Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing an XML document object model with the corresponding object model on the fly and in real time such that changes in either the document object model or the object model can be immediately reflected in the other without re-parsing the XML document. The invention utilizes a series of DOM/object model adapter software modules, each responsible for one (or more) object model properties and document object model nodes, respectively. Each adapter is registered to receive notification of a change in an object model property or DOM node for which it is responsible and updates the corresponding DOM node or object model property, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method and apparatus for exchanging data between two entities, such as two application programs or a resource library and an application program. The invention provides a mechanism for populating a complex object model implementation in accordance with the particular data format preferred by the receiving entity from one or more external data formats on the fly responsive to a request for data. The method and apparatus allow the registration of resource factories which can produce resources through mechanisms other than the traditional parsing of a file. One implementation of this is using the URL scheme to identify the factory to handle a request, and allowing that factory to create a specialized Java package resource.

Abstract: A structured WorkFolder for organizing electronic documents in a self-contained data repository comprising sections for grouping related documents, and placeholders for indicating documents expected to be placed in the WorkFolder. The WorkFolder allows users of local or distributed data environments to gather and organize a collection of documents and supporting meta-data in a single data object that can be simultaneously accessed and updated by multiple users. The WorkFolder may also contain one or more task entries that are used to track the progress of work related to a WorkFolder. Additionally, supporting meta-data in the form of tasks, information fields, threaded discussions, as well as a detailed history log of all changes made to the WorkFolder can be stored in the WorkFolder.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically resolving data conflicts in a shared data environment where a plurality of users can concurrently access at least portions of a master data file is presented. Users process data files by means of local copies of a master data file. When an attempted update of a master data file with an edited data file from a user is detected, the updating file is analyzed to determine if any changes made are in conflict with changes made to the master data file by a second user. If a conflict is detected, it is resolved by merging the updating file into the master file according to a predefined set of rules. For conflicts which are not resolved by rule-based reconciliation, at least one user is notified of the conflict and presented with conflict resolving information and the conflict is resolved according to user input.