Abstract: A file system for distributing content in a data network, includes a file replication and transfer system and a replicated file receiver system. The file replication and transfer system includes an interface file system which looks for changes made to contents of a file created and stored in an associated work file system; and a file system monitor communicatively associated with the interface filing system for monitoring events occurring with the interface file system and causing copies of the new files to be transferred over the data network to the replicated file receiver system. The interface file system also looks for changes made to the contents of files already stored in the work file system and creates an update file in a mirror file system if a change to the contents of a file stored in the work file system is observed by the interface file system. A collector file system communicatively associated with the mirror file system is provided for temporarily storing a copy of the update file.

Abstract: Updating a file which is currently open is accomplished by allowing current users to continue accessing the original file while redirecting new users to an updated version. When user activity permits, the updated version is substituted for the original file. An auxiliary program detects when a server application attempts to access an out-of-date file version and redirects the access call to the up-to-date file version. When no users are accessing the out-of-date file version, the up-to-date version of the file is substituted thereby allowing access to the most recent file version without creating errors for users who are accessing the older file version. New updates of files are transferred from a master site to a temporary location, accessible intermediate location, and finally to a permanent location.