Patent ID: 10838920

Abstract:
A server executes in a virtual machine and facilitates execution of lightweight plug-in functions that respond to user interface commands from a client device. The functions augment the commands with additional processing even though they may not implement a user interface, they generate data in real time, they access any data repository or data source, can be written in any programming language, and they perceive that they have infinite storage. The client device need not have custom software and implements a traditional file-folder user interface using standard applications. Folders and file contents displayed on the client device need not exist until specifically requested by the user. Plug-in functions have their own root file system but may share a network namespace. Data may be input to a function using a folder name or a micro Web server. Two functions share a database connection to a remote computer. Files stored in a local cache are moved to remote storage transparently when a function needs more space.