Remote setup system and program

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a remote setup system and a program, and more particularly to a remote setup system and a program executed by a remote setup server that provide optimum software based on a user request and the specifications / environment of a client terminal.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

A method in which application data is downloaded to a client terminal via a network such as the Internet without using a magnetic recording medium or the like, and a user installs and sets up the application is widely used. Also, if the client terminal is made to send the version information and update date of the installed application and file, and the server side can provide the application and file with the newer version and update date, the server automatically performs. It is also widely practiced to send the latest programs. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-259519, each client that receives software update information from a server that automatically distributes software update information analyzes the software update information and identifies the software designated as the update target. In addition, a network system has been proposed that determines whether the software specified as the update target is in use, and if it is not in use, requests a download.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, the above-mentioned conventional method has the following problems.

【0004】

The first problem is that the user is required to have appropriate computer knowledge in order to install and set up the application. For example, since the application to be installed differs depending on the specifications and environment of the computer, the user has to find out the most suitable application for the computer by himself / herself. In addition, when a new operating system (hereinafter referred to as the OS) is introduced, or when the computer specifications and peripheral device environment at the time of purchase are changed, a particularly careful investigation is required.

【0005】

The second problem is that the fact that client terminals on the network are a mixture of old and new specifications is not taken into consideration. For example, if you connect to the above-mentioned automatic update server from a PC with old specifications, the latest application that does not match the specifications and environment will be automatically installed.

【0006】

Therefore, the subject of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and does not require the user to have appropriate computer knowledge, and each client terminal (including a PC (Personal Computer), a workstation, a mobile information terminal, a mobile phone, etc.). The purpose is to provide a remote setup system and a program that can provide an application suitable for the specifications and environment of.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

According to the present invention, which provides means for solving the above problems, a remote setup system for setting up software on a client terminal via a network, the client terminal, a group of software files, and each of the above files. A software database including a software management table that associates the configuration information of a matching computer with the address of the file, and a configuration information collection that collects the configuration information of the client terminal in response to access from the client terminal. The means, the request receiving means for transmitting the guidance content of the provided software to the client terminal, and receiving and responding to the setup request from the client terminal, the request contents of the client terminal, and the client terminal. A file selection means for selecting a matching file from the software management table based on the configuration information, and a setup processing means for transmitting the selected file to the client terminal to install and set up. And, a remote setup system characterized by being provided is provided.

【0008】

More preferably, the files stored in the software database include at least application files, driver files and component files, and the software management table is an operation that fits at least for each application file. Use the application file table associated with system information or processor ID, the driver file table associated with matching peripheral device information for each driver file, and the component file for each component file. The configuration information collecting means includes, at least, operating system information or processor information, peripheral device information, and installed as configuration information of the client terminal, including a component file table associated with application information to be used. Software information is collected, and the file selection means collates the configuration information of the client terminal with the application file table to select a matching application file, and the application selection means of the client terminal. A driver selection means for collating the configuration information with the driver file table to select a matching driver file, and collating the configuration information of the client terminal with the component file table to match the component. -Consists of component selection means for selecting files.

【0009】

Further, in the software management table, usage information of the software included in the file is stored in association with each file, and the guidance content of the software provided by the request receiving means and the client. It is assumed that the request content received from the terminal includes the usage information of the software, and the file selection means collates the usage information included in the request content of the client terminal with the usage information of the software management table and conforms to the request content. It would be more preferable if the file were to be selected.

【0010】

Further, it is assumed that the license information is stored in association with each file in the software management table, and the remote setup system includes means for limiting client terminals that allow remote setup based on the license information. If so, it will be more preferable from the viewpoint of license management.

【0011】

Further, it is preferable that the request receiving means and the setup processing means are configured by a WWW (World Wide Web) service means that receives a request of a user of the client terminal via a browser of the client terminal and responds with a processing result. ..

【0012】

Further, a client information database for storing the configuration information of the client terminal acquired by the configuration information collecting means is provided, and when there is no instruction from the client terminal, the configuration information of the client terminal is obtained from the client information database. The process of acquiring the configuration information of the client terminal that has already been acquired may be omitted as appropriate.

