Standard based detection and launch of client applications

A method implemented on a machine that at least one of detects, launches or installs client applications, comprising:

• receiving from an interface a request to launch or install an application;
• determining that an agent string affiliated with the application is not associated with the request;
• determining whether at least one of a cookie at least one of included in or persisted by a client machine that provides the request or (b) a MIME type at least one of persisted by or associated with the client machine is identified in response to determining that the agent string is not associated with the request;
• if the at least one of the cookie or the MIME type is identified, distributing a formatted document affiliated with the application and causing the application to commence execution on the client machine;
• and
• if the at least one of the cookie or the MIME type is not identified, distributing an executable file associated with the application, execution of the executable file at least one of generating the agent string, generating the cookie, or registering a MIME type handler.

A computer storage device that stores program modules that, when executed, enable a processor-based system to at least one of detect, launch or install client applications, the program modules comprising:

• a first program module that enables the processor-based system to determine whether an agent string affiliated with a client application is associated with a request to launch or install the client application;
• a second program module that enables the processor-based system to determine whether a client machine that provides the request at least one of includes or has persisted a cookie;
• a third program module that enables the processor-based system to determine whether the client machine has at least one of persisted or been associated with a MIME type;
• a fourth program module that enables the processor-based system to distribute a formatted document affiliated with the client application and to cause the client application to commence execution on the client machine in response to detection of at least one of the agent string, the cookie, or the MIME type;
• a fifth program module that enables the processor-based system to distribute an executable file associated with the client application in response to a failure to detect the agent string, the cookie, and the MIME type,
• execution of the executable file at least one of generates the agent string, generates the cookie, or registers a MIME type handler.