Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for synchronizing a first database located on a first computer and a second database located on a second computer. At the first computer, it is determined whether a record of the first database has been changed or added since a previous synchronization, using a first history file located on the first computer comprising records representative of records of the first database at the completion of the previous synchronization. If the record of the first database has not been changed or added since the previous synchronization, the first computer sends the second computer information which the second computer uses to identify the record of the first database to be unchanged.

Abstract: A computer program is provided for synchronizing at least a first and a second database. A plurality of records of the first database fitting a selected criterion are identified. At least one of the identified records of the first database is then synchronized with a record of the second database. On a computer display, a record selection criteria input region may be displayed for a user to input the selected criterion.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for synchronizing a first database located on a first computer and a second database located on a second computer. At the first computer, it is determined whether a record of the first database has been changed or added since a previous synchronization, using a first history file located on the first computer comprising records representative of records of the first database at the completion of the previous synchronization. If the record of the first database has not been changed or added since the previous synchronization, the first computer sends the second computer information which the second computer uses to identify the record of the first database to be unchanged.

Abstract: A computer program is provided for synchronizing at least a first and a second database. A plurality of records of the first database fitting a selected criterion are identified. At least one of the identified records of the first database is then synchronized with a record of the second database. On a computer display, a record selection criteria displayed for a user to input the selected criterion.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing at least a first and a second database each containing dated records such as events, wherein the records of the first and second databases are synchronized across a narrow date range narrower than the date range of the records of at least one of the databases. A prior synchronization can be performed across a prior date range. The date range of the prior synchronization is stored, along with the history file containing information representative of the content of the databases following the prior synchronization. When a current synchronization is performed, it is performed across a date range that combines the prior date range with the current date range.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for synchronizing a first database located on a first computer and a second database located on a second computer. At the first computer, it is determined whether a record of the first database has been changed or added since a previous synchronization, using a first history file located on the first computer comprising records representative of records of the first database at the completion of the previous synchronization. If the record of the first database has not been changed or added since the previous synchronization, the first computer sends the second computer information which the second computer uses to identify the record of the first database to be unchanged.

Abstract: A technique for synchronizing databases in which different techniques are used for storing a recurring event. A database in which the recurring event is, for example, stored as a single recurring record can be synchronized with a database in which the same recurring event is stored as a series of individual records. The individual records are processed to form a synthetic recurring record representing the set of individual records, and synchronization decisions are based on a comparison of the synthetic record to the recurring record of the other database. Following synchronization, the synthetic record can be "fanned" back into the individual records to update the database containing individual records, and the updated recurring record can be written back to the other database. In this way, the invention avoids the problems encountered with prior methods, in which synchronization resulted in a recurring record being transformed into a series of individual records.

Abstract: Traditionally, it has been difficult to share data among diverse computer applications and platforms because of underlying differences in data formats. Although the meaning or purpose of the data may be similar or identical (for example, two appointments entered using separate computer applications), the differences in data formats required by the various computer applications and platforms renders such sharing difficult. A method is disclosed for the translation of dissimilarly-formatted data between disparate computer applications and platforms. The method also provides for the dynamic reconciliation of conflicts in the data (for example, two appointments scheduled at the same time) based on both the content of the data and on specific preferences indicated by the user of the translation facility.

Abstract: A data processing method for synchronizing the data records of a plurality of disparate databases, in which a status file is provided containing data records representative of the contents of data records existing in the disparate databases at a prior synchronization. Data records from at least a first and a second of the plurality of databases are compared to corresponding data records of the status file to determine whether data records of the plurality of databases have changed or been deleted since the prior synchronization, or whether there are new data records since the earlier synchronization. Based on the outcome of the comparing step, decisions are made as to how to update the data records of the first and second databases. Finally, the status file is updated so that its data records are representative of the contents of the data records of the first and second databases after they have been updated.

Abstract: Traditionally, it has been difficult to share data among diverse computer applications and platforms because of underlying differences in data formats. Although the meaning or purpose of the data may be similar or identical (for example, two appointments entered using separate computer applications), the differences in data formats required by the various computer applications and platforms renders such sharing difficult. A method is disclosed for the translation of dissimilarly-formatted data between disparate computer applications and platforms. The method also provides for the dynamic reconciliation of conflicts in the data (for example, two appointments scheduled at the same time) based on both the content of the data and on specific preferences indicated by the user of the translation facility.

Abstract: A communication and file-transfer program can be used to link a portable computer to a remote computer. The portable-computer link program displays on a user's screen a dynamic icon. The dynamic icon changes appearance as a connection to a remote computer is made, thus indicating to the user the progress of making the connection. Since most users of the portable-computer link program are not communications experts but casual business users, the dynamic icon employs the universally-known paradigm of a traffic light. The traffic light icon dynamically changes appearance from red to yellow to green as the communications link is being established. The red light indicates that no data is able to be transferred, such as when the media link is not plugged in or not configured. The yellow light indicates that some data is being transferred over the media link, although data errors may be occurring. The green light signals that file transfers may proceed across the connected link.