Abstract: The present invention is directed to an information management system (“IMS”) which utilizes delegated control (FIG. 1) over a dataset to overcome a number of the problems associated with existing IMSs. Delegated control is the transfer, generally temporary, of at least partial control over the dataset (50) from a delegating system (100) to a delegate system (200). The delegating system has full control of the dataset, but declines to exercise that authority in regard to at least a portion of the dataset while authority over that portion of the dataset is delegated. Thus, any dataset modification request received from a reqestor (300) system that wants to modify the dataset, and is not the delegate or delegator, will be refused.

Abstract: Content based routing and broadcasting methods and devices (10) utilizing routers (100) programmed to analyze the non-address portion (701) of data packets (700) and to route the packets (700) accordingly are described as are their application in support of blind broadcasting.

Abstract: A resource (35) is recruited by a negotiation between two independent computers (10, 30). The computers (10, 30) are preferably at a significant distance from one another, and likely not part of the same local area network. The negotiation may be based on any condition or combination of conditions, including monetary or other compensation, a subject matter to which the resource (35) will be applied, a percent of avaibility of the resource (35) at the providing computer (30). The negotiation may also be based upon value, a recent value, a reliability value, a type of work value, or a compensation value. The negotiation may be facilitated by one of the computers (10, 30) listing either a need or an available resource (35) on a directory (22).