System and method for employing object-based pipelines

The present invention is directed at a computing environment and method that supports object-based pipelines. The computing environment includes a runtime shell, a parser, and base commands. The runtime shell receives an object-based pipeline (e.g., via a command line). The runtime shell sends the object-based pipeline to the parser that parses the object-based pipeline into pipeline sub-components. Each of the pipeline sub-components are associated with a command, such as a base command provided by an operating system or a third party command provided by a third party developer. The parser invokes a method that is associated with the first pipeline sub-component. The method obtains objects of interest from a specified input (e.g., XML). The objects are sent to subsequent pipeline sub-components for further processing. The objects do not have methods. The pipeline sub-components may execute in the same process.

System and method for seamlessly comparing objects

The present comparison technique operates on objects having the same type, similar types, or different types. Multiple comparison objects may be compared against one or more reference objects. The comparison objects may be obtained from a prior cmdlet in a pipeline of cmdlets operating in an object-based environment. The reference object and comparison object may be compared in an order-based manner or in a key-based manner. In addition, specific properties may be specified which will identify which properties of the reference object and the comparison object to compare during the comparison. The comparison may generate an output that identifies the difference and/or similarities. The output may be pipelined to another cmdlet for further processing.

Security mechanism for interpreting scripts in an interpretive environment

The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a scripting security mechanism that minimizes security risks associated with interpreting a script written with a scripting language. An interpreter recognizes the scripting-language syntax within the script and processes each line that is designated within a data block using a restrictive set of operations. The restrictive set of operations are a subset of the total operations available for processing. If one of the lines within the data block attempts to perform an operation that is not within the restrictive set of operations, the interpreter provides an indication, such as an exception or message explaining the illegal operation. The interpreter also recognizes a list of export variables associated with the data block and exports only the variables identified in the list to an external environment if the export variable meets a constraint identified for it, if any.

Auxiliary data provider

An exemplary software architecture allows for defining and accessing data and auxiliary data for an item in a navigable namespace. For example, such an exemplary architecture can include a provider engine operable to access data for an item in a navigable namespace, an auxiliary provider engine operable to access auxiliary data for the item and an auxiliary provider class for use in defining the auxiliary data for the item and accessing the auxiliary data for the item. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Incrementally managing distributed configuration data

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive ...

Computer System Events Interface

An events interface is described, and the events interface includes event sequences that indicate software application events that occur in relation to each other along an adjustable continuum. Each of the event sequences corresponds to a software application that is executable on one or more computer devices, such as a hosted application by the computer devices, where modules of the software are each executable on the computer devices. The events interface also includes past event indicators along the event sequences that each present as a past software application event that occurred on at least one of the computer devices. 1. A computer device , comprising:at least a memory and a processor to implement an events application that is configured to generate an events interface that includes:event sequences configured to indicate software application events that occur in relation to each other along an adjustable continuum, each of the event sequences corresponding to a software application that is executable on one or more computer devices; andone or more past event indicators along the event sequences that each present as a past software application event that occurred on at least one of the computer devices.2. The computer device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the software application is a hosted application by two or more of the computer devices claim 1 , and wherein modules of the software application are each executable on the two or more computer devices.3. The computer device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the event sequences include relative spacing between the one or more past event indicators claim 1 , the relative spacing between two of the past event indicators being an indication of a time duration between the software application events that correspond to the two past event indicators.4. The computer device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the event sequences are time-warped to present a sequence order of the software application events without ...

Command-line data-type discovery and conversion

Systems and/or methods are presented that may be used to enable operation of a command line having an upstream command and a downstream command where the upstream command may output data of a type that may be unacceptable as input to the downstream command.

DELEGATED ADMINISTRATION FOR REMOTE MANAGEMENT

A remote administration system is described herein that provides varying permissions to invoke administrative commands to multiple users. An application host provisions users of different organizations and defines one or more commands that the users can invoke remotely. The system associates the commands with users and/or groups to specify the users and/or groups that are authorized to execute the commands. When the remote administration system receives a remote request to perform a command, the system determines a user associated with the command and whether the user is authorized to execute the command. The system also creates an execution context for each connected user that defines the roles and access privileges associated with the user and that isolates the user from other users. Thus, the remote administration system provides remote administration of hosted applications in a way that is easy for administrators of the hosted service to manage.

CLIENT-ASSISTED FULFILLMENT OF A RESOURCE REQUEST

Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request. For instance, the resource request initially may be directed to a machine that stores the resource (i.e., a resource machine). A resource access agent may redirect the resource request to a client device for purposes of fulfillment. For example, the resource access agent may intercept the resource request before the resource request reaches the resource machine and/or before the resource machine takes action with respect to the resource request. Such client-assisted fulfillment may (or may not) be provided in a single sign-on environment. A single sign-on environment is an environment in which multiple distinct software systems are accessible to a user based on a single authentication of the user. 1. A method comprising:receiving a request for a resource to be accessed on behalf of a client device from a first machine;informing the client device of an identity of the resource;receiving data of the resource from the client device in response to the client device receiving the data from a second machine that stores the resource; andproviding the data to fulfill the request in response to receiving the data from the client device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the data comprises:receiving the data from the client device further in response to validation of the request; and 'providing the data to fulfill the request based on the validation.', 'wherein providing the data comprises3. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the request comprises:receiving the request that identifies the first machine.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining that performance of a management action is initiated with respect to the first machine; 'receiving the request based on initiation of the performance of the management action.', 'wherein receiving the request comprises5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining that a connection ...