【0013】

Further, according to the second viewpoint of the present invention, a software database that stores a software file group and a software management table that associates computer configuration information suitable for each file with the address of the file. , Which is a program to be executed by a computer constituting a remote setup server for setting up software on a client terminal via a network, and a step of collecting configuration information of the client terminal in response to access from the client terminal. Based on the step of transmitting the guidance content of the provided software to the client terminal and receiving the setup request from the client terminal, the request content of the client terminal, and the configuration information of the client terminal. The step of selecting a matching file from the software management table and the step of transmitting the selected file to the client terminal and installing and setting up the client terminal are included. A program featuring the above is provided.

【0014】

More preferably, the program collects at least OS information or processor information, peripheral device information, and installed software information as configuration information of the client terminal, and the client terminal. OS information or processor suitable for each application file according to the step of receiving the installation and setup request as well as the guidance content of the software to be provided, the request content of the client terminal, and the configuration information of the client terminal. Matches each driver file according to the steps of matching the application file table with which the ID is associated and selecting a matching application file, the request contents of the client terminal, and the configuration information of the client terminal. A component file according to the step of collating the driver file table associated with the peripheral device information to be used and selecting a matching driver file, the request contents of the client terminal, and the configuration information of the client terminal. Each time, the step of collating the component file table associated with the application information that uses the component file and selecting a matching component file, and the selected application file for the client terminal. , Driver files or component files, or a combination of each of the above files, including steps to install and set up.

【0015】

Further, in each of the above programs, the guidance content of the software provided by the computer constituting the remote setup server and the request content received from the client terminal include the usage information of the software, and constitute the remote setup server. It would be more preferable if the computer includes a step of collating the usage information included in the request contents of the client terminal with the usage information of the software associated with each of the tables and selecting a matching file.

【0016】

Further, in each of the above programs, if the computer constituting the remote setup server includes a step of determining whether or not the installation and setup processing can be performed by referring to the license information of the software associated with each table, the license management is included. From the viewpoint of, it becomes more preferable.

【0017】

Further, a step in which the computer constituting the remote setup system transmits guidance content of the software to be provided to the client terminal and accepts an installation and setup request, and the selection is made for the client terminal. The step of transmitting each file, installing and setting up may be performed by the WWW service means that receives the request of the user of the client terminal via the browser of the client terminal and responds with the result. preferable.

【0018】

Further, the computer constituting the remote setup server includes a step of obtaining the configuration information of the client terminal from the client information database storing the configuration information of the client terminal acquired last time, unless instructed by the client terminal. The process of acquiring the configuration information of the client terminal that has already been acquired may be omitted as appropriate.

【0019】

Further, in the program to be executed by the remote setup system and the remote setup server, when each client terminal automatically requests a more suitable file at predetermined intervals, or the remote setup system. However, if the configuration information of each client is automatically acquired at predetermined intervals, and the remote setup system can provide a more preferable file, the installation and setup should be performed. If so, the state of the client terminal is automatically optimized without imposing a burden on the user.

【0020】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Subsequently, an embodiment of the present finding will be described. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention includes a configuration information collecting means (210 in FIG. 1), a request receiving means (220 in FIG. 1), a file selecting means (230 in FIG. 1), and a setup processing means (240 in FIG. 1). ) And a remote setup server (200 in Figure 1) with a software database (270 in Figure 1) and a client terminal (100 in Figure 1) connecting over a network (10 in Figure 1). ing. The configuration information collecting means (210 in FIG. 1) is a processing means for collecting the configuration information of the client terminal in response to an access from the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1), and the request receiving means (220 in FIG. 1) is. , Is a processing means for transmitting guidance content of the software to be provided to the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) and receiving and responding to a request from the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1). Further, the file selection means (230 in FIG. 1) is based on the request contents of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) and the configuration information of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1), and is based on the software database (100 in FIG. 1). It is a processing means for selecting a matching file from the software management table provided in 270). The setup processing means (240 in FIG. 1) is a processing means for transmitting the selected file to the client terminal and performing installation and setup. In addition, as described above, the software database (270 in FIG. 1) contains a software management table that stores and stores software files and computer configuration information that is compatible with each file so that they can be retrieved. It is equipped.

【0021】

Subsequently, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be described. First, when access is made from the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1), the remote setup server (200 in Fig. 1) collects the configuration information of the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1) and the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1). In addition to transmitting the guidance content of the software to be provided to 100), the request is received from the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1). When the user of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) sends a setup request to the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1), the remote setup system (200 in FIG. 1) receives the request contents of the client terminal and the request contents of the client terminal. A matching file is selected from the software management table based on the configuration information of the client terminal. Subsequently, the setup processing means (240 in FIG. 1) transmits the selected file to the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1), and installs and sets up the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1). I do.

