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US6249769B1 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method, system and program product for evaluating the business requirements of an enterprise for generating business solution deliverables

Assignee: ServiceNow Inc
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Filing: 1998-11-02
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Granted: 2001-06-19
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Expires: 2018-11-02
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Abstract

Abstract The information technology environment and requirements of a business entity are evaluated via an interactive engagement process, system and program product to successively match the entity's needs to a set of information technology solutions so as to generate a business solution deliverables such as a formal solution proposal. The engagement entails the determination of the entity's ability to participate in the evaluation. The engagement next includes partitioning the entity's information technology infrastructure into segments along the lines of established business criteria, receiving profile information from the entity thereon and mapping the profiled segments to potential solutions creating an ordered listing of solutions. Ordered solutions may be selected for detailed investigation including a further profiling of the segment to which the solution is to be applied and a workload analysis of the proffered solution. Upon successful completion of the workload analysis a business solution proposal and other deliverables may be generated.

Inventors

  • 👤 Michael Ruffin
  • 👤 Kristin R. Jayaram
  • 👤 Ann C. Merenda
  • 👤 Timothy I. Morrison
  • 👤 Carlos A. Ordonez
  • 👤 Allen H. Preston
  • 👤 Joseph L. Temple, III
  • 👤 Eva L. Yan

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 00:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0631; G06Q10/06311; G06Q10/06312; G06Q10/06315; G06Q10/0637; G06Q10/06375; G06Q10/0639; G06Q10/06393; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0201; G06Q30/0283; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/04

