Abstract: A method and system for efficiently archiving and retrieving objects using a distributed network of devices wherein the users define attributes, distribution lists, subscribers to content and objects. The objects can be archived, searched for, tagged, indexed, attributed, restored and mined. Objects have signatures that indicate where they came from and where they are stored. Attributes include system attributes which may geo-reference objects. Attributes and signatures can be associated with alerts and notifications to subscribers who register interest in receiving alerts about objects, object signatures or attributes.