Abstract:
A method and system. A framework, which is generated, is a table including N+1 columns and M+1 rows. A two-dimensional array within the table includes N×M intersections of the N remaining columns and the M remaining rows. A first row of the table identifies a filter including a list of K dimensions consisting of K dependent variables, and wherein N, M and K are each an integer of at least 2. The framework is transmitted to an end-user. A user-defined data collection tool is received and includes the table with the N×M intersections in the table each containing a measure of a dependent variable selected by the end-user independently from the K dependent variables. The dependent variable for each intersection is a function of the two dependent variables characterizing each intersection.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser. No. 11/385,585, filed Mar. 21, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates in general to the field of computers, and in particular to the web-based computer applications. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for generating dynamic web pages used to collect data from end-users. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    One of the major problems associated with data management is an efficient mechanism to collect and validate data from various information providers. Without data availability and good data, the best analytical techniques in the world will fail to deliver the insight and value demanded by businesses. However, when data is not available electronically and input is needed from people who are geographically dispersed, many firms embark on implementing a custom data collection/retrieval system. That is, each collection/retrieval system is tailored for the requirements of the firm that is implementing it. Such a solution is unacceptable, as it adds excessive costs for development and maintenance of such “one off” solutions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention recognizes the need for a method for creating applications dynamically to collect data for multiple dimensions through the use of a reusable framework. Such a system should be able to accommodate several data submission schemes with a relatively short development and implementation time, and be able to collect rich and complex information by providing a user with a friendly interface for breaking complex tasks into smaller and more manageable tasks. Thus, one embodiment of the method includes the steps of defining a web-based framework of data dimensions, wherein the web-based framework is populated by an end-user with measures for data dimension intersections that are selected by the end-user, and wherein a data dimension intersection is a combination of multiple data dimensions; transmitting the web-based framework to the end-user, wherein the end-user populates the web-based framework on the fly with one or more user-selected data dimensions to create a user-defined data collection tool, and wherein the user-selected data dimensions are chosen from a plurality of data dimensions that are offered through the web-based framework; and receiving the user-defined data collection tool. 
         [0007]    The above, as well as additional purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further purposes and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1 a    depicts a framework for a data collection tool; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1 b    depicts the data collection tool described in  FIG. 1 a    after being customized by an end-user; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1 c    illustrates dimensions available in another exemplary framework; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1 d - e    depict data collection tools using the framework shown in  FIG. 1 c    after being customized by the end-user; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a flow-chart of exemplary steps taken in creating a web-based data collection tool; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary client computer which can be utilized in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a remote server that is capable of deploying software to the client computer shown in  FIG. 3  to implement the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5 a - b    are flow-chart showing steps taken to deploy software capable of executing the steps shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6 a - c    are flow-charts showing steps taken to deploy in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) software that is capable of executing the steps shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7 a - b    are flow-charts showing steps taken to integrate into an computer system software that is capable of executing the steps shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8 a - b    are flow-charts showing steps taken to execute the steps shown in  FIG. 2  using an on-demand service provider. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0020]    With reference now to the figures, and in particular to  FIG. 1 a   , there is depicted an exemplary framework  100  for a data collection tool. As depicted, framework  100  has six dimensions (A-F), which are descriptors for data that is to be collected/analyzed from and for an end-user. Furthermore, framework  100  has four intersections (combinations of dimensions), represented as AC(E)F, BC(E)F, AD(E)F and BD(E)F. Dimension E is called a “filter,” and is a dimension that is defined by an end-user by selecting a dimension from a plurality of dimensions that are offered through the web-based framework  100 . Dimension F is a fixed dimension, which is fixed by an administrator of the framework  100 , and cannot be altered by the end-user. 
