System and method for managing database files in a client management tool

Abstract

A system and method for managing database files in a client management tool are provided. A computer system utilizes a standardized format for storing and recalling client management data. To utilize data not stored in the standardized format, the client management tool accepts alternatively formatted database files and converts them to the standardized format. Additionally, the client management tool accepts inputs defining one or more correlations from a database file to the standardized format for converting. The client management tool also manipulates client management files to allow additional management data to be incorporated into the file.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display, a method of managing database files, the method comprising: 
 obtaining an indication that a database file having a first format is to be read; and    displaying a data entry point for receiving one or more correlations between the first database format and a second database file format.    
     
     
         22 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the displaying step includes displaying a graphical entry point for receiving textual scripts correlating the first database file format to the second database file format.  
     
     
         23 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the obtaining step includes displaying a textual representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         24 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the obtaining step includes displaying a textual and graphical representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         25 - 41 . (canceled)  
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 21 , further comprising manipulating an indicator in the database file to expand the database file.  
     
     
         43 . The method according to  claim 21 , further comprising receiving data to add to the database file.  
     
     
         44 . The method according to  claim 21 , further comprising moving an end-of-file indicator.  
     
     
         45 . In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display, a method of managing database files, the method comprising: 
 obtaining an indication that a database file having a first format is to be read, the database file storing client management data indicating at least one of performance monitoring data and capacity planning data associated with network clients; and    displaying a data entry point for receiving a selection of one or more correlations between the first database file format and a second database file format.    
     
     
         46 . The method as recited in  claim 45 , wherein displaying includes displaying a graphical entry point for receiving textual scripts correlating the first database file format to the second database file format.  
     
     
         47 . The method as recited in  claim 45 , wherein obtaining includes displaying a textual representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         48 . The method as recited in  claim 45 , wherein obtaining includes displaying a textual and graphical representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 45 , further comprising manipulating an indicator in the database file to expand the database file.  
     
     
         50 . The method according to  claim 45 , further comprising receiving data to add to the database file.  
     
     
         51 . The method according to  claim 45 , further comprising moving an end-of-file indicator.  
     
     
         52 . One or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of managing database files, the method comprising: 
 obtaining an indication that a database file having a first format is to be read, the database file storing client management data indicating at least one of performance monitoring data and capacity planning data associated with network clients and    displaying a data entry point for receiving a selection of one or more correlations between the first database file format and a second database file format.    
     
     
         53 . The method as recited in  claim 52 , wherein displaying includes displaying a graphical entry point for receiving textual scripts correlating the first database file format to the second database file format.  
     
     
         54 . The method as recited in  claim 52 , wherein obtaining includes displaying a textual representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         55 . The method as recited in  claim 52 , wherein obtaining includes displaying a textual and graphical representation of the database files for selection by a user.  
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 52 , further comprising manipulating an indicator in the database file to expand the database file.  
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 52 , further comprising receiving data to add to the file and moving an end-of-file indicator.