Abstract: Approaches for automatically creating device type manager (DTM)-compliant instances in a Field Device Tool (FDT)-compliant network are presented. Network topology information is uploaded to a user. The network topology information concerns a plurality of devices of a known type connected in a network that is located in a predefined local area. The network topology information relates to one or more of an operation of the devices or an interconnection of the plurality of devices in the network. At least one DTM-compliant software instance that implements the network topology information is automatically created.

Abstract: Operational information concerning a plurality of devices connected in a FDT-compliant network is obtained. The operational information relates to at least one of: an operation of the plurality of devices or an interconnectivity of the plurality of devices. The operational information is uploaded to a user. The uploaded operational information is graphically presented to the user on a visual presentation medium in a way that facilitates an understanding of a structure of the FDT-compliant network. The presented information is analyzed on the visual presentation medium. Based upon the analyzing, a modification of the FDT-compliant network is selected via an interaction with the visual presentation medium, the interaction effective to create at least one DTM-compliant software instance that implements the modification.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed to minimize inefficiencies for local area users to share and access data. A local proxy server operates in conjunction with a central server. Local area users can post or store (“store”) data, e.g., media data, on the local proxy server in order for the data to be accessed locally. The local proxy server can also store the data from the local area users on a central server. Additionally, the local proxy server can copy data being stored on the central server for local access by the local area users. In this manner, local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of storing and accessing media data to and from a local area source (i.e., the local proxy server).

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for archiving and forwarding multimedia data. A server can receive multimedia data for a project from any number of users. The server can archive or store the multimedia data in a database for later access. The server can distribute the received multimedia data to users associated with the project. The server can also distribute the multimedia data in the database to individual users associated with the project at different instances in time.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed to minimize inefficiencies for local area users to share and access data. A local proxy server operates in conjunction with a central server. Local area users can post or store (“store”) data, e.g., media data, on the local proxy server in order for the data to be accessed locally. The local proxy server can also store the data from the local area users on a central server. Additionally, the local proxy server can copy data being stored on the central server for local access by the local area users. In this manner, local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of storing and accessing media data to and from a local area source (i.e., the local proxy server).

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed allowing media data to be stored on a secondary storage system accessible for local area users. Such users can thus post or store media data (“posted media data”) on a central server and on the secondary storage system. By such a process, posted media data on the central server is in effect “mirrored” on the secondary storage system. As a result, collaborating local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of accessing posted media data from a local area source (i.e., the secondary storage system). Furthermore, in order to avoid downloading incomplete posted media data, a completion signal or pending signal can be used to indicate if the posted media data has been completely stored or is in the process of being stored on the secondary storage system.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for archiving and forwarding multimedia data. A server can receive multimedia data for a project from any number of users. The server can archive or store the multimedia data in a database for later access. The server can distribute the received multimedia data to users associated with the project. The server can also distribute the multimedia data in the database to individual users associated with the project at different instances in time.