         [0021]    An example of how framework  100  can be manipulated by an end-user is shown in  FIG. 1 b    as user-defined data collection tool  101   a . Assume that dimensions A (“Naval base”), B (“Army fort”), C (“Location 1—Hawaii”) and D (“Location 2—California”) are all fixed dimensions that have been fixed (set) by an administrator of framework  100 . The intersection (combination of dimensions) of dimensions A and C is “Naval base in Hawaii,” the intersection of dimensions A and D is “Naval base in California,” the intersection of dimensions B and C is “Army fort in Hawaii,” and the intersection of dimensions B and D is “Army fort in California.” In addition, the intersection that includes A and C also includes dimensions E (filter dimension that includes a dimension chosen from offered data dimensions “Labor costs; Equipment costs; and Expendable item costs”). Similarly, the intersection that include A and C also includes fixed dimension F (“Year 2005”), which has been set by the framework administrator and cannot be changed. Thus, the intersection of AC(E)F is for data described as that related to a naval base in Hawaii, showing Labor costs for the year 2005. Other intersections are likewise defined and populated with measures shown in data collection tool  101   b . As shown, a total dollar amount of two billion dollars was spent in naval bases in the year 2005 in Hawaii and California, and one billion dollars was spent at army forts in Hawaii and California for that same year 2005. By “drilling down” and selecting specific dimensions, the end-user is able to show that $20,000,000 was spent in 2005 at the Hawaiian naval base on labor costs, $800,000,000 was spent in 2005 on equipment at the naval base in California, $600,000,000 was spent in 2005 on equipment at the army fort in Hawaii, and $4,000,000 was spent on expendable items at the army fort in California. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1 c    presents another exemplary web-based framework  102  of data dimensions. Framework  102  has five main dimensions (“Car Make,” “Engine Type,” “Color,” “Area,” and “Period”) for cars. These dimensions are hierarchical, in that each can be further broken down into sub-levels as depicted. These sub-levels may be fixed or end-user selectable. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 d   , user-defined data collection tools  104   a - c  are for Red cars in the year 1005 (“Red” and “2005” are dimensions that are both fixed by the administrator). As illustrated in data collections tool  104   b , the “Car Make” dimension shown in framework  102  can be expanded by selecting a sub-dimension (lower hierarchy) of the dimension “Car Make.” Similarly, as shown in data collections tool  104   c , the dimension “Area” can be expanded by the end-user to show particular countries, rather than continents (which are described in Level 1 of dimension “Area”). As shown in  FIG. 1 e   , if the dimension “Engine Type” is fixed for “V6” engines, and the dimension “Car Make” is fixed for “Toyota,” then the end-user can manipulate the data collection tools  106   a - c  according to which dimensions are selected (and at what hierarchical level, if the dimension is hierarchical). 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a flow-chart of exemplary steps taken by the present invention is presented. After initiator block  202 , an administrator defines and creates a web-based framework of data dimensions (block  204 ). These data dimensions may be hierarchical or non-hierarchical, fixed or user-selected. The framework is then transmitted to the end-user (block  206 ). If any of the dimensions are user-selectable (query block  208 ), then the end-user selects one or more dimensions from the available dimensions provided through the framework (block  210 . The end-user now has now created a user-defined data collection tool, which he populates (inputs data into) with measures at the data intersections (block  212 ). The populated user-defined data collection tool is then transmitted back to the administrator that created the original framework (block  214 ), and the process ends (terminator block  216 ). 
         [0024]    Note that the framework is preferably customizable using eXtensible Markup Language (XML) commands. That is, once the administrator creates the basic framework, then the dimensions (and their fixed/non-fixed hierarchical/non-hierarchical natures) are defined by XML code which allows the basic framework to be reused. By using the framework and adjustable dimensions, different end-users are able to create and populate dynamically customizable data collection tools as described herein. Note further that intersections can either be pre-defined by the framework administrator at the time of the framework upload to the end-user, or the end-user has the option to create intersections for any number of dimensions. 
         [0025]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , there is depicted a block diagram of an exemplary client computer  302 , in which the present invention may be utilized. Client computer  302  includes a processor unit  304  that is coupled to a system bus  306 . A video adapter  308 , which drives/supports a display  310 , is also coupled to system bus  306 . System bus  306  is coupled via a bus bridge  312  to an Input/Output (I/O) bus  314 . An I/O interface  316  is coupled to I/O bus  314 . I/O interface  316  affords communication with various I/O devices, including a keyboard  318 , a mouse  320 , a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) drive  322 , a floppy disk drive  324 , and a flash drive memory  326 . The format of the ports connected to I/O interface  316  may be any known to those skilled in the art of computer architecture, including but not limited to Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. 
