Methods and apparatus for deploying a generic application engine in a browser program executing on a client platform are described. As a method, an application engine kernel is formed in the browser program that is independent of the client platform and the browser program concurrently with loading user interface (UI) components and corresponding data components associated with the application engine. A minimum required subset of application engine components are then loaded by the kernel in order to process any initial user requests.

Methods and arrangements for facilitating the integration of devices, such as hardware components, with a computer operating system or the like. Contemplated herein are self-describing devices that serve to eliminate one or more intermediate steps commonly encountered heretofore.

A method and apparatus for automatically installing a target application module and de-installing the target application module if it fails to execute or function properly is described. In one embodiment, the method includes determining whether a shared resource exists on a target media, and, if the shared resource exists, determining whether the application module functioned properly on the target media, and automatically de-installing the application module if the application module failed to function properly.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dynamically loading and managing software services on a network device. A service environment ported to the network device includes a service environment kernel and a virtual machine. The service environment kernel continually operates on the network device and manages the downloading of services from a remote location onto the network device. In accordance with a request from a remote client such as a network manager, the service environment kernel causes instructions corresponding to the downloaded service to be provided to the virtual machine for execution on the network device. Associated with the service are service relationships. The service environment kernel manages these relationships by maintaining a registry of services and their dependencies on other services. The service environment kernel also controls the execution of services in accordance with the service relationships.

Method and apparatus for dynamic instrumentation of an executable application program. The application program includes a plurality of functions, each function having an entry point and an endpoint. When the application is executed, a shared memory segment is created for an instrumentation program and the application program. Upon initial invocation of the original functions in the application program, corresponding substitute functions are created in the shared memory segment, the substitute versions including instrumentation code. Thereafter, the substitute functions are executed in lieu of the original functions in the application program.