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

System and method for transferring computer-readable objects across a remote boundary

A system and method for securely transferring computer-readable objects across a remote boundary is provided. The method decomposes any type of object into a hierarchy of sub-components based on a list of known object types. Each sub-component either corresponds to a known object type or an unknown object type. The unknown object types may be decomposed further into known object types at another level in the hierarchy. The known objects in the hierarchy are serialized into a package that is transmitted to a remote entity. The remote entity reconstructs the hierarchy. For any of the known object types, the remote entity instantiates an object of the known object type and populates the object with information transmitted in the package. The decomposition may be limited by specifying a level for the hierarchy, specifying a number that limits the known objects that are serialized, or specifying the properties within the object to serialize.

Reflection-based processing of input parameters for commands

The present invention is directed at a reflection-based shell that provides reflection-based processing of input parameters for a command. The reflection-based processing includes parsing, data generation, data validation, object encoding, object processing, documentation, and the like. The reflection-based shell provides a mechanism for specifying a grammar for the input parameters using a class. The method includes receiving a parsable stream that includes a command and at least one parameter. Retrieving definitional information that describes an expected parameter for the command. Using the definitional information to create an object for storing the at least one parameter in a format in accordance with the description of the expected parameters. Passing the object to the command. The object not having a method invocable by the command.

System and method for distinguishing safe and potentially unsafe data during runtime processing

The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a taint mechanism. An object-based command declares a taint directive for a parameter within a command declaration. The taint directive is then associated with that parameter in a manner such that when an engine processes the command, the engine determines whether to process the command based on the taint directive and input for the parameter. The taint directive may specify that the input may be tainted or untainted. The command declaration may also include a taint parameter that specifies a taint characteristic for output from the command. The taint characteristic may be tainted, untainted, or propagated. Any type of object may become tainted. An untaint process may be applied to tainted data to obtain untainted data if an authorization check performed by the engine is successful.

Incrementally managing distributed configuration data

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive ...

System and related methods for accessing management functionality through a command line utility

A command line utility is described that overlays the management infrastructure of an enterprise to provide easier command options for administrators to effectively manage the enterprise. The primary intent of the command line utility is to facilitate management of the environment without requiring administrators to write scripts or navigate a vast schematized enterprise exposed through the management infrastructure. The command line utility provides command options through class aliases that enable the mapping of management queries and operations to a common term or friendly name that can be extended both in an alias file or at run time in the command line.

Mechanism for obtaining and applying constraints to constructs within an interactive environment

The present mechanism obtains constraints within an interactive environment, associates these constraints with constructs, and then applies these constraints to the constructs when encountering the constructs. The constraints may be saved in metadata associated with the respective construct. The constraints may specify a data type for the construct, a predicate directive, a documentation directive, a parsing directive, a data generation directive, a data validation directive, or an object processing and encoding directive. The constraints are extendable to support other directives. The mechanism allows interactive users to easily specify constraints interactively.

Mechanism for handling input parameters

The present mechanism provides a grammar for specifying required prerequisites (e.g., number and type of input parameters) that an object must possess in order for processing to occur on the object. The mechanism allows programmers and non-programmers to easily specify these prerequisites. The prerequisites may be associated directly or indirectly with a data structure. For a direct specification, the data structure comprises a parameter declaration for each expected input parameter. For an indirect specification, the data structure comprises a parameter definition that references an external description, such as in an XML document. The data structure also providing a mechanism that identifies a corresponding parameter within an input source for each expected input parameter based on its declaration. The mechanism further populates each expected input parameter with information associated with the corresponding parameter when the data structure becomes instantiated into an object. The mechanism ...

Runtime polymorphism

Runtime polymorphism may be enabled with metadata that is usable for casting objects to casted objects. In an exemplary media implementation, processor-executable instructions cause operations including: discover at least one type of an object while in a runtime environment; and create a casted object from the object by casting the object to the casted object using metadata. An exemplary computing device implementation includes: one or more processors; and one or more media in operative communication therewith, the one or more media including: an object of a first type; metadata that is capable of being used to cast unknown objects in a runtime environment; and processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform an action including: casting the object of the first type to a casted object of a second type using the metadata in the runtime environment, the first type differing from the second type.

Direct Access of Language Metadata

Method and system for direct access of language metadata are disclosed. In an implementation, the method includes receiving commands from a user to modify language metadata of a programming language. The metadata is modified based on the command and the modified metadata is utilized as a feature in the programming language at runtime.

Automatic transcoding and semantic adaptation between scripting and workflow systems

A workflow scripting system is described herein that combines the features of workflows and scripts by automatically translating between the two models. Using the system, a script author can create workflows on the fly using familiar scripting language, and a workflow author can use scripting steps to perform actions. Workflows run in this manner can be setup to execute in their own process to improve robustness or efficiency. Operations in an enterprise environment frequently take a long time and are subject to interruptions. By adding reliability concepts of workflows to a shell environment, users of the system can write scripts to address common needs of large-scale computing environments. Thus, the workflow scripting system blends the available resources provided by workflow and scripting environments to provide a host of powerful, advanced capabilities to IT personnel.