【0022】

As described above, according to the present invention, the software that performs the work or processing desired by the user is automatically set up based on the configuration information of the client terminal, so that the user of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) can use the software. It is possible to set up the desired software without being aware of the specifications and environment of the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1). As a request for the setup, a conversational HTML (Hyper Text Markup) is provided as a means for the user of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) to grasp the work or process that he / she wants to perform from now on. Language) By guiding the user with simple questions composed of documents, dialogs, etc., it is possible to accurately grasp the user's request. Furthermore, if the software management table includes a field for storing software usage information, and the simple question document includes software usage information desired by the user to obtain a user request, the software It is possible to use the usage information as a search key. As a result, the user can set up software that can be reliably used on the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) without specifying the specific software by the specific software name, vendor name, or the like.

【0023】

It is also preferable to store the license information in association with each file in the software management table so that the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) manages the license. For example, the number of licenses is included in each file of the software management table, and the number of licenses is added or subtracted each time the setup is completed, and the installation and setup process is controlled to be limited to the number of licenses licensed. To do. Furthermore, if the uninstall process is also performed via the remote setup server (200 in Fig. 1), the software should be placed on the required client terminals (100 in Fig. 1) as appropriate within the number of licenses. Is possible. Further, a license management table associated with the software management table may be provided, and the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) may be made to perform license management processing such as issuance or renewal of a license code. In the above configuration, if the number of licenses is managed by grouping substantially the same software that differs only in version and supported OS, it is controlled by the number of client terminals (100 in Fig. 1) that actually operate. A licensing system is built to do this.

【0024】

The configuration of the request receiving means (220 in FIG. 1) and the setup processing means (240 in FIG. 1) described above is not particularly limited as long as the functions are maintained, but from the viewpoint of ease of use, the client terminal (240 in FIG. 1) It is preferable to build a WWW service that receives the user's request via the browser shown in Fig. 1100) and responds with the processing result.

【0025】

If the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) is repeatedly accessed, the client terminal acquired by the configuration information collecting means (210 in FIG. 1) in the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) A client information database (280 in FIG. 1) for storing configuration information is provided, and when an access is made from a known client terminal (100 in FIG. 1), the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) is accessed from the client information database. ) May be used to simplify the configuration information collection process and save system resources. In this case, the configuration information collecting means (210 in FIG. 1) requests the collection of the configuration information only when the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) requests the collection of the specified configuration information. It should be.

【0026】

Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment described above. In the present embodiment, the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) automatically accesses the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) at predetermined intervals, and the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) performs this. It is characterized by optimizing the software environment of the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) according to the above.

【0027】

First, when the conditions (arrival of set date and time, elapse of fixed interval, start of system utility, etc.) set in advance by the service program, etc., loaded in the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1) are satisfied, the service program remotely performs the remote operation. Automatic access is made to the setup server (200 in Figure 1). In response to this, the configuration information collection means (210 in Fig. 1) of the remote setup server (200 in Fig. 1) collects the configuration information of the client terminal (100 in Fig. 1), and then the file selection means (Fig. 1). 230) searches for a matching file from the latest software management table based on the configuration information of the client terminal. When the modified / updated software is registered in the software database, or when there is a file to be updated, such as when there is a change in the configuration information of the client terminal and more preferable software can be provided, etc. The setup processing means (240 in FIG. 1) is activated, transmits the searched file to the client terminal, and installs and sets up the software.

【0028】

As a configuration that achieves the same purpose as the above-described embodiment, the remote setup server (200 in FIG. 1) optimizes the client terminal (100 in FIG. 1) at predetermined intervals by a timer means or the like. May be done.

【0029】

In the second embodiment described above, the software may be set up without the involvement of the user, so a predetermined user account (email address of the user of the client terminal, email address of the system administrator, etc.) may be set up. ) May be appropriately provided with a means for notifying the processing content such as an automatic e-mail transmission means.

【0030】

The software in the present invention includes a program related to the operation of the computer, a procedure related to the operation of the computer, information to be processed, and the like. Therefore, in the software database (270 in Fig. 1), in addition to programs related to computer operations such as middleware and application programs, various modules as well as template files, online manuals, data files, etc. are included as other component files. Also included.

