Abstract: The method of the present invention is useful in a computer system having a user interface, a memory, a repository and a database. The method is a repository program executed by the computer system for maintaining a history of objects stored in the repository. The method comprises the steps of determining if the object is a new logical object, and if so constructing a new versioned object; and, if not retrieving from the repository an object on which a new state is to be based. If the new state is being derived from only one object, then reserving the object. If the state is being derived from two objects, then retrieving from the repository the other object on which the new state is based, and merging the two objects. If the state changes are to be retained, then replacing the object; and, if the state changes are not to be retained, then unreserving the object.

Abstract: In a computer system having a user interface, a memory and a database, a repository program operating in the computer system for accessing the database, the repository program executing a method for treating a group of objects as a single object. This method comprises the steps of retrieving a collection of references for a type from the repository; sorting out each reference in the collection of references that are composite references and have a versioned object type; for each sorted reference, retrieving objects from the reference; and calling up current operations for each retrieved object.