Script-based object adaptation

The adaptation of at least a portion of an object provided by a previous script component to a subsequent script component, despite the subsequent component being incapable of recognizing a format of the at least a portion of the object as provided by the previous component. The previous component generates an object having a property. Adaptation script identifies adaptation(s) to perform on the property prior to being used by the subsequent component. The adaptation is performed, and the adapted property is then used by the subsequent component.

Common software activity status representation

Described herein are technologies directed towards providing a common mechanism for tracking the activity status of one or more software actions of a computer system. Furthermore, the described technologies facilitate managing the presentation of the tracked activity status of individual actions and/or of a collection of such actions.

Extensible security architecture for an interpretive environment

The Techniques and Mechanisms Described Herein are Directed to an Extensible security architecture that provides a security mechanism for minimizing security problems within interpretive environments. The extensible security architecture comprises a script engine configured to process a script and a security manager configured to monitor the processing of the script based on a security policy. The security manager determines whether to open an assembly associated with a command within the script, whether to process the command, whether to allow certain input to the command, and the like. The security policy may be implemented by overriding one or more methods of a base security class that are called when processing the script. The input may be an object passed via an object-based pipeline.

Analyzing interpretable code for harm potential

Computerized facilitation of an assessment of risk associated with running interpretable code. The interpretable code under evaluation is parsed to identify a command unit within the interpretable code. One or more risk factors associated with the identified command unit is then identified using the parsed code. A report is then made of including identification of the command unit found the interpretable code along with the identified associated one or more risk factors. Thus, a user need not have to read and evaluate the interpretable code itself, but may instead review the much less complex report to evaluate the risks associated with running the interpretable code.

Declarative Configuration Elements

Systems and methods for desired state configuration (DSC) are disclosed. DSC provides the ability to perform declarative configuration natively within a shell language and to use early-bound schematized data constructs embedded in a late-bound shell language. This allows declarative programming elements to be incorporated into imperative languages, such as scripts for configuration management. Script may combine the power of an imperative shell language with the ease of use of a declarative language and may use both imperative and declarative syntax in the same language. 1. A computer-implemented method , comprising:receiving first code for a late-bound language comprising one or more imperative constructs, the first code further comprising one or more declarative constructs defining early-bound schematized data constructs; andcompiling the first code to generate machine-readable second code, the second code comprising configuration instructions for a managed node.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the declarative constructs define a set of resource definitions for a specific configuration context.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the declarative constructs are identified by a dynamic keyword in the first code.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the declarative constructs in the first code defining resources that are valid for a designated region of the first code.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first code is written in a management automation language or a shell language.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second code defines a desired state for one or more resources on the managed node.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second code is a managed object format (MOF) file.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:validating the second code prior to deployment on the managed node.9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:validating the second code against a set of rules to identify configuration errors.10. The method of claim 1 , further ...

System and method for employing object-based pipelines

The present invention is directed at a computing environment and method that supports object-based pipelines. The computing environment includes a runtime shell, a parser, and base commands. The runtime shell receives an object-based pipeline (e.g., via a command line). The runtime shell sends the object-based pipeline to the parser that parses the object-based pipeline into pipeline sub-components. Each of the pipeline sub-components are associated with a command, such as a base command provided by an operating system or a third party command provided by a third party developer. The parser invokes a method that is associated with the first pipeline sub-component. The method obtains objects of interest from a specified input (e.g., XML). The objects are sent to subsequent pipeline sub-components for further processing. The pipeline sub-components may execute in the same process.

INCREMENTALLY MANAGING DISTRIBUTED CONFIGURATION DATA

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive. 1. A computer system that more efficiently collects and manages configuration data , the computer system comprising:one or more processors; and generate a main configuration data model for a system, the main configuration data model at least describing what configuration information to collect from the system and how to format the configuration information for storage and analysis;', 'partition the main configuration data model into one or more logical sub-models, the one or more logical sub-models being included in a hierarchy beneath the main configuration data model, wherein each of the one or more logical sub-models describes how to collect a sub-portion of the configuration information such that as a whole, a combination of all of the one or more sub-models describes how to collect all of the configuration information;', 'using the one or more logical sub-models, collect the configuration information from the system; and', 'compare the collected configuration information to a ...

Declarative configuration elements

Systems and methods for desired state configuration (DSC) are disclosed. DSC provides the ability to perform declarative configuration natively within a shell language and to use early-bound schematized data constructs embedded in a late-bound shell language. This allows declarative programming elements to be incorporated into imperative languages, such as scripts for configuration management. Script may combine the power of an imperative shell language with the ease of use of a declarative language and may use both imperative and declarative syntax in the same language.

Incrementally managing distributed configuration data

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive.

INCREMENTALLY MANAGING DISTRIBUTED CONFIGURATION DATA

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive ...

Mechanism for providing extended functionality to command line instructions

The present mechanism allows commands entered on a command line in a command line operating environment the ability to execute in a first execution mode or an alternate execution mode. The command is executed in the alternate execution mode if the command includes an instruction to execute in the alternate execution mode. The alternate execution mode is provided by the operating environment and provides extended functionality to the command. The alternate execution mode may visually display results of executing the command, visually display simulated results of executing the command, prompt for verification before executing the command, may perform a security check to determine whether a user requesting the execution has sufficient privileges to execute the command, and the like.