         [0026]    Client computer  302  is able to communicate with a software deploying server  402  via a network  328  using a network interface  330 , which is coupled to system bus  306 . Network  328  may be an external network such as the Internet, or an internal network such as an Ethernet or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 
         [0027]    A hard drive interface  332  is also coupled to system bus  306 . Hard drive interface  332  interfaces with a hard drive  334 . In a preferred embodiment, hard drive  334  populates a system memory  336 , which is also coupled to system bus  306 . Data that populates system memory  336  includes client computer  302 &#39;s operating system (OS)  338  and application programs  344 . 
         [0028]    OS  338  includes a shell  340 , for providing transparent user access to resources such as application programs  344 . Generally, shell  340  is a program that provides an interpreter and an interface between the user and the operating system. More specifically, shell  340  executes commands that are entered into a command line user interface or from a file. Thus, shell  340  (as it is called in UNIX®), also called a command processor in Windows®, is generally the highest level of the operating system software hierarchy and serves as a command interpreter. The shell provides a system prompt, interprets commands entered by keyboard, mouse, or other user input media, and sends the interpreted command(s) to the appropriate lower levels of the operating system (e.g., a kernel  342 ) for processing. Note that while shell  340  is a text-based, line-oriented user interface, the present invention will equally well support other user interface modes, such as graphical, voice, gestural, etc. 
         [0029]    As depicted, OS  338  also includes kernel  342 , which includes lower levels of functionality for OS  338 , including providing essential services required by other parts of OS  338  and application programs  344 , including memory management, process and task management, disk management, and mouse and keyboard management. 
         [0030]    Application programs  344  include a browser  346 . Browser  346  includes program modules and instructions enabling a World Wide Web (WWW) client (i.e., client computer  302 ) to send and receive network messages to the Internet using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messaging, thus enabling communication with software deploying server  402 . 
         [0031]    Application programs  344  in Client computer  302 &#39;s system memory also include a Dynamic Data Collection Tool Generator (DDCTG)  348 . DDCTG  348  includes code for implementing the processes described in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, Client computer  302  is able to download DDCTG  348  from software deploying server  402 . 
         [0032]    The hardware elements depicted in client computer  302  are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight essential components required by the present invention. For instance, client computer  302  may include alternate memory storage devices such as magnetic cassettes, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), Bernoulli cartridges, and the like. These and other variations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    As noted above, DDCTG  348  can be downloaded to client computer  302  from software deploying server  402 , shown in exemplary form in  FIG. 4 . Software deploying server  402  includes a processor unit  404  that is coupled to a system bus  406 . A video adapter  408  is also coupled to system bus  406 . Video adapter  408  drives/supports a display  410 . System bus  406  is coupled via a bus bridge  412  to an Input/Output (I/O) bus  414 . An UI/O interface  416  is coupled to I/O bus  414 . I/O interface  416  affords communication with various I/O devices, including a keyboard  418 , a mouse  420 , a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) drive  422 , a floppy disk drive  424 , and a flash drive memory  426 . The format of the ports connected to I/O interface  416  may be any known to those skilled in the art of computer architecture, including but not limited to Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. 
         [0034]    Software deploying server  402  is able to communicate with client computer  302  via network  328  using a network interface  430 , which is coupled to system bus  406 . Access to network  328  allows software deploying server  402  to deploy DDCTG  348  to client computer  302 . 
         [0035]    System bus  406  is also coupled to a hard drive interface  432 , which interfaces with a hard drive  434 . In a preferred embodiment, hard drive  434  populates a system memory  436 , which is also coupled to system bus  406 . Data that populates system memory  436  includes software deploying server  402 &#39;s operating system  438 , which includes a shell  440  and a kernel  442 . Shell  440  is incorporated in a higher level operating system layer and utilized for providing transparent user access to resources such as application programs  444 , which include a browser  446 , and a copy of DDCTG  348  described above, which can be deployed to client computer  302 . 