【0031】

[Example]

Subsequently, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the system configuration of the remote setup system of this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the remote setup system of this embodiment includes a configuration information collecting means 210, a request receiving means 220, a file selecting means 230, a setup processing means 240, and a remote setup server including a software database 270. It is composed of a client terminal 100 connected via the network 10.

【0032】

The client terminal 100 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, and can be connected to the remote setup server 200 via the network 10. In addition, the client terminal 100 is equipped with a WWW browser so that information can be sent and received to and from the remote setup system 200 using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Further, the network 10 is described as the Internet in this embodiment, but is not particularly limited, and may be a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

【0033】

The configuration information collecting means 210 of this embodiment is configured by a program that acquires configuration information of the accessed client terminal. As the configuration information of the client terminal, (1) Hardware information (CPU, memory type, memory size, bus specifications, auxiliary storage device specifications, auxiliary storage device free space, video card specifications, sound card specifications, other peripheral device configurations, etc.) , (2) OS information (OS type, version, etc.), (3) Network information (terminal ID, domain name, protocol, adapter information, etc.), (4) Installed software information (middleware, applications, drivers, components, etc.) ), (5) There is a processing means for causing the client terminal 100 to provide and acquire items appropriately selected from the license information and the like. Of course, it is not necessary to collect all of these configuration information, and it may be appropriately selected according to the contents of the software stored in the software database 270. For example, when there are a plurality of applications developed for a specific OS in the software database 270 for each OS, the OS type may be adopted as an indispensable item. In addition, based on the finding that the type of processor is almost proportional to the overall performance of commercially available PCs (memory size, memory type, video card specifications, etc.), the processor ID is collected as an index of these configuration information. Then, the application may be selected according to the performance of the processor.

【0034】

The request receiving means 220 of this embodiment is a WWW service means that transmits a software guidance content created by HTML or the like to the client terminal 100, receives a request from the client terminal 100, and returns a response. It is composed of.

【0035】

The file selection means 230 of this embodiment includes application selection means 231, driver selection means 232, and component selection means 233, which are the configuration information of the client terminal and the software provided in the software database, respectively. It is configured to match the management table and select the matching file.

【0036】

The setup processing means 240 is configured by a WWW service means that sends the selected file to the client terminal 100 to install and set up.

【0037】

The software database 270 stores and stores an application group including middleware, a driver file group such as a device driver, a software file group, and configuration information of a matching computer so that each file can be retrieved. It has a software management table. In this embodiment, the software management table is divided into an application file table, a driver file table, and a component file table, respectively, and configured in association with each other.

【0038】

Subsequently, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, the user connects to the remote setup server 200 using HTTP (Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol) (step A1). In response to this, the configuration information collecting means 210 of the remote setup server 200 collects the configuration information of the client terminal 100 (step A2). Subsequently, the request receiving means 220 of the remote setup server 200 transmits the guidance content of the software created in HTML (step A3). The user of the client terminal 100 requests the desired software from the remote setup server 200 by referring to the guidance content of the software (step A4).

【0039】

The guidance content of the software includes, for example, a document for the user of the client terminal 100 to draw out a request for the work or process to be performed, a dialog for allowing the user to select the work or process in a conversational manner, or the like. Even if the user of the terminal 100 does not know the official name of the software, the vendor name, etc., he / she can reach the software that he / she really wants. For example, the guidance content of the software may be a list of software names and functions that can be provided by the remote setup server 200 very simply, but more preferably, the screen is switched according to the purpose of the software. Therefore, it is preferable that the user is hierarchically configured so that the request contents for the remote setup server 200 can be determined quickly. For example, on the top page, place a button or image with hyperlinks for different purposes such as "create a New Year's card", "create a homepage", "create a household account book", and place the button or image. By clicking on an image or the like, the user is guided to the software corresponding to each purpose. In this case, when "Create New Year's card" is selected, the user is guided to a postcard-compatible document creation application, a printer driver, a New Year's card creation template file, or the like according to the configuration of the client terminal 100. When "Create homepage" is selected, the user is similarly guided to a homepage creation support application, an illustration creation application, a photo data management application, an FTP client application, various template files, and the like. Of course, menus for corporations such as "slip creation", "payroll calculation", "document translation", and "construction of customer management database" may be provided.