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim 112 words
A method for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether the business entity is qualified to participate in the analysis thereof; profiling the business entity's existing information technology environment to generate an ordered list of potential information technology solutions for the business entity; selecting and performing a detailed analysis on one or more of said potential information technology solutions selected from said ordered list; and generating a business solution deliverable for provision to said business entity based upon said detailed analysis for at least one of said selected potential information technology solutions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 112 words
A method for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether the business entity is qualified to participate in the analysis thereof; profiling the business entity's existing information technology environment to generate an ordered list of potential information technology solutions for the business entity; selecting and performing a detailed analysis on one or more of said potential information technology solutions selected from said ordered list; and generating a business solution deliverable for provision to said business entity based upon said detailed analysis for at least one of said selected potential information technology solutions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the steps are implemented on a computer system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 179 words
A computer-based method for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method comprising the steps of: providing information technology solution details to said business entity; receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; storing said received feedback in a storage device of a data processing system; determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; creating a information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments; storing said created profiles in said storage device; matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity; and storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 179 words
A computer-based method for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method comprising the steps of: providing information technology solution details to said business entity; receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; storing said received feedback in a storage device of a data processing system; determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; creating a information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments; storing said created profiles in said storage device; matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity; and storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 18 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein the information technology solution details are stored in said storage device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 56 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said steps of providing information technology solution details to said business entity and receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis are transacted via a computer-based questionnaire including a checklist of the available information technology solutions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 33 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of determining whether said business entity is qualified is based upon an established business criteria, said criteria including indicia stored in said storage device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 38 words
A method according to claim 3 further including the step of providing to said qualified business entity an estimate of the potential benefits likely to accrue from the implementation of one or more of said information technology solutions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 21 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said information technology solution includes the consolidation of server computers for the business entity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 40 words
A method according to claim 3 further including the step of: generating a business solution deliverable for provision to said business entity for any of said analyzed information technology solutions in accordance with the results of the workload assessment analysis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 104 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of performing said workload assessment analysis further includes the steps of: providing a detailed questionnaire to said business entity, said detailed questionnaire being stored in said storage device, said detailed questionnaire for determining specific information regarding the business entity's information technology environment related to said selected matched information technology solutions; receiving responses to said detailed questionnaire from said business entity; storing said received responses in said storage device, said storage device further including workload models; comparing said received responses to said workload models to estimate the workload associated with the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said workload assessment analysis includes a determination of the cost associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said workload assessment analysis includes a determination of the labor associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein the workload models include results of previous iterations of said workload assessment analysis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein the workload models are updated by the storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said data representing said information technology environment is partitioned into segments based upon the predetermined business criteria.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of common computer technology within each of the partitioned segments.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of a common geographic location within each of the segments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 15 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes a budgetary criteria.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 36 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said information technology profile is created via the completion by the business entity of a profile template, said profile template and responses thereto being stored in said storage device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 64 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said information technology profile for each partitioned segment is compared to said information technology solution details stored in said storage device, to produce an ordered listing of solutions for said business entity, said ordered listing having an order based upon the information technology solution requirements of the business entity and based upon the information technology solution details.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 37 words
A method according to claim 20 wherein the storage device includes solution modelling information based upon prior information technology solution implementations, and wherein the order of said ordered listing is further based upon said solution modelling information.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 38 words
A method according to claim 20 wherein the business entity may approve or reject the ordered listing and wherein if the business entity rejects said ordered listing said partitioning step is repeated using a new predetermined business criteria.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 33 words
A method according to claim 20 wherein said ordered listing further includes an indication of further materials required to perform said workload assessment analysis, said further materials being included in said storage device.
Claim 26
Independent Claim 221 words
An apparatus for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the apparatus comprising: means for providing information technology solution details to said business entity; a reception means for receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; a storage device coupled to said reception means for storing said received feedback; processing means coupled to said storage device for determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning logic coupled to said storage device, for partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; profiling logic coupled to said partitioning logic for creating a information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments said created technology profiles being stored in said storage device; comparator logic coupled to said storage device for matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selection means for selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; and means for performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity, said results of the workload assessment analysis being stored in said storage device.
Claim 27
Independent Claim 221 words
