Abstract: A system updates a remote (server) database in a network. The network comprises a global server coupled to a local client and to a remote client. The local client includes a browser for establishing a communications link with a web server on the global server. The global server has server database memory for storing independently modifiable copies of workspace data maintained by personal information managers (PIMS) or other data stores on the local client and has PIM Downloadables for interfacing with these PIMs. The local client requests synchronization capability for a particular PIM. The global server sends a PIM Downloadable corresponding to the particular PIM to the local client, which installs and initiates execution of the PIM Downloadable. Accordingly, a user interface receives information designating a database containing the workspace data to be synchronized and information selecting a synchronization mode such as one-way replace, one-way merge or two-way synchronize.

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 uses a global translator to automatically synchronize multiple copies of a workspace element across different formats between multiple sites in a secure network environment, independent of whether the sites are protected by site firewalls. The secure network environment includes a global server connected to multiple clients. The system includes a first store for storing a first workspace element in a first format, a second store for storing a second workspace element which is an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element in a second format, a communications channel coupling the first store to the second store, synchronization means for synchronizing the first workspace element and the second workspace element, and a translator for translating between the first format and the second format.

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.