Computer system events interface

A computer system events interface is described. In embodiment(s), the computer system events interface includes event indicators that each indicate a past computer event. An event indicator is selectable to initiate an information display pertaining to a corresponding past computer event. The computer system events interface can also include additional event indicators that each indicate a future computer event. An additional event indicator is selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which a corresponding future computer event can be modified. The computer system events interface can also include current event indicators that each indicate a current computer event. A current event indicator is also selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which corresponding current computer events can be modified.

Mechanism for providing data driven command line output

The present mechanism provides a data driven command line output within an environment that supports a pipeline of object-based commands. Each object-based command inputs a parseable object for processing and outputs another parseable object for subsequent command processing. The parseable objects do not have methods. The mechanism is operative to direct formatting and subsequent processing of the commands based on a type of the incoming parseable object. Format information is obtained for the type, such as shape, properties to display, and the like. The format information may be specified within an XML-based document. The mechanism utilizes one or more output processing it commands, such as format commands, markup commands, convert commands, transform commands, and out commands. These output processing commands may be arranged within the pipeline in various ways to achieve the desired output results.

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The input objects are not live objects. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

Computer system events interface

An events interface is described, and the events interface includes event sequences that indicate software application events that occur in relation to each other along an adjustable continuum. Each of the event sequences corresponds to a software application that is executable on one or more computer devices, such as a hosted application by the computer devices, where modules of the software are each executable on the computer devices. The events interface also includes past event indicators along the event sequences that each present as a past software application event that occurred on at least one of the computer devices.

Computer system events interface

A computer system events interface is described. In embodiment(s), the computer system events interface includes event indicators that each indicate a past computer event. An event indicator is selectable to initiate an information display pertaining to a corresponding past computer event. The computer system events interface can also include additional event indicators that each indicate a future computer event. An additional event indicator is selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which a corresponding future computer event can be modified. The computer system events interface can also include current event indicators that each indicate a current computer event. A current event indicator is also selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which corresponding current computer events can be modified.

System and related methods for accessing management functionality through a command line utility

A command line utility is described that overlays the management infrastructure of an enterprise to provide easier command options for administrators to effectively manage the enterprise. The primary intent of the command line utility is to facilitate management of the environment without requiring administrators to write scripts or navigate a vast schematized enterprise exposed through the management infrastructure. The command line utility provides command options through class aliases that enable the mapping of management queries and operations to a common term or friendly name that can be extended both in an alias file or at run time in the command line.

Common Software Activity Status Representation

Described herein are technologies directed towards providing a common mechanism for tracking the activity status of one or more software actions of a computer system. Furthermore, the described technologies facilitate managing the presentation of the tracked activity status of individual actions and/or of a collection of such actions.

Remote system administration using command line environment

A command line environment is configured to receive a command line that implicates a plurality of remote nodes. The command line environment is configured to establish a session, which may be persistent, to each implicated remote node, and to initiate execution of the remote command on those nodes. The session may be assigned to a variable, and the remote execution may be performed concurrently. Results of the remote execution are received and may be aggregated into an array. The command line environment may distribute the task of establishing sessions to other systems to improve performance.

Mechanism for providing data driven command line output

The present mechanism provides a data driven command line output within an environment that supports a pipeline of object-based commands. Each object-based command inputs a parseable object for processing and outputs another parseable object for subsequent command processing. The mechanism is operative to direct formatting and subsequent processing of the commands based on a type of the incoming parseable object. Format information is obtained for the type, such as shape, properties to display, and the like. The format information may be specified within an XML-based document. The mechanism utilizes one or more output processing commands, such as format commands, markup commands, convert commands, transform commands, and out commands. These output processing commands may be arranged within the pipeline in various ways to achieve the desired output results.

System and method for providing a server control interface

A method and system for providing a computing device control interface are provided. A system administrator accesses a graphical user interface and selects a group of actions that are to be executed by a number of computing devices. The actions selected by the system administrator are embodied in a graphical action icon and displayed on the graphical user interface. The system administrator initiates the actions by manipulating the action icon such that it overlaps a computer icon, which embodies one or more computing devices within the network that will execute the selected actions. The computing device icon is also displayed on the user interface. The user interface executes the selected action on the selected computer and then generates an archive file embodying the execution of the selected actions on the selected group of computing devices.

Scope-Constrained Specification Of Features In A Programming Language

A method for scope-constrained specification of features in programming language is disclosed. In an implementation, the method includes modifying a parse tree of a grammar to allow registering of new nodes in the parse tree. A correct node to be utilized for the parse tree is determined and an output program is generated based on the correct node.

COMMAND LINE TRANSACTIONS

A computer system with a command shell that supports execution of commands within transactions. The command shell responds to commands that start, complete or undo transactions. To support transactions, the command shell may maintain and provide transaction state information. The command shell may interact with a transaction manager that interfaces with resource managers that process transacted instructions within transacted task modules to commit or roll back transacted instructions from those task modules based on transaction state information maintained by the shell. Parameters associated with commands can control behavior in association with transaction process, including supporting nesting transactions and non-nested transactions and bypassing transacted processing in some instances of a command.