         [0036]    The hardware elements depicted in software deploying server  402  are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight essential components required by the present invention. For instance, software deploying server  402  may include alternate memory storage devices such as flash drives, magnetic cassettes, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), Bernoulli cartridges, and the like. These and other variations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Note further that, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, software deploying server  402  performs all of the functions associated with the present invention (including execution of DDCTG  348 ), thus freeing Client computer  302  from having to use its own internal computing resources to execute DDCTG  348 . 
         [0038]    It should be understood that at least some aspects of the present invention may alternatively be implemented in a computer-useable medium that contains a program product. Programs defining functions on the present invention can be delivered to a data storage system or a computer system via a variety of signal-bearing media, which include, without limitation, non-writable storage media (e.g., CD-ROM), writable storage media (e.g., hard disk drive, read/write CD ROM, optical media), system memory such as but not limited to Random Access Memory (RAM), and communication media, such as computer and telephone networks including Ethernet, the Internet, wireless networks, and like network systems. It should be understood, therefore, that such signal-bearing media when carrying or encoding computer readable instructions that direct method functions in the present invention, represent alternative embodiments of the present invention. Further, it is understood that the present invention may be implemented by a system having means in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware as described herein or their equivalent. 
       Software Deployment 
       [0039]    Thus, the method described herein, and in particular as shown and described in  FIG. 2 , can be deployed as a process software from software deploying server  402  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to client computer  302  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0040]    Referring then to  FIG. 5 , step  500  begins the deployment of the process software. The first thing is to determine if there are any programs that will reside on a server or servers when the process software is executed (query block  502 ). If this is the case, then the servers that will contain the executables are identified (block  504 ). The process software for the server or servers is transferred directly to the servers&#39; storage via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or some other protocol or by copying though the use of a shared file system (block  506 ). The process software is then installed on the servers (block  508 ). 
         [0041]    Next, a determination is made on whether the process software is to be deployed by having users access the process software on a server or servers (query block  510 ). If the users are to access the process software on servers, then the server addresses that will store the process software are identified (block  512 ). 
         [0042]    A determination is made if a proxy server is to be built (query block  514 ) to store the process software. A proxy server is a server that sits between a client application, such as a Web browser, and a real server. It intercepts all requests to the real server to see if it can fulfill the requests itself. If not, it forwards the request to the real server. The two primary benefits of a proxy server are to improve performance and to filter requests. If a proxy server is required, then the proxy server is installed (block  516 ). The process software is sent to the servers either via a protocol such as FTP or it is copied directly from the source files to the server files via file sharing (block  518 ). Another embodiment would be to send a transaction to the servers that contained the process software and have the server process the transaction, then receive and copy the process software to the server&#39;s file system. Once the process software is stored at the servers, the users, via their client computers, then access the process software on the servers and copy to their client computers file systems (block  520 ). Another embodiment is to have the servers automatically copy the process software to each client and then run the installation program for the process software at each client computer. The user executes the program that installs the process software on his client computer (i.e., Client computer  302 ) (block  522 ) then exits the process (terminator block  524 ). 
         [0043]    In query step  526 , a determination is made whether the process software is to be deployed by sending the process software to users via e-mail. The set of users where the process software will be deployed are identified together with the addresses of the user client computers (block  528 ). The process software is sent via e-mail to each of the users&#39; client computers (block  530 ). The users then receive the e-mail (block  532 ) and then detach the process software from the e-mail to a directory on their client computers (block  534 ). The user executes the program that installs the process software on his client computer (block  522 ) then exits the process (terminator block  524 ). 
         [0044]    Lastly a determination is made on whether to the process software will be sent directly to user directories on their client computers (query block  536 ). If so, the user directories are identified (block  538 ). The process software is transferred directly to the user&#39;s client computer directory (block  540 ). This can be done in several ways such as, but not limited to, sharing of the file system directories and then copying from the sender&#39;s file system to the recipient user&#39;s file system or alternatively using a transfer protocol such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP). The users access the directories on their client file systems in preparation for installing the process software (block  542 ). The user executes the program that installs the process software on his client computer (block  522 ) and then exits the process (terminator block  524 ). 
       VPN Deployment 
       [0045]    The present software can be deployed to third parties as part of a service wherein a third party VPN service is offered as a secure deployment vehicle or wherein a VPN is built on-demand as required for a specific deployment. 
