Software distribution via stages

Abstract

Software can be automatically distributed in stages. An administrator can specify a stage indicating software to be distributed to nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. Administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate an appropriate software stage for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover what software is appropriate. Software of the proper stage can be provided and installed. The software can be provided via an application service provider scenario, and automatic installation can be achieved even if the nodes are behind a firewall. A versionless arrangement can be implemented.

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       22 . A method of providing application services to a plurality of enterprises, the method comprising: 
 via an application service provider scenario, collecting indications associating computers within the enterprises with stages of software;    periodically receiving requests from the computers within the enterprises for indications of what software is to be installed on the computers; and    responsive to the requests, sending lists of software to be installed at the computers according to the stages associated with the computers.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the application service provider scenario is accomplished via an HTTP-based protocol.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the requests are sent via an HTTP-based protocol.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the requests are sent by an agent automatically without action by a user.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 comparing at least one of the lists of software to be installed with software installed on at least one of the computers;    installing software indicated as to be installed, but not installed.    
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the installing comprises: 
 retrieving the software from an application service provider.    
   
   
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       29 . A system for providing application services for installing a plurality of software releases at a plurality of nodes, the system comprising: 
 a data store operable to associate the software releases with a software stage and to associate the nodes with a software stage; and    one or more servers operable to receive indications of software stages associated with the nodes and modify the data store;    wherein the servers are further operable to receive queries from the nodes to provide a list of software to be installed at the nodes and reply thereto according to stage information in the data store.    
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the servers are operable to receive associations for the software stages via an HTTP-based protocol.  
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the servers are operable to receive the queries from the nodes via an HTTP-based protocol.  
   
   
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       38 . The method of  claim 22  wherein collecting indications associating computers within the enterprises further comprises: 
 providing an administrative user interface by which administrators select various options and configuration directives; and    responsive to selections made via the administrative user interface, placing computers into named groups and associating the named groups with a software stage.    
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising; 
 from computers sent lists of software, receiving requests for software on the lists; and sending the requested software.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the frequency of the periodically received requests is controlled by an administrator via manipulation of a web page.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the stages of software comprise a beta stage and plural sent lists of software comprise beta stage software to be installed.  
   
   
       42 . Sew) The system of  claim 29  wherein the servers are further operable to receive requests from the nodes for software listed in the list of software and to return the requested software.  
   
   
       43 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the data store associates a set of configuration directives as a policy and the policy is associated with a group of nodes.  
   
   
       44 . The system of  claim 43  wherein associations of the data store are defined via a database schema.  
   
   
       45 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the servers are further operable to provide an administrative user interface by which administrators select indications of software stages.  
   
   
       46 . A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions, the instructions comprising: 
 instructions for collecting indications associating computers within enterprises with stages of software;    instructions for receiving requests from the computers within the enterprises for indications of what software is to be installed on the computers; and    instructions for sending responsive to the requests, lists of software to be installed at the computers according to the stages associated with the computers.    
   
   
       47 . The computer readable medium of  claim 46  wherein the computer executable-instructions further comprise instructions for receiving the requests via an HTTP-based protocol.  
   
   
       48 . The computer readable medium of  claim 46  wherein the computer-executable instructions further comprise: 
 instructions for providing an administrative user interface by which administrators select various options and configuration directives; and    instructions for responsive to selections made via the administrative user interface, placing computers into named groups and associating the named groups with policies.