Christopher Paul Conrad

US Patent:

20080281904, Nov 13, 2008

Filed:

May 11, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/801881

Inventors:

Christopher L. Conrad - Fremont CA, US
Christopher James Clarke - Milpitas CA, US
Michael K. Rudolph - Belmont CA, US

International Classification:

G06F 17/30
G06F 15/16
G06Q 10/00

US Classification:

709203, 705 8, 707 3, 707E17108

Abstract:

Embodiments of a service listing system for open source software projects are described. A plurality of available open source projects are stored in a centralized or distributed database system. Each open source project comprises one or more software programs. Third party support and maintenance services may be provided by third parties service providers. The service listing system associates one or more service listings from service providers with appropriate open source projects. The service listing includes contact information for the service provider, and a schedule of provided services and products, and fees, if applicable. Service listings can be associated with projects based on a specific identification of projects or a definition of categories or types of projects. The system includes an integrated search engine that allows project users to find services based on specific projects or specific services that are available. A rating and certification system allows users to rate service providers and provide feedback that can be used by other potential users of the service provider.