Hardware/Software Capability Rating System

Abstract

Techniques and tools for rating computer products are described. For example, software ratings are based on subjective evaluations to determine computer system requirements for a positive user experience, while a computer running a capability tool rates a computer system's (or hardware component's) ability to run software. A capability rating for hardware is determined by comparing a set of features and performance results with capability rating requirements. In another aspect, a capability rating is communicated using a standardized presentation. In another aspect, capability rating level requirements are proposed (e.g., by a ratings board) and then finalized. A capability rating level is determined for computer products (e.g., by a testing organization) based on the finalized requirements and analysis of the products (e.g., by a computer running a capability tool). In another aspect, a software system comprises an inventory module, a performance testing module, and an inventory and performance evaluator module.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising:
 performing inventory of a computer system, wherein the performing inventory yields a set of computer system features; 
 testing performance of the computer system, wherein the testing yields performance results for the set of computer system features; 
 comparing the set of computer system features and the performance results with capability rating requirements, wherein the capability rating requirements comprise a required set of features and required performance criteria; and 
 determining a capability rating for the computer system based on the comparing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the performing inventory comprises performing inventory of hardware components in the computer system. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the performing inventory further comprises performing inventory of features of the hardware components. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , the operations further comprising assigning the capability rating to the hardware components. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the computer system comprises components, and wherein the capability rating is based on a lowest component rating among the components. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the capability rating for the computer system is operative as a standardized indicator for assessing capabilities provided by the computer system for executing one or more software applications. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the operations further comprising assigning the capability rating to the computer system. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the capability rating is an integer number. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , the operations further comprising presenting the capability rating in a standardized rating presentation. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the processor and memory comprise features of the computer system. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the capability rating is determined by a capability tool. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the capability tool is a software program obtained from a remote computer via a network. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the capability tool is a software program run from a remote computer via a web browser interface. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the capability rating requirements are obtained over a network from a database. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a graphical user interface coupled with the processor, the graphical user interface for displaying capability rating information. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the displayed capability rating information includes recommended computer system upgrade information. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the capability rating is associated with a vendor identifier for the computer system. 
     
     
         18 . Memory comprising executable instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising:
 performing inventory of a computer system, wherein the performing inventory yields a set of computer system features;   testing performance of the computer system, wherein the testing yields performance results for the set of computer system features;   comparing the set of computer system features and the performance results with capability rating requirements, wherein the capability rating requirements comprise a required set of features and required performance criteria; and   determining a capability rating for the computer system based on the comparing.   
     
     
         19 . A method comprising:
 performing inventory of a computer system, wherein the performing inventory yields a set of computer system features;   testing performance of the computer system, wherein the testing yields performance results for the set of computer system features;   comparing the set of computer system features and the performance results with capability rating requirements, wherein the capability rating requirements comprise a required set of features and required performance criteria; and   determining a capability rating for the computer system based on the comparing.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the performing inventory comprises performing inventory of hardware components in the computer system.