessible to that device and processor  74 . 
         [0032]    In one example, the program instructions can be part of an installation package that when installed can be executed by processor  74  to implement system  22 . In this case, memory  72  may be a portable medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash drive or a memory maintained by a server from which the installation package can be downloaded and installed. In another example, the program instructions may be part of an application or applications already installed. Here, memory  72  can include integrated memory such as a hard drive. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 5 , the executable program instructions stored in memory  72  are depicted as navigation module  76 , knowledgebase module  78 , and document module  79 . Navigation module  50  represents program instructions that when executed cause the implementation of navigation engine  24  of  FIG. 2 . Likewise, knowledgebase module  78  and document module  79  represent program instructions that when executed cause the implementation of knowledgebase engine  26  and document engine  27  respectively. 
         [0034]    As a further example,  FIG. 6  depicts a block diagram of system  22  implemented by knowledgebase device  16 . In the example of  FIG. 6 , application device  12  is shown to include memory  80 , processor  82 , and interface  84 . Processor  82  represents generally any processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory  80  to perform various specified functions. Interface  58  represents generally any interface enabling application device  12  to communicate with client devices  14  and knowledgebase device  16  via link  20 . 
         [0035]    Memory  80  is shown to include operating system  86  and applications  88 . Operating system  86  represents a collection of programs that when executed by processor  82  serve as a platform on which applications  88  can run. Examples of operating systems include, but are not limited, to various versions of Microsoft&#39;s Windows® and Linux®. Applications  88  represent program instructions that when execute by processor  82  function as an application that returns requested reports to client devices  14 . 
         [0036]    Knowledgebase device  16  is shown to include memory  90 , processor  92 , and interface  94 . Processor  92  represents generally any processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory  90  to perform various specified functions. Interface  94  represents generally any interface enabling knowledgebase device  16  to communicate via link  20 . 
         [0037]    Memory  90  is shown to include operating system  96  and applications  98 . Operating system  96  represents a collection of programs that when executed by processor  92  serve as a platform on which applications  98  can run. Examples of operating systems include, but are not limited, to various versions of Microsoft&#39;s Windows® and Linux®. Applications  98  represent program instructions that when execute by processor  92  implement system  22  for maintaining and utilizing a report knowledgebase as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0038]    Looking at  FIG. 2 , navigation  24 , knowledgebase engine  26 , and document engine  27  are described a combinations of hardware and programming. The hardware portions may, depending on the embodiment, be implemented as processor  92 . The programming portions, depending on the embodiment, can be implemented by operating system  96 , applications  98 , or combinations thereof. It is also noted that while knowledgebase device  16  and application device  12  are illustrated as distinct devices, they may be wholly or partially integrated with one another. Further, while each device  12  and  16  is shown as an individual device, the functions and components of each may be distributed across multiple devices. 
         [0039]    Operation: 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of steps taken to implement embodiment of a method for mainlining and utilizing a report knowledgebase. In discussing  FIG. 7 , reference is made to the diagrams of  FIGS. 1-6  to provide contextual examples. Implementation, however, is not limited to those examples. 
         [0041]    Report navigation data is recorded for a plurality of users (step  100 ). The report navigation data being useable to defining either or both of (a) report navigation workflows followed by the plurality of users and (b) dimension data for each instance of each report generated by the plurality of users. Referring to  FIG. 2 , navigation engine  24  may be responsible for implementing step  100 . Step  100  may involve intercepting communications between a clients and an application responsible for returning requested reports in order to lean the report navigation data. Step  100  may include receiving the report navigation data from that application or a third party. 
         [0042]    A report knowledgebase is maintained using the recorded report navigation data (step  102 ). In the example of  FIG. 4 , step  102  can include maintaining a knowledgebase  28  that includes either or both of dimension data  36  and workflow data  40 . The report knowledgebase is utilized to guide subsequent report navigation for one of the plurality of users (step  104 ). Referring to  FIG. 2 , knowledgebase engine  26  may be responsible for implementing steps  102  and  104 . 
         [0043]    Step  104  may include utilizing the report knowledgebase to guide the one of the plurality of users through a subsequent report navigation by recommending to that user a next report to which the user may navigate. Such may be accomplished, for example, by causing a current report being presented to the user to include information indicative of that recommendation. 
         [0044]    Step  102  may include maintaining a report knowledgebase that includes either or both of (a) report navigation workflows that each include data identifying an ordered series of reports navigated by a user and (b) dimension data that, for each instance of a report, identifies one of a user role, a user organization, a user location, and a time stamp. Step  104 , then, can include utilizing either or both the report navigation workflows and the dimension data to recommend to the one of the plurality of users a next report to which the user may navigate. 
         [0045]    Step  102  can include maintaining a report knowledgebase that includes navigation workflows that each include data identifying an ordered series of reports selected from a plurality of reports. Step  104 , then, can include executing a selected report navigation workflow from the report knowledgebase. Where the selected report navigation workflow includes data identifying parameters passed to generate each report in that report navigation workflow, step  104  can include analyzing the data identifying the parameters and executing the report navigation workflow using one or more of those parameters. 
         [0046]    Step  102  can include associating each report navigation workflow with a tag identifying one of a problem and a resolution. Step  104 , then, can include examining the associated tags and selecting the report navigation workflow to be executed from the knowledge based on the examination of the associated tags. 
         [0047]    Step  102  can include maintaining a report knowledgebase that includes a report navigation workflow followed by the one of the plurality of users being guided in step  104 . In a step not depicted in  FIG. 7 , a consolidated document for that report navigation workflow can then be generated. The consolidated document includes data identifying a sequence of reports of the report navigation workflow and data identifying parameters passed to generate each report in the report navigation workflow. Step  102  then can include maintaining a report knowledgebase that includes such consolidated documents and guiding in step  104  can include causing a consolidated document for a selected report navigation workflow to be made available to the user. 
         [0048]    Conclusion: 
         [0049]      FIGS. 1-6  aid in depicting the architecture, functionality, and operation of various embodiments. In particular,  FIGS. 1-6  depict various physical and logical components. Various components are defined at least in part as programs or programming. Each such component, portion thereof, or various combinations thereof may represent in whole or in part a module, segment, or portion of code that comprises one or more executable instructions to implement any specified logical function(s). Each component or various combinations thereof may represent a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits to implement the specified logical function(s). 
         [0050]    Embodiments can be realized in any computer-readable media for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system such as a computer/processor based system or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other system that can fetch or obtain the logic from computer-readable media and execute the instructions contained therein. “Computer-readable media” can be any media that can contain, store, or maintain programs and data for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system. Computer readable media can comprise any one of many physical media such as, for example, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, a portable magnetic computer diskette such as floppy diskettes or hard drives, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory, or a portable compact disc. 
         [0051]    Although the flow diagram of  FIG. 7  shows a specific order of execution, the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. All such variations are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0052]    The present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that other forms, details and embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that is defined in the following claims.