Common software activity status representation

Described herein are technologies directed towards providing a common mechanism for tracking the activity status of one or more software actions of a computer system. Furthermore, the described technologies facilitate managing the presentation of the tracked activity status of individual actions and/or of a collection of such actions.

Reflection-based processing of input parameters for commands

The present invention is directed at a reflection-based shell that provides reflection-based processing of input parameters for a command. The reflection-based processing includes parsing, data generation, data validation, object encoding, object processing, documentation, and the like. The reflection-based shell provides a mechanism for specifying a grammar for the input parameters using a class. The method includes receiving a parsable stream that includes a command and at least one parameter. Retrieving definitional information that describes an expected parameter for the command. Using the definitional information to create an object for storing the at least one parameter in a format in accordance with the description of the expected parameters. Passing the object to the command.

INCREMENTALLY MANAGING DISTRIBUTED CONFIGURATION DATA

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive. 1. A computer-implemented method for collecting configuration data from one or more sources , the method comprising:beginning a parallel process of collecting configuration data from a configuration model from multiple identified sub-models and identified sources in a target network concurrently;creating a partitioned configuration result store for a selected sub-model and source;invoking the selected sub-model against the selected source to collect configuration data related to the selected sub-model stored at the selected source;receiving at a repository server configuration data from the selected sub-model and source based upon one or more requests defined within the selected sub-model; andstoring the received configuration data in the created partitioned configuration result store for the selected sub-model and source,wherein the preceding steps are performed by at least one processor.2. The method of wherein the configuration model is a hierarchical configuration model.3. The ...

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The input objects are not live objects. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

INCREMENTALLY MANAGING DISTRIBUTED CONFIGURATION DATA

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive. 1. A computer-implemented method for collecting configuration data from one or more sources , the method comprising:beginning a parallel process of collecting configuration data from a configuration model from multiple identified sub-models and identified sources in a target network concurrently;creating a partitioned configuration result store for a selected sub-model and source;invoking the selected sub-model against the selected source to collect configuration data related to the selected sub-model stored at the selected source;receiving at a repository server configuration data from the selected sub-model and source based upon one or more requests defined within the selected sub-model; andstoring the received configuration data in the created partitioned configuration result store for the selected sub-model and source,wherein the preceding steps are performed by at least one processor.2. The method of wherein the configuration model is a hierarchical configuration model.3. The ...

System and method for persisting error information in a command line environment

In a command line environment, an error object is used to store information about each occurrence of an error during processing of a command-line instruction. In an object-based command line environment, each command in a complex command-line instruction stores sufficient information in the error object to completely describe the error. That information may be later used either by subsequent commands or in conjunction with another command-line instruction to further process the unprocessed resources.

External configuration of processing content for script

Script is accessed and interpreted to identify an executable component. Processing context configuration files may then be used to identify an appropriate processing context for the identified executable component. Examples of processing context include, but are not limited to, a process in which the identified executable component is to run, one or more adaptations to perform on the component prior to running, and/or a security context in which to run the component. Processing context thus need not be specified in the actual script itself. The identified components may then be executed in the identified processing context.

Direct access of language metadata

Method and system for direct access of language metadata are disclosed. In an implementation, the method includes receiving commands from a user to modify language metadata of a programming language. The metadata is modified based on the command and the modified metadata is utilized as a feature in the programming language at runtime.

AUTOMATIC TRANSCODING AND SEMANTIC ADAPTATION BETWEEN SCRIPTING AND WORKFLOW SYSTEMS

A workflow scripting system is described herein that combines the features of workflows and scripts by automatically translating between the two models. Using the system, a script author can create workflows on the fly using familiar scripting language, and a workflow author can use scripting steps to perform actions. Workflows run in this manner can be setup to execute in their own process to improve robustness or efficiency. Operations in an enterprise environment frequently take a long time and are subject to interruptions. By adding reliability concepts of workflows to a shell environment, users of the system can write scripts to address common needs of large-scale computing environments. Thus, the workflow scripting system blends the available resources provided by workflow and scripting environments to provide a host of powerful, advanced capabilities to IT personnel. 1. A computer-implemented method to process workflow-related commands received in a scripting environment , the method comprising:receiving a workflow-related command within a scripting environment;identifying a workflow associated with the received command;translating the received workflow-related scripting command into one or more workflow operations recognized by a workflow host;providing the translated workflow operation to the workflow host to carry out the received workflow-related command; andreceiving an operation result from the workflow host in response to the provided operation, wherein the preceding steps are performed by at least one processor.2. The method of wherein receiving a workflow-related command comprises determining that the command includes a keyword that is a member of a predefined list of workflow commands or provides other information identifying that the command is a workflow-related command.3. The method of wherein receiving a workflow-related command comprises determining that the command identifies a previously created workflow.4. The method of wherein identifying ...

Declarative configuration elements

Systems and methods for desired state configuration (DSC) are disclosed. DSC provides the ability to perform declarative configuration natively within a shell language and to use early-bound schematized data constructs embedded in a late-bound shell language. This allows declarative programming elements to be incorporated into imperative languages, such as scripts for configuration management. Script may combine the power of an imperative shell language with the ease of use of a declarative language and may use both imperative and declarative syntax in the same language.

