Method and apparatus for updating an online computer program

Patent 6138274 Issued on October 24, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 23, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Application

No. 012816 filed on 01/23/1998

US Classes:

717/168, SOFTWARE UPGRADING OR UPDATING715/511Version management

Examiners

Primary: Haliz, Tariq R.
Assistant: Vo, Tuyet T.

International Class

G06F 009/445

Abstract

The computer programs in redundant, high-reliability systems can be updated in real-time, without a service outage by performing a memory-to-memory data transfer. Old data structures from the primary computer are assembled into a predetermined block of data that is transferred to the secondary, redundant computer. The organization of the transferred block of data is known by the second computer program which disassembles the block of data into new data structures required by the new computer program running on the redundant computer. The memory-to-memory data precludes any system outage attributable to lost data.

Other References

IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, "Chaining of Remote Procedure Calls in Distributed Computer Environment/Remote Procedure Call", vol. 36, No. 10, pp. 131-134, Oct. 1993
Segal et al., "On-The-Fly Program Modification: Systems For Dynamic Updating", IEEE Software, pp. 53-65, Mar. 199