         [0046]    A virtual private network (VPN) is any combination of technologies that can be used to secure a connection through an otherwise unsecured or untrusted network. VPNs improve security and reduce operational costs. The VPN makes use of a public network, usually the Internet, to connect remote sites or users together. Instead of using a dedicated, real-world connection such as leased line, the VPN uses “virtual” connections routed through the Internet from the company&#39;s private network to the remote site or employee. Access to the software via a VPN can be provided as a service by specifically constructing the VPN for purposes of delivery or execution of the process software (i.e. the software resides elsewhere) wherein the lifetime of the VPN is limited to a given period of time or a given number of deployments based on an amount paid. 
         [0047]    The process software may be deployed, accessed and executed through either a remote-access or a site-to-site VPN. When using the remote-access VPNs the process software is deployed, accessed and executed via the secure, encrypted connections between a company&#39;s private network and remote users through a third-party service provider. The enterprise service provider (ESP) sets a network access server (NAS) and provides the remote users with desktop client software for their computers. The telecommuters can then dial a toll-bee number or attach directly via a cable or DSL modem to reach the NAS and use their VPN client software to access the corporate network and to access, download and execute the process software. 
         [0048]    When using the site-to-site VPN, the process software is deployed, accessed and executed through the use of dedicated equipment and large-scale encryption that are used to connect a company&#39;s multiple fixed sites over a public network such as the Internet. 
         [0049]    The process software is transported over the VPN via tunneling which is the process of placing an entire packet within another packet and sending it over a network. The protocol of the outer packet is understood by the network and both points, called tunnel interfaces, where the packet enters and exits the network. 
         [0050]    The process for such VPN deployment is described in  FIG. 6 . Initiator block  602  begins the Virtual Private Network (VPN) process. A determination is made to see if a VPN for remote access is required (query block  604 ). If it is not required, then proceed to query block  606 . If it is required, then determine if the remote access VPN exists (query block  608 ). 
         [0051]    If a VPN does exist, then proceed to block  610 . Otherwise identify a third party provider that will provide the secure, encrypted connections between the company&#39;s private network and the company&#39;s remote users (block  612 ). The company&#39;s remote users are identified (block  614 ). The third party provider then sets up a network access server (NAS) (block  616 ) that allows the remote users to dial a toll free number or attach directly via a broadband modem to access, download and install the desktop client software for the remote-access VPN (block  618 ). 
         [0052]    After the remote access VPN has been built or if it has been previously installed, the remote users can access the process software by dialing into the NAS or attaching directly via a cable or DSL modem into the NAS (block  610 ). This allows entry into the corporate network where the process software is accessed (block  620 ). The process software is transported to the remote user&#39;s desktop over the network via tunneling. That is, the process software is divided into packets and each packet including the data and protocol is placed within another packet (block  622 ). When the process software arrives at the remote user&#39;s desktop, it is removed from the packets, reconstituted and then is executed on the remote user&#39;s desktop (block  624 ). 
         [0053]    A determination is then made to see if a VPN for site to site access is required (query block  606 ). If it is not required, then proceed to exit the process (terminator block  626 ). Otherwise, determine if the site to site VPN exists (query block  628 ). If it does exist, then proceed to block  630 . Otherwise, install the dedicated equipment required to establish a site to site VPN (block  638 ). Then build the large scale encryption into the VPN (block  640 ). 
         [0054]    After the site to site VPN has been built or if it had been previously established, the users access the process software via the VPN (block  630 ). The process software is transported to the site users over the network via tunneling (block  632 ). That is the process software is divided into packets and each packet including the data and protocol is placed within another packet (block  634 ). When the process software arrives at the remote user&#39;s desktop, it is removed from the packets, reconstituted and is executed on the site user&#39;s desktop (block  636 ). The process then ends at terminator block  626 . 
       Software Integration 
       [0055]    The process software which consists of code for implementing the process described herein may be integrated into a client, server and network environment by providing for the process software to coexist with applications, operating systems and network operating systems software and then installing the process software on the clients and servers in the environment where the process software will function. 