An apparatus for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the apparatus comprising: means for providing information technology solution details to said business entity; a reception means for receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; a storage device coupled to said reception means for storing said received feedback; processing means coupled to said storage device for determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning logic coupled to said storage device, for partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; profiling logic coupled to said partitioning logic for creating a information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments said created technology profiles being stored in said storage device; comparator logic coupled to said storage device for matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selection means for selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; and means for performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity, said results of the workload assessment analysis being stored in said storage device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 18 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the information technology solution details are stored in said storage device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 36 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said means for providing information technology solution details to said business entity and said reception means include a computer-based questionnaire including a checklist of the available information technology solutions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 36 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said processing means for determining whether said business entity is qualified processes said determination based upon an established business criteria, said criteria including indicia stored in said storage device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 37 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 further including: means for providing to said qualified business entity an estimate of the potential benefits likely to accrue from the implementation of one or more of said information technology solutions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 21 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said information technology solution includes the consolidation of server computers for the business entity.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 39 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 further including: means for generating a business solution deliverable for provision to said business entity for any of said analyzed information technology solutions in accordance with the results of the workload assessment analysis.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 28 words
An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said data representing said information technology environment is partitioned into segments by said partitioning logic based upon the predetermined business criteria.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 24 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of common computer technology within each of the partitioned segments.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 25 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of a common geographic location within each of the partitioned segments.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 15 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes a budgetary criteria.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 36 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said information technology profile is created via the completion by the business entity of a profile template, said profile template and responses thereto being stored in said storage device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 64 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said information technology profile for each partitioned segment is compared to said information technology solution details stored in said storage device, to produce an ordered listing of solutions for said business entity, said ordered listing having an order based upon the information technology solution requirements of the business entity and based upon the information technology solution details.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 37 words
An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the storage device includes solution modelling information based upon prior information technology solution implementations, and wherein the order of said ordered listing is further based upon said solution modelling information.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 53 words
An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the business entity may approve or reject the ordered listing and wherein if the business entity rejects said ordered listing, said data representing the information technology environment of said qualified business entity is re-partitioned into segments by said partitioning logic, using a new predetermined business criteria.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 33 words
An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said ordered listing further includes an indication of further materials required to perform said workload assessment analysis, said further materials being included in said storage device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 122 words
An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said means for performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity further include: means for providing a detailed questionnaire to said business entity, said detailed questionnaire being stored in said storage device, said detailed questionnaire for determining specific information regarding the business entity's information technology environment related to said selected matched information technology solutions; means for receiving responses to said detailed questionnaire from said business entity; means for storing said received responses in said storage device, said storage device further including workload models; means for comparing said received responses to said workload models to estimate the workload associated with the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 33 words
An apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said means for providing a workload assessment analysis further includes means for determining the cost associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 33 words
An apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said means for providing a workload assessment analysis further includes means for determining the labor associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 29 words
An apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said workload models include results of previous iterations of said workload assessment analysis from said means for providing a workload assessment analysis.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 26 words
An apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the workload models are updated by the storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 212 words
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium readable by a digital processing apparatus and tangibly embodying a program of instructions comprising computer readable program code means executable by the digital processing apparatus to perform method steps for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method steps comprising: providing information technology solution details to said business entity; receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; storing said received feedback in a storage device of a data processing system; determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; creating an information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments; storing said created profiles in said storage device; matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity; and storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 212 words
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium readable by a digital processing apparatus and tangibly embodying a program of instructions comprising computer readable program code means executable by the digital processing apparatus to perform method steps for performing an interactive analysis of a business entity to devise an information technology solution applicable to the business entity, the method steps comprising: providing information technology solution details to said business entity; receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis; storing said received feedback in a storage device of a data processing system; determining, based upon said stored feedback, whether the business entity is qualified to participate in said interactive analysis; partitioning data representing an information technology environment of said qualified business entity into segments; creating an information technology profile for each of said partitioned segments; storing said created profiles in said storage device; matching one or more information technology solutions with at least one of said partitioned segments; selecting at least one of said matched information technology solutions; performing a workload assessment analysis for the implementation of said selected information technology solutions for said business entity; and storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 27 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 wherein the information technology solution details are stored in said storage device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 66 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 wherein said method steps of providing information technology solution details to said business entity and receiving feedback from said business entity, said feedback being indicative of the business entity's capacity to participate in the interactive analysis are transacted via a computer-based questionnaire including a checklist of the available information technology solutions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 43 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 wherein said method step of determining whether said business entity is qualified is based upon an established business criteria, said criteria including indicia stored in said storage device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 48 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 further including the method step of providing to said qualified business entity an estimate of the potential benefits likely to accrue from the implementation of one or more of said information technology solutions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 30 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 wherein said information technology solution includes the consolidation of server computers for the business entity.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 51 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 further including the method step of: generating a business solution proposal deliverable for provision to said business entity for any of said analyzed information technology solutions in accordance with the results of the workload assessment analysis.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 115 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 45 wherein said method step of performing said workload assessment analysis further includes the method steps of: providing a detailed questionnaire to said business entity, said detailed questionnaire being stored in said storage device, said detailed questionnaire for determining specific information regarding the business entity's information technology environment related to said selected matched information technology solutions; receiving responses to said detailed questionnaire from said business entity; storing said received responses in said storage device, said storage device further including workload models; comparing said received responses to said workload models to estimate the workload associated with the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 38 words
