Abstract: A system and method for storing context data in a network device that is in the data path between a user computer and a server, thereby allowing for the secure and ongoing storage of user computer-specific context data without adding unnecessary complexity to existing web server methods, while at the same time supporting redundancy and facilitating effective load-balancing. By storing user computer-specific context data in the data path between the user computer and the server, the invention reduces the complexity of the web server, improves the handling of server failure, and increases the overall scalability of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for storing context data in a network device that is in the data path between a user computer and a server, thereby allowing for the secure and ongoing storage of user computer-specific context data without adding unnecessary complexity to existing web server methods, while at the same time supporting redundancy and facilitating effective load-balancing. By storing user computer-specific context data in the data path between the user computer and the server, the invention reduces the complexity of the web server, improves the handling of server failure, and increases the overall scalability of the system.

Abstract: A distributed application has a client software component on a client computer which communicates with server software on a server computer by way of a remote procedure call (RPC) system. The server has a persistent memory manager which keeps data available in high-speed memory and periodically backs up the data to disk or other lower-speed memory. Keeping transactions short and synchronous permits the entire database to be locked during each transaction. The system can provide responsiveness and usability approaching that of a stand-alone application.