         [0056]    The first step is to identify any software on the clients and servers including the network operating system where the process software will be deployed that are required by the process software or that work in conjunction with the process software. This includes the network operating system that is software that enhances a basic operating system by adding networking features. 
         [0057]    Next, the software applications and version numbers will be identified and compared to the list of software applications and version numbers that have been tested to work with the process software. Those software applications that are missing or that do not match the correct version will be upgraded with the correct version numbers. Program instructions that pass parameters from the process software to the software applications will be checked to ensure the parameter lists matches the parameter lists required by the process software. Conversely parameters passed by the software applications to the process software will be checked to ensure the parameters match the parameters required by the process software. The client and server operating systems including the network operating systems will be identified and compared to the list of operating systems, version numbers and network software that have been tested to work with the process software. Those operating systems, version numbers and network software that do not match the list of tested operating systems and version numbers will be upgraded on the clients and servers to the required level. 
         [0058]    After ensuring that the software, where the process software is to be deployed, is at the correct version level that has been tested to work with the process software, the integration is completed by installing the process software on the clients and servers. 
         [0059]    For a high-level description of this process, reference is now made to  FIG. 7 . Initiator block  702  begins the integration of the process software. The first tiling is to determine if there are any process software programs that will execute on a server or servers (block  704 ). If this is not the case, then integration proceeds to query block  706 . If this is the case, then the server addresses are identified (block  708 ). The servers are checked to see if they contain software that includes the operating system (OS), applications, and network operating systems (NOS), together with their version numbers, which have been tested with the process software (block  710 ). The servers are also checked to determine if there is any missing software that is required by the process software in block  710 . 
         [0060]    A determination is made if the version numbers match the version numbers of OS, applications and NOS that have been tested with the process software (block  712 ). If all of the versions match and there is no missing required software the integration continues in query block  706 . 
         [0061]    If one or more of the version numbers do not match, then the unmatched versions are updated on the server or servers with the correct versions (block  714 ). Additionally, if there is missing required software, then it is updated on the server or servers in the step shown in block  714 . The server integration is completed by installing the process software (block  716 ). 
         [0062]    The step shown in query block  706 , which follows either the steps shown in block  704 ,  712  or  716  determines if there are any programs of the process software that will execute on the clients. If no process software programs execute on the clients the integration proceeds to terminator block  718  and exits. If this not the case, then the client addresses are identified as shown in block  720 . 
         [0063]    The clients are checked to see if they contain software that includes the operating system (OS), applications, and network operating systems (NOS), together with their version numbers, which have been tested with the process software (block  722 ). The clients are also checked to determine if there is any missing software that is required by the process software in the step described by block  722 . 
         [0064]    A determination is made is the version numbers match the version numbers of OS, applications and NOS that have been tested with the process software (query block  724 ). If all of the versions match and there is no missing required software, then the integration proceeds to terminator block  718  and exits. 
         [0065]    If one or more of the version numbers do not match, then the unmatched versions are updated on the clients with the correct versions (block  726 ). In addition, if there is missing required software then it is updated on the clients (also block  726 ). The client integration is completed by installing the process software on the clients (block  728 ). The integration proceeds to terminator block  718  and exits. 
       On Demand 
       [0066]    The process software is shared, simultaneously serving multiple customers in a flexible, automated fashion. It is standardized, requiring little customization and it is scalable, providing capacity on demand in a pay-as-you-go model. 
         [0067]    The process software can be stored on a shared file system accessible from one or more servers. The process software is executed via transactions that contain data and server processing requests that use CPU units on the accessed server. CPU units are units of time such as minutes, seconds, hours on the central processor of the server. Additionally the assessed server may make requests of other servers that require CPU units. CPU units are an example that represents but one measurement of use. Other measurements of use include but are not limited to network bandwidth, memory usage, storage usage, packet transfers, complete transactions etc. 
         [0068]    When multiple customers use the same process software application, their transactions are differentiated by the parameters included in the transactions that identify the unique customer and the type of service for that customer. All of the CPU units and other measurements of use that are used for the services for each customer are recorded. When the number of transactions to any one server reaches a number that begins to affect the performance of that server, other servers are accessed to increase the capacity and to share the workload. Likewise when other measurements of use such as network bandwidth, memory usage, storage usage, etc. approach a capacity so as to affect performance, additional network bandwidth, memory usage, storage etc. are added to share the workload. 
