Method and apparatus for replicating information

Abstract

The present invention provides the ability to use an existing store-and-forward massaging network such as an electronic mail system to replicate data between computer sites. The replication provided by the present invention can be useful with software applications, such as workgroup applications, to replicate data located on multiple sites. Workgroup replication data is sent to other sites via electronic mail (“e-mail”) messages. The present invention provides reliability features to handle errors in electronic mail transmissions. For example, the present invention provides the ability to reassemble objects at a replication site such that an object and all of its dependencies exist prior to the object's use at the site. Messages referred to as “ACK” messages are used to communicate a site's state and to provide other control information. Each site maintains latency information to determine transmission failures.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to information sharing and replication via a store-and-forward massaging network. [0003] 2. Background Art [0004] In a business environment, computer users need to be able to communicate regarding aspects of the business. For example, a group of users may need to discuss a strategic planning document that is being prepared by the group. One member of the group may prepare a draft and send it to the other members. After reviewing the draft, one or more of the recipients may generate a reply. The reply may be, for example, a message regarding the document's contents, or a new document that contains modifications to the original document. The reply may be sent to the some or all of the group's members. [0005] The group interaction described above is facilitated using software that is referred to as workgroup software. A “workgroup” is a number of people who are associated on the basis of the prod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a way to use an existing store-and-forward messaging network, like email, to replicate data between computer sites. This allows remote users to access and contribute to a shared database without needing to connect the sites in real-time. The invention also provides reliability features to handle errors in email transmissions. The replicated data is maintained in a way that ensures each object has its own unique identifier, allowing for sequencing of versions. Overall, the invention enables efficient and secure replication of data between sites without the need for dedicated infrastructure or real-time connections."

Problems solved by technology

However, a workgroup may not be centrally located.

Further, it requires additional work to coordinate and administer the “calling” schedule between the replication sites.

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