Abstract: A system and method for selectively handling data. The method includes determining data-handling instructions for a piece of data, such as a file. One or more tasks associated with the file are automatically performed in accordance with the data-handling instructions in response to activation of the data-handling instructions via the file or via a representation thereof. In certain embodiments, the data-handling instructions include workflow instructions. An icon represents a data-handling system interface that is associated with the data-handling instructions. The data-handling system facilitates implementing the data-handling instructions. The icon is selected via the file by placing a graphical representation of the file on the icon representing the data-handling system, thereby activating the data-handling instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing file searches. In an illustrative embodiment, the method includes accepting signals from a user-input device to define a search query. The search query is then used to identify a plurality of files, which comprise search results. The search results are then ordered according to file-usage criteria. In a more specific embodiment, files that have been accessed by others rank higher in the search results than files that have never been accessed. One or more access logs may be employed to facilitate adjusting future search results and file-access behaviors based on past file-access information. In this specific embodiment, the method employs information pertaining to who accessed a given file, what they did when they accessed the file, the time at which they accessed the file, and/or the duration of the file access to automatically obtain and/or rank search results.

Abstract: A method of transferring data between a first system and a second system while ensuring the integrity. Metadata is associated with each data record and is used to ensure the integrity of the transfer.

Abstract: A mater copy of an attachment, such as a document attached to an email message, is maintained at a server. When users desire to modify, forward, resend, etc., the attachment, links to the attachment are provided with an email message. Version and access controls are maintained by the server and specialized client software working with application programs and with the email system. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a hypertext link to open a web page that allows controlled access to the attachment. A user interface is provided to allow a user to designate how an attachment is handled. The creator of an attachment can set access rights and restrictions for other users and recipients. A status monitor is provided to view conditions and operations related to an attachment. An access interface is provided to allow a recipient of a link to a document to view and otherwise obtain the document and to perform operations on the document.