【0040】

Further, the configuration information of the client terminal 100 collected in advance is included in the guidance content of the software and displayed, and based on the configuration information of the client terminal 100, unnecessary information for the user of the client terminal 100 is obtained. It is also preferable to transmit the guidance content of the hidden software.

【0041】

Subsequently, the file selection means 230 that has received the request of the user of the client terminal 100 from the request receiving means 220 of the remote setup server 200 analyzes the request (step A5). First, the file selection means 230 sends the user request of the client terminal 100, the configuration information of the client terminal 100, and the application selection means 231 to make an inquiry and extract a matching application from the application management table to extract the optimum application. Get information (including middleware) (step A6). For example, if it is obtained that the OS of the client terminal 100 is "WINDOWS (registered trademark) (trademark) 98" as the configuration information of the client terminal 100, the application corresponding to the OS is supported by the application desired by the user. Select the version of the application and respond with its storage location. Subsequently, the file selection means 230 transmits the user request of the client terminal 100, the information of the client terminal, and the application selection means 231 to inquire and obtain the recommended device driver information (step A7). Further, the file selection means 230 sends the user request of the client terminal 100, the information of the client terminal, and the component selection means 231 to inquire and obtain information such as a template file, a help file, and data recommended by others ( Step A8).

【0042】

The file selection means 230 of the remote setup server 200 sends the result of the inquiry to the request reception means 220, and the request reception means 220 causes the WWW browser of the client terminal 100 to display the software to be set up (step A9). ..

【0043】

The user of the client terminal 100 confirms the contents of the displayed software, and accepts the installation and setup from the remote setup server 200 (step A10).

【0044】

When the acceptance is made, the setup processing means 240 of the remote setup server 200 extracts the corresponding file from the software database 270 and transmits it to the client terminal 100 (step A11).

【0045】

Subsequently, the setup processing means 240 of the remote setup server 200 installs the selected middleware, application, device driver and component using the transmitted file (step A12), and completes the setup (step A13). ..

【0046】

The transfer method of each file stored in the software database 270 is not particularly limited. For example, a link to an installer program, an automatic decompression archive file, etc. that includes the target file in the HTML file sent to confirm the software to be set up to be displayed in step A9 and automatically executes the installation and setup work. By clicking the link area or button including the area or button, a transmission request is made and the setup may be performed. Alternatively, in step A11, the setup processing means 240 creates an executable file including an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) command and a file copy processing command that cause the client terminal 100 to process a transmission request for a file to be installed and set up. , It is assumed that the file is created and transmitted, and by executing the executable file, the file specified by the FTP is transferred, and then the installation and setup may be performed.

【0047】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user of the client terminal 100 automatically creates a software environment suitable for the most preferable client terminal 100 even if he / she does not have appropriate knowledge about software update methods and hardware. It becomes possible to arrange. Also, for the software distribution side, the files to be updated are stored in the software database 270 of the remote setup server 200, and the corresponding software management table is updated so that all the users of the client terminals 100 can install the software. It becomes possible to give an opportunity.

【0048】

In the above embodiment, in step A2, the configuration information collecting means 210 of the remote setup server 200 collects the configuration information of the client terminal 100, but the remote setup server 200 stores the configuration information of the client terminal 100. It is also preferable to adopt a configuration including a client information database 280 to be retained. When there is no request from the client terminal 100, etc., the configuration information of the client terminal 100 for which the configuration information has already been acquired is acquired from the client information database 280, and the process related to the acquisition of the configuration information of the client terminal 100 is performed. It can be omitted.

【0049】

Further, the configuration information collecting means 210 of the remote setup server 200 shall acquire the software license information as the configuration information of the client terminal 100, and the setup processing means 240 of the remote setup server 200 sets up the software and licenses the software. If management is to be performed, it will be more preferable. For example, the setup processing means 240 transmits an application file to the client terminal 100, issues a license number, and performs setup processing based on the license number. After that, the setup processing means 240 is a means for collecting configuration information of the remote setup server 200. The 210 may collect the license number of the application and perform a special upgrade service for the licensed client terminal 100 or the like. Of course, if the fact of receiving the license is stored in the software database 270 or the client information database 280, it is possible to control the number of client terminals that can be set up according to the number of licenses. As described above, by including the license information in the management items of the remote setup server 200, this remote set system can be used not only as a free software supply but also as a paid software supply and management system. Become.

