Abstract: A system includes a general synchronization module at the client site for operating within a first firewall and for examining first version information to determine whether a first workspace element has been modified. The system further includes a synchronization agent at a global server for operating outside the first firewall and for forwarding to the general synchronization module second version information which indicates whether an independently-modifiable copy of the first workspace element has been modified. A synchronization-start module is maintained at the client site for operating within the first firewall and for securely initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent when predetermined criteria have been satisfied.

Abstract: A system includes a general synchronization module at the client site for operating within a first firewall and for examining first version information to determine whether a first workspace element has been modified. The system further includes a synchronization agent at a global server for operating outside the first firewall and for forwarding to the general synchronization module second version information which indicates whether an independently-modifiable copy of the first workspace element has been modified. A synchronization-start module is maintained at the client site for operating within the first firewall and for securely initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent when predetermined criteria have been satisfied.

Abstract: A system includes an e-mail engine which uses a proper protocol to retrieve an e-mail from a first mail store and to store the e-mail in one or more folder structures. Upon request, the first mail store may send configuration data indicating the proper protocol to the e-mail engine, which can then properly configure itself. An e-mail synchronization module uses a predetermined criterion to determine whether the e-mail was previously sent and whether to synchronize the e-mail with a second mail store. The e-mail synchronization module may also synchronize the e-mail of specific folder structures. The second mail store may be located on a global server, which upon proper identification and authentication provides roaming users with access to its contents. A communications module establishes a communications channel through any firewalls with the second mail store. A web engine sends the e-mail via the communications channel to the second mail store.