Abstract: A difference information receiver, a difference information transmitter and a difference information synchronizer which cooperate in a system or device to update data in the device with data received from other systems, or provide data for other systems to use in updating themselves are disclosed. A difference receiver in a device having at least one application data destination having a format includes a difference engine receiving difference information associated with a change to said at least one application data destination; and an application interface, applying said difference information to said at least one data destination. A method for updating data files in a system is also disclosed. The method may include the steps of: receiving difference information for a subset of said data files; and applying said difference information to said subset of said data files.

Abstract: A difference information receiver, a difference information transmitter and a difference information synchronizer which cooperate in a system or device to update data in the device with data received from other systems, or provide data for other systems to use in updating themselves are disclosed. A difference receiver in a device having at least one application data destination having a format includes a difference engine receiving difference information associated with a change to said at least one application data destination; and an application interface, applying said difference information to said at least one data destination. A method for updating data files in a system is also disclosed. The method may include the steps of: receiving difference information for a subset of said data files; and applying said difference information to said subset of said data files.

Abstract: In one aspect, an application object for a synchronization system is provided on a network coupled processing device. The application object may comprise a plurality of objects, each object translating third party data to a universal middle format, including a root object providing an entry point into individual application databases; and at least one child object; and at least one interface object.