【0050】

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the client terminal 100 automatically keeps the state of the client terminal 100 in the optimum state with respect to the remote setup server 200 during a time period such as nighttime when the operation rate is low. The feature is that the inquiries are confirmed by the client terminal 100, and the remote setup server 200 automatically sets up the client terminal 100 according to the confirmation result.

【0051】

In this embodiment, the client terminal 100 is provided with a program for connecting to the remote setup server 200 according to a schedule specified by a user or an administrator of the client terminal 100. Other configurations are the same as the configuration of the client terminal 100 in the first embodiment described above.

【0052】

The configuration of the remote setup server 200 is the same as the configuration of the client terminal 100 in the first embodiment described above.

【0053】

Subsequently, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The client terminal 100 connects to the remote setup server 200 according to the specified schedule (step B1). The configuration information collecting means of the remote setup server 200 collects the configuration information of the client terminal 100 and sends it to the file selection means 230 (step B2).

【0054】

Subsequently, the file selection means 230 starts confirming that the middleware, applications, drivers, and other components set up on the client terminal 100 are optimally set up. First, the application selection means 231 searches the application management table for the application set up in the client terminal 100 based on the configuration information of the client terminal 100 obtained from the file selection means 230, and the application currently set up and the application described above. Check if the current state is optimal by comparing it with the searched application. If the application version upgrade / modification module exists in the software database 270, the file selection means 230 is informed of the file information corresponding to the version upgrade / modification module (step B3). Subsequently, the driver selection means 232 searches the driver management table for the driver set up in the client terminal 100 based on the configuration information of the client terminal 100 obtained from the file selection means 230, and sets the driver currently set up. By comparing with the searched driver, it is confirmed whether the current state is the optimum one. If the driver version upgrade / modification module exists in the software database 270, the file selection means 230 is informed of the file information corresponding to the version upgrade / modification module (step B4). Similarly, the component selection means 233 also searches the component management table for the component set up in the client terminal 100 based on the configuration information of the client terminal 100 obtained from the file selection means 230, and sets the component currently set up. By comparing with the searched component, it is confirmed whether the current state is the optimum one. Component file version upgrade, addition / correction module exists in software database 270

【0055】

The file selection means 230 of the remote setup server 200 sends the result of the inquiry to the setup processing means 240, and the setup processing means 240 sends the file to be set up to the confirmed client terminal (step B6), and installs and installs the file. Perform setup (steps B7, B8).

【0056】

As described above, according to this embodiment, the user of the client terminal 100 can automatically prepare the latest software environment compatible with the client terminal 100 without worrying about software version upgrades or data file updates. It will be possible. For example, even if you want to set up on all client terminals 100 where specific software is installed, the file is stored in the software database 270 and the software management table is recommended for all client terminals. By updating it as something that should be done, it is possible to perform operations such as setting up on all the accessing computers.

【0057】

Further, the automatic access schedule may set a fixed date and time such as at night as described above, but it is automatically performed in advance such as the elapsed time from the time of all access or the request from the system administrator. It is desirable to configure the conditions for access so that they can be set freely.

【0058】

It is also preferable that the remote setup server 200 is provided with a processing means for transmitting the result of the installation and setup to the client terminal 100 by e-mail or the like when the installation and setup are completed. The user of the client terminal 100 can verify the operation or the like based on the e-mail or the like. In addition, materials for determining the necessity of manually accessing the remote setup server 200 as shown in the first embodiment will be provided.

【0059】

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the file selection means 230 of the remote setup server 200 is composed of the application selection means 231, the driver selection means 232, and the component selection means 233, but is further subdivided. It may be subdivided according to the configuration, the purpose of the software, etc., or these may be integrated.

【0060】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, the user of the client terminal can easily set up and use the optimum software for the client terminal. The reason is that the remote setup server collects and analyzes the information of the client terminal, and installs and sets up on behalf of the user.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows typically the system configuration of the remote setup system of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process flow of the remote setup system described in 1st Example of this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a flowchart which showed an example of the processing flow of the remote setup system described in the 2nd Example of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 networks 100 client terminal 200 remote setup server 210 Configuration information collection means 220 Request receiving means 230 File selection method 231 Application selection method 232 Driver selection method 233 Component selection method 240 Setup processing means 270 software database 280 Client information database