Mechanism for providing data driven command line output

The present mechanism provides a data driven command line output within an environment that supports a pipeline of object-based commands. Each object-based command inputs a parseable object for processing and outputs another parseable object for subsequent command processing. The mechanism is operative to direct formatting and subsequent processing of the commands based on a type of the incoming parseable object. Format information is obtained for the type, such as shape, properties to display, and the like. The format information may be specified within an XML-based document. The mechanism utilizes one or more output processing commands, such as format commands, markup commands, convert commands, transform commands, and out commands. These output processing commands may be arranged within the pipeline in various ways to achieve the desired output results.

Remote system administration using command line environment

A computing environment (100) that benefits from the mechanisms and techniques described in conjunction with the present invention. Illustrated are several computing systems connected over a network (110). More particularly, the network (110) connects an “administrator” (112) computing system to several remote computing systems (e.g., Remote (A 120), Remote (B 121), and Remote (C 122). The several computing systems may be parts of an enterprise network or any other administered network environment. The remote computing system may be physically located anywhere. The administrator (112) is a computing system used by a system administrator or the like to maitain the computing environment (100). In other words, the administrator (112) runs commands and performs tasks that may query the stems or state of other computing systems in the computing environment, and make changes to one or more of the other computing systems. The administrator (112) may also query or alter the state of the network (110).

Remote system administration using a command line environment

Un procedimiento que comprende las etapas de: recibir (401) una instrucción de línea de comandos que incluye un comando remoto para ser ejecutado de manera remota en al menos dos sistemas (302, 303, 304) remotos de una red (301) distribuida de dispositivos informáticos, incluyendo la red distribuida una disposición jerárquica con un primer nivel de dispositivos (310) informáticos, controlando cada uno un grupo de dispositivos (312) secundarios, estando los al menos dos sistemas remotos en un grupo de dispositivos informáticos secundarios; iniciar (405) una sesión, en el que la sesión incluye unas conexiones separadas a cada uno de los al menos dos sistemas remotos, en el que dicha sesión es asignada a una variable de entorno, y en el que dicha sesión se inicia como una sesión persistente que está disponible para ejecutar los comandos remotos posteriores; hacer (407) que el comando remoto se ejecute en cada uno de los al menos dos sistemas remotos; recibir una segunda instrucción de línea de comandos que incluye un segundo comando remoto; y hacer que el segundo comando remoto se ejecute en cada uno de los al menos dos sistemas remotos que usan la sesión, usándose la sesión haciendo referencia a la variable de entorno; en el que hacer que el comando remoto se ejecute comprende emitir el comando remoto a cada dispositivo informático en el primer nivel (310) con instrucciones adicionales para hacer que el comando remoto se ejecute en cada uno de sus secundarios (312) o en cualquiera de sus secundarios que están en un conjunto identificado de sistemas remotos afectados. A method comprising the steps of: receiving (401) a command line instruction that includes a remote command to be executed remotely on at least two remote systems (302, 303, 304) of a distributed network (301) of computing devices, including the distributed network a hierarchical arrangement with a first level of computing devices (310), each controlling a group of secondary devices (312), the at least ...

Mechanism for analyzing partially unresolved input

The present mechanism provides various capabilities for resolving strings within a command string. The present mechanism operates within an interactive operating environment by receiving a plurality of strings. For any string this is partially resolved, the mechanism initiates analysis for completely resolving the string. The mechanisms support wildcarding, property sets, relations, conversions, property paths, extended types, data type coercing, and the like.

Remote system administration using command line environment

System and method for employing object-based pipelines

The present invention is directed at a computing environment and method that supports object-based pipelines. The computing environment includes a runtime shell, a parser, and base commands. The runtime shell receives an object-based pipeline (e.g., via a command line). The runtime shell sends the object-based pipeline to the parser that parses the object-based pipeline into pipeline sub-components. Each of the pipeline sub-components are associated with a command, such as a base command provided by an operating system or a third party command provided by a third party developer. The parser invokes a method that is associated with the first pipeline subcomponent. The method obtains objects of interest from a specified input (e.g., XML). The objects are sent to subsequent pipeline sub-components for further processing. The pipeline sub-components may execute in the same process.

Mechanism for providing extended functionality to command line instructions

The present mechanism allows commands entered on a command line in a command line operating environment the ability to execute in a first execution mode or an alternate execution mode. The command is executed in the alternate execution mode if the command includes an instruction to execute in the alternate execution mode. The alternate execution mode is provided by the operating environment and provides extended functionality to the command. The alternate execution mode may visually display results of executing the command, visually display simulated results of executing the command, prompt for verification before executing the command, may perform a security check to determine whether a user requesting the execution has sufficient privileges to execute the command, and the like.

Mechanism for providing extended functionality to command line instructions

The present mechanism allows commands entered on a command line in a command line operating environment the ability to execute in a first execution mode or an alternate execution mode. The command is executed in the alternate execution mode if the command includes an instruction to execute in the alternate execution mode. The alternate execution mode is provided by the operating environment and provides extended functionality to the command. The alternate execution mode may visually display results of executing the command, visually display simulated results of executing the command, prompt for verification before executing the command, may perform a security check to determine whether a user requesting the execution has sufficient privileges to execute the command, and the like.

