US Patent 7334215 Manager for software controls in an operating environment

A software control manager for identifying, authorizing, and coordinating software controls within an operating environment is disclosed. The operating environment may reside on a computing platform. The controls provide functionality to the operating environment and are used to retrieve or gather information. The manager coordinates the information to the controls. The manager also registers the controls as the controls are placed within the operating environment. Registered controls are listed in a control list within the manager. The manager may perform a security process in registering the controls. The manager also provides information on the operating environment and other controls to controls added to the operating environment. The manager facilitates the other controls retrieving information and associating the information with existing data on the computing platform.