         [0069]    The measurements of use used for each service and customer are sent to a collecting server that sums the measurements of use for each customer for each service that was processed anywhere in the network of servers that provide the shared execution of the process software. The summed measurements of use units are periodically multiplied by unit costs and the resulting total process software application service costs are alternatively sent to the customer and or indicated on a web site accessed by the customer which then remits payment to the service provider. 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the service provider requests payment directly from a customer account at a banking or financial institution. 
         [0071]    In another embodiment, if the service provider is also a customer of the customer that uses the process software application, the payment owed to the service provider is reconciled to the payment owed by the service provider to minimize the transfer of payments. 
         [0072]    With reference now to  FIG. 8 , initiator block  802  begins the On Demand process. A transaction is created than contains the unique customer identification, the requested service type and any service parameters that further, specify the type of service (block  804 ). The transaction is then sent to the main server (block  806 ). In an On Demand environment the main server can initially be the only server, then as capacity is consumed other servers are added to the On Demand environment. 
         [0073]    The server central processing unit (CPU) capacities in the On Demand environment are queried (block  808 ). The CPU requirement of the transaction is estimated, then the servers available CPU capacity in the On Demand environment are compared to the transaction CPU requirement to see if there is sufficient CPU available capacity in any server to process the transaction (query block  810 ). If there is not sufficient server CPU available capacity, then additional server CPU capacity is allocated to process the transaction (block  812 ). If there was already sufficient available CPU capacity then the transaction is sent to a selected server (block  814 ). 
         [0074]    Before executing the transaction, a check is made of the remaining On Demand environment to determine if the environment has sufficient available capacity for processing the transaction. This environment capacity consists of such things as but not limited to network bandwidth, processor memory, storage etc. (block  816 ). If there is not sufficient available capacity, then capacity will be added to the On Demand environment (block  818 ). Next the required software to process the transaction is accessed, loaded into memory, then the transaction is executed (block  820 ). 
         [0075]    The usage measurements are recorded (block  822 ). The usage measurements consist of the portions of those functions in the On Demand environment that are used to process the transaction. The usage of such functions as, but not limited to, network bandwidth, processor memory, storage and CPU cycles are what is recorded. The usage measurements are summed, multiplied by unit costs and then recorded as a charge to the requesting customer (block  824 ). 
         [0076]    If the customer has requested that the On Demand costs be posted to a web site (query block  826 ), then they are posted (block  828 ). If the customer has requested that the On Demand costs be sent via e-mail to a customer address (query block  830 ), then these costs are sent to the customer (block  832 ). If the customer has requested that the On Demand costs be paid directly from a customer account (query block  834 ), then payment is received directly from the customer account (block  836 ). The On Demand process is then exited at terminator block  838 . 
         [0077]    The present invention thus presents a method, system, and computer-useable medium for dynamically generating a web-based data collection tool. The method comprises the steps of defining a web-based framework of data dimensions, wherein the web-based framework is populated by an end-user with measures for data dimension intersections that are selected by the end-user, and wherein a data dimension intersection is a combination of multiple data dimensions; transmitting the web-based framework to the end-user, wherein the end-user populates the web-based framework with one or more user-selected data dimensions to create a user-defined data collection tool, and wherein the user-selected data dimensions are chosen from a plurality of data dimensions that are offered through the web-based framework; and receiving the user-defined data collection tool. The data dimensions may be hierarchical or non-hierarchical. In one embodiment, one or more of the data dimensions are fixed by a framework administrator, such that the end-user is unable to change those fixed data dimensions in the user-defined data collection program. Furthermore, a measure, which is used by the end-user to populate a data dimension intersection, may be either a percentage of or a monetary amount expenditure costs allocated to that data dimension. 
         [0078]    While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the term “computer” or “system” or “computer system” or “computing device” includes any data processing system including, but not limited to, personal computers, servers, workstations, network computers, main frame computers, routers, switches, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA&#39;s), telephones, and any other system capable of processing, transmitting, receiving, capturing and/or storing data.