Remote system administration using command line environment

A computing environment (100) that benefits from the mechanisms and techniques described in conjunction with the present invention. Illustrated are several computing systems connected over a network (110). More particularly, the network (110) connects an “administrator” (112) computing system to several remote computing systems (e.g., Remote (A 120), Remote (B 121), and Remote (C 122). The several computing systems may be parts of an enterprise network or any other administered network environment. The remote computing system may be physically located anywhere. The administrator (112) is a computing system used by a system administrator or the like to maitain the computing environment (100). In other words, the administrator (112) runs commands and performs tasks that may query the stems or state of other computing systems in the computing environment, and make changes to one or more of the other computing systems. The administrator (112) may also query or alter the state of the network (110).

Remote system administration using command line environment

Mechanism for obtaining and applying constraints to constructs within an interactive environment

The present mechanism obtains constraints within an interactive environment, associates these constraints with constructs, and then applies these constraints to the constructs when encountering the constructs. The constraints may be saved in metadata associated with the respective construct. The constraints may specify a data type for the construct, a predicate directive, a documentation directive, a parsing directive, a data generation directive, a data validation directive, or an object processing and encoding directive. The constraints are extendable to support other directives. The mechanism allows interactive users to easily specify constraints interactively.

Compile-time interpretable code error detection

The facilitation of error detection in interpretable code prior to run-time of the interpretable code. Upon accessing an interpretable command, corresponding structural rules for the interpretable command are used to automatically formulate a compilable linkable representation of the interpretable command that conforms to the construction rules. Source code may then be formulated that, when compiled, is linked to the compilable linkable representation of the interpretable command. If there are compilation errors, those errors may be discovered at compilation-time, rather than waiting until run-time. On the other hand, if there are no compilation errors, the compiled object may be executed to thereby invoke the interpretable command.

External configuration of processing content for script

Script is accessed and interpreted to identify an executable component. Processing context configuration files may then be used to identify an appropriate processing context for the identified executable component. Examples of processing context include, but are not limited to, a process in which the identified executable component is to run, one or more adaptations to perform on the component prior to running, and/or a security context in which to run the component. Processing context thus need not be specified in the actual script itself. The identified components may then be executed in the identified processing context.

Runtime Polymorphism

The media contains modules that are executed by a computing device so as to perform casting of an object of a type e.g. type 1 into an object of another type e.g. type 2, using the metadata in the runtime environment. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) type casting method; and (2) computing device.

External configuration of processing content for script

Script is accessed and interpreted to identify an executable component. Processing context configuration files may then be used to identify an appropriate processing context for the identified executable component. Examples of processing context include, but are not limited to, a process in which the identified executable component is to run, one or more adaptations to perform on the component prior to running, and/or a security context in which to run the component. Processing context thus need not be specified in the actual script itself. The identified components may then be executed in the identified processing context.

Incrementally managing distributed configuration data

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive.

Command-line data-type discovery and conversion

Systems and/or methods are presented that may be used to enable operation of a command line having an upstream command and a downstream command where the upstream command may output data of a type that may be unacceptable as input to the downstream command.

Remote system administration using command line environment

A command line environment is configured to receive a command line that implicates a plurality of remote nodes. The command line environment is configured to establish a session, which may be persistent, to each implicated remote node, and to initiate execution of the remote command on those nodes. The session may be assigned to a variable, and the remote execution may be performed concurrently. Results of the remote execution are received and may be aggregated into an array. The command line environment may distribute the task of establishing sessions to other systems to improve performance.

Client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request

Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request. For instance, the resource request initially may be directed to a machine that stores the resource (i.e., a resource machine). A resource access agent may redirect the resource request to a client device for purposes of fulfillment. For example, the resource access agent may intercept the resource request before the resource request reaches the resource machine and/or before the resource machine takes action with respect to the resource request. Such client-assisted fulfillment may (or may not) be provided in a single sign-on environment. A single sign-on environment is an environment in which multiple distinct software systems are accessible to a user based on a single authentication of the user.

Polymorphismus zur laufzeit

コマンドラインデータ型の検出および変換

【課題】コマンドラインデータ型の検出および変換を提供すること。 【解決手段】アップストリームコマンドとダウンストリームコマンドを有し、アップストリームコマンドが、ダウンストリームコマンドの入力として受け入れられない可能性がある型のデータを出力することができるコマンドラインの動作を可能にするために使用できるシステムおよび／または方法が提示される。 【選択図】図２

Client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request

Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request. For instance, the resource request initially may be directed to a machine that stores the resource (i.e., a resource machine). A resource access agent may redirect the resource request to a client device for purposes of fulfillment. For example, the resource access agent may intercept the resource request before the resource request reaches the resource machine and/or before the resource machine takes action with respect to the resource request. Such client-assisted fulfillment may (or may not) be provided in a single sign-on environment. A single sign-on environment is an environment in which multiple distinct software systems are accessible to a user based on a single authentication of the user.

Computer system events interface

A computer system events interface is described. In embodiment(s), the computer system events interface includes event indicators that each indicate a past computer event. An event indicator is selectable to initiate an information display pertaining to a corresponding past computer event. The computer system events interface can also include additional event indicators that each indicate a future computer event. An additional event indicator is selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which a corresponding future computer event can be modified. The computer system events interface can also include current event indicators that each indicate a current computer event. A current event indicator is also selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which corresponding current computer events can be modified.