A computer readable pro gram code means in said computer program product according to claim 52 wherein said workload assessment analysis includes a determination of the cost associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 37 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 52 wherein said workload assessment analysis includes a determination of the labor associated with the implementation of the selected matched information technology solutions.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 29 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 52 wherein the workload models include results of previous iterations of said workload assessment analysis.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 34 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 55 wherein the workload models are updated by storing the results of the workload assessment analysis in said storage device.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 33 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 48 wherein said data representing said information technology environment is partitioned into segments based upon the predetermined business criteria.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 33 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 57 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of common computer technology within each of the partitioned segments.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 33 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 57 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes the existence of a common geographic location within each of the segments.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 24 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 59 wherein said predetermined business criteria includes a budgetary criteria.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 45 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 59 herein said information technology profile is created via the completion by the business entity of a profile template, said profile template and responses thereto being stored in said storage device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 73 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 59 wherein said information technology profile for each partitioned segment is compared to said information technology solution details stored in said storage device, to produce an ordered listing of solutions for said business entity, said ordered listing having an order based upon the information technology solution requirements of the business entity and based upon the information technology solution details.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 46 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 62 wherein the storage device includes solution modeling information based upon prior information technology solution implementations, and wherein the order of said ordered listing is further based upon said solution modeling information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 48 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 62 wherein the business entity may approve or reject the ordered listing and wherein if the business entity rejects said ordered listing said partitioning method step is repeated using a new predetermined business criteria.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 42 words
A computer readable program code means in said computer program product according to claim 62 wherein said ordered listing further includes an indication of further materials required to perform said workload assessment analysis, said further materials being included in said storage device.
Claim 70
Independent Claim 184 words
An apparatus for enabling a computer application framework said computer application framework sequentially providing a user with set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the apparatus comprising: presentation means for presenting a series of questions to said user; reception means for receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storage means for storing said series of questions for provision to said presentation means and said answers from said reception means, said storage means further storing said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and control means for sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user and for enabling the provision of said questions from said storage means by said presentation means and said storage of said answers in said storage means by said reception means, said control means further enabling said set of application programs to access said series of questions and said answers stored in said storage means.
Claim 71
Independent Claim 184 words
An apparatus for enabling a computer application framework said computer application framework sequentially providing a user with set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the apparatus comprising: presentation means for presenting a series of questions to said user; reception means for receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storage means for storing said series of questions for provision to said presentation means and said answers from said reception means, said storage means further storing said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and control means for sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user and for enabling the provision of said questions from said storage means by said presentation means and said storage of said answers in said storage means by said reception means, said control means further enabling said set of application programs to access said series of questions and said answers stored in said storage means.
Claim 72
Independent Claim 148 words
A method for utilizing a computer application framework to sequentially provide a user with set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the method comprising the steps of: presenting a series of questions to said user; receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storing said series of questions and said answers and said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user said directing including the provision of said questions from said storage means to the user and said storage of said answers by said user, said directing step further enabling said set of application programs to access said stored series of questions and said answers.
Claim 73
Independent Claim 148 words
A method for utilizing a computer application framework to sequentially provide a user with set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the method comprising the steps of: presenting a series of questions to said user; receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storing said series of questions and said answers and said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user said directing including the provision of said questions from said storage means to the user and said storage of said answers by said user, said directing step further enabling said set of application programs to access said stored series of questions and said answers.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 48 words
A method according to claim 67 wherein said sequential execution of said application programs ensures the orderly provision of said series questions to said user and the reception and storage of said answers so as to only require that each question is presented to the user one time.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 19 words
A method according to claim 67 wherein said sequential execution of said application programs emulates a pre-established business process.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 183 words
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium readable by a digital processing apparatus and tangibly embodying a program of instructions comprising computer readable program code means executable by the digital processing apparatus to perform method steps for utilizing a computer application framework to sequentially provide a user with a set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the method steps comprising: presenting a series of questions to said user; receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storing said series of questions and said answers and said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user, said directing including the provision of said questions from said storage means to the user and said storage of said answers by said user, said directing step further enabling said set of application programs to access said stored series of questions and said answers.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 183 words
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium readable by a digital processing apparatus and tangibly embodying a program of instructions comprising computer readable program code means executable by the digital processing apparatus to perform method steps for utilizing a computer application framework to sequentially provide a user with a set of application programs for determining a business solution for said user, the method steps comprising: presenting a series of questions to said user; receiving from said user answers to said series of questions; storing said series of questions and said answers and said set of application programs, wherein at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored questions for presentation and at least one of said application programs utilizes said stored answers as inputs; and sequentially directing the execution of said application programs for said user, said directing including the provision of said questions from said storage means to the user and said storage of said answers by said user, said directing step further enabling said set of application programs to access said stored series of questions and said answers.

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2004-06-18 2004-12-18 2005-06-19 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2008-06-18 2008-12-18 2009-06-19 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2012-06-18 2012-12-18 2013-06-19 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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