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The BackWeb* server provides for the management and delivery of updates using the BackWeb* server console. The BackWeb server console manages the delivery of InfoPaks from the server to the client. InfoPaks consist of screen savers, animated graphics, Java applets, Shockwave* animations and audio messages. The BackWeb server console allows the system administrator to create channels and then define InfoPaks for delivery. The console also sets properties such as version number, time of delivery, number of times to send an InfoPak, and so on. The BackWeb* server schedules and manages InfoPaks for delivery to the end-user client.

InfoPaks can also be targeted based on user preferences. The BackWeb* server can deliver InfoPaks based on criteria set up at user registration or stored in a database. This allows for custom delivery of information depending on the user’s interests. The BackWeb* server will deliver content based on channel criteria.

InfoPaks come in four forms: wallpapers, infoflashes, audio and screen savers. An InfoPak can contain any number of files, including executables. The size of the InfoPak can be quite large, although the BackWeb client allows the cache size to be limited by the user. InfoPaks are delivered when the client subscribes to the channel.

InfoPaks can be created using the Bali editor, which provides a basic scripting language for handling the notification and delivery of InfoPaks. The editor can design scripts that run Java applets* or call up Web sites on the Internet.

The following sample script runs a simple text animation announcing a special deal on software; when clicked it accesses the Web site for online ordering. This notification is a simple example of advertising in which the BackWeb InfoFlash* mechanism announces a special on a product.

Start {

set frameFile=default

set reference=midBottom

prepareText text=" HOT DEAL – Starship Madness AT 29.95"

sequence=0

font="Courier New" size=20 bold

fgColor=green transparent

accessWeb URL="http://134.134.148.117/softsuper/store.htm

onClick {

accessWeb URL="http://134.134.148.117/softsuper/store.htm

# TODO: Add more rectangles

}

animate from (-300,1000) to (500,1000) in 3 seconds

pause for 10 seconds

animate to (1300, 1000) in 3 seconds

}

Open {

}

Users can subscribe to BackWeb channels using the BackWeb client*. They can set up the size of the cache for downloading InfoPaks and define which types of InfoPaks to load as well as in what order. InfoPaks can also be launched automatically or selectively by the user. InfoPaks delivered to the client can be automatically deleted when set to expire by the server. InfoPaks can be delivered to the user without affecting Internet browsing.

The BackWeb client polls the BackWeb server for new InfoPaks. The BackWeb server downloads InfoPaks in the background when the user is connected to the Internet. The BackWeb server downloads InfoPaks only when the client’s Internet connection is idle. Downloads are transparent as new InfoPaks become available.

Marimba provides the Castanet tuner* for delivering push data to users. Castanet* channels can consist of software updates, HTML pages or Java applications. The basic Marimba solution consists of a transmitter, a tuner and a publisher. Marimba was primarily designed to deliver networked applications to the client. Castanet can be used as the primary push mechanism for delivering updates to Netcaster* channels. Marimba can deliver incremental updates to the software application, efficiently downloading only the changes that have been made in the application.

The Marimba Castanet* transmitter is relatively easy to set up. It requires setting up the simple directory where the channels are stored, the IP host address and port number, and a few other parameters. Once the channel is launched, the publisher is used to create content that can be fed into the transmitter. The transmitter is efficient because only modified files are sent across the network.

Marimba provides Bongo* for developing applications for the Castanet channels. Bongo creates presentations that are essentially the integration of GUI components and scripts into an application. The GUI components or widgets can be pulled into an application. Bongo provides a variety of widgets, such as menus, text, buttons, graphics, sounds and so on. These widgets can become a full-blown Java applications that can then be downloaded incrementally and broadcast using the Castanet transmitter.

The publisher sets the actual channel data that needs to be published through the transmitter. Publishing data can be as simple as specifying the directory where the data resides and then naming the channel. The publisher interfaces with the transmitter to send the data according to rules and parameters set in the publisher. The Marimba publisher *defines the HTML pages, Java applications and standard files to be transmitted over a Castanet* transmitter.

The client software allows the user to subscribe to channels and manage incoming data. Once they have subscribed, users can receive applications that are downloaded and can be launched automatically. Updates to the client can be determined by the author based on the content. Updates to the channels can come automatically or selectively by the user.

We have covered a variety of methods for managing multimedia assets. The method chosen depends on the application. Push technology is an important component of channels. Whether using BackWeb, Marimba, Internet Explorer, or Netcaster, push technology can enhance channels by delivering software updates and content to users across the Internet*. Users can subscribe to channels and set preferences for receiving content targeted to their interests. Users can then be sent notifications of live events and receive targeted advertising as well as the latest and greatest content. Data management of assets ultimately improves the entertainment value of a channel by providing the best possible video, audio or 3D graphics integrated transparently into an easy-to-use interface. Providing better quality and scaleable assets is important for channel developers, to ensure the success of channels.

*Other brands and names are the property of their respective owners.

© 1997 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

* Legal Information © 1998 Intel Corporation