Computer system events interface

A computer system events interface is described. In embodiment(s), the computer system events interface includes event indicators that each indicate a past computer event. An event indicator is selectable to initiate an information display pertaining to a corresponding past computer event. The computer system events interface can also include additional event indicators that each indicate a future computer event. An additional event indicator is selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which a corresponding future computer event can be modified. The computer system events interface can also include current event indicators that each indicate a current computer event. A current event indicator is also selectable to initiate a configuration interface from which corresponding current computer events can be modified.

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps (item 1605 of fig. 16) user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps (item 1605 of fig. 16) user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

Administrative tool environment

In an administrative tool environment, user input is supplied to an administrative tool framework for processing. The administrative tool framework maps (item 1605 of fig. 16) user input to cmdlet objects. The cmdlet objects describe a grammar for parsing the user input and input objects to obtain expected input parameters. The input objects are emitted by one cmdlet and are available as input to another cmdlet. The input objects may be any precisely parseable input, such as .NET objects, plain strings, XML documents, and the like. The cmdlets may operate within the same process. Alternatively, one cmdlet may operate locally while another cmdlet operates remotely. The cmdlets may be provided by the administrative tool framework or may be provided by third party developers. The user input may be supplied to the framework via a host cmdlet.

Analyzing interpretable code for harm potential

Computerized facilitation of an assessment of risk associated with running interpretable code. The interpretable code under evaluation is parsed to identify a command unit within the interpretable code. One or more risk factors associated with the identified command unit is then identified using the parsed code. A report is then made of including identification of the command unit found the interpretable code along with the identified associated one or more risk factors. Thus, a user need not have to read and evaluate the interpretable code itself, but may instead review the much less complex report to evaluate the risks associated with running the interpretable code.

Direct access of language metadata

Method and system for direct access of language metadata are disclosed. In an implementation, the method includes receiving commands from a user to modify language metadata of a programming language. The metadata is modified based on the command and the modified metadata is utilized as a feature in the programming language at runtime.

実行時多態性

【課題】 実行時多態性を可能にすること。 【解決手段】 オブジェクトを被キャストオブジェクトにキャストするために使用可能なメタデータにより実行時多態性を可能にする。プロセッサ実行可能命令がランタイム環境にある間に少なくとも１つの型のオブジェクトを発見し、メタデータを使用してそのオブジェクトを被キャストオブジェクトにキャストすることによりそのオブジェクトから被キャストオブジェクトを作成する。装置の実施例では、プロセッサおよびそれと動作上の通信をする媒体を含み、その媒体は第１の型のオブジェクトと、ランタイム環境で未知のオブジェクトをキャストするために使用することのできるメタデータと、実行されると当該プロセッサに次の動作を行わせるプロセッサ実行可能命令とを含む。この動作は、ランタイム環境でメタデータを使用して第１の型のオブジェクトを第１の型とは異なる第２の型の被キャストオブジェクトにキャストする。 【選択図】 図１

Runtime Polymorphism

The media contains modules that are executed by a computing device so as to perform casting of an object of a type e.g. type 1 into an object of another type e.g. type 2, using the metadata in the runtime environment. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) type casting method; and (2) computing device.

Analyzing interpretable code for harm potential

Computerized facilitation of an assessment of risk associated with running interpretable code. The interpretable code under evaluation is parsed to identify a command unit within the interpretable code. One or more risk factors associated with the identified command unit is then identified using the parsed code. A report is then made of including identification of the command unit found the interpretable code along with the identified associated one or more risk factors. Thus, a user need not have to read and evaluate the interpretable code itself, but may instead review the much less complex report to evaluate the risks associated with running the interpretable code.

Client-assisted fulfillment of a resource request

Incrementally managing distributed configuration data

A configuration management system provides a partitioned data model for collecting and representing configuration information from a diverse set of sources to allow easier modeling of very large, highly redundant sets of enterprise configuration information. The system partitions large configuration schema into logical subcomponents that can be combined, shared, and reused. The system also partitions instantiated data models into logical sub-models that can be combined, shared, reused, and incrementally updated. Each product team can provide its own configuration schema, which allows the domain experts in a particular field to provide reusable models for their products. These models may include sub-models that allow reuse of selected portions of the configuration schema. When the system stores data related to each portion of the model, it stores the data in a partitioned manner that makes incremental updates of each component of the model more straightforward and less resource intensive.

External configuration of processing content for script

Script is accessed and interpreted to identify an executable component. Processing context configuration files may then be used to identify an appropriate processing context for the identified executable component. Examples of processing context include, but are not limited to, a process in which the identified executable component is to run, one or more adaptations to perform on the component prior to running, and/or a security context in which to run the component. Processing context thus need not be specified in the actual script itself. The identified components may then be executed in the identified processing context.

External configuration of processing content for script

External configuration of processing content for script

Script is accessed and interpreted to identify an executable component. Processing context configuration files may then be used to identify an appropriate processing context for the identified executable component. Examples of processing context include, but are not limited to, a process in which the identified executable component is to run, one or more adaptations to perform on the component prior to running, and/or a security context in which to run the component. Processing context thus need not be specified in the actual script itself. The identified components may then be executed in the identified processing context.