Abstract: Methods are provided for managing, sharing and providing access to data, especially among systems that are used to conduct a distributed application. Such methods may be beneficial, for example, in distributed networks having occasionally-connected devices. Methods are provided for linking and synchronizing data in a distributed network. In one example system, loosely-coupled systems may be used to implement such a network. Further, an abstraction layer may be used to abstract data elements (e.g., files, database elements) from those used by an application.

Abstract: A synchronization system is provided that distributes synchronization system-based applications and synchronization system-based application extensions and their associated resources and components (hereinafter “plug-in applications” or “plug-ins”). Components are maintained such that any synchronization system-based application instantiation may be changed or updated by the synchronization system. In one specific example using the synchronization system, each synchronization system-based application or plug-in is self-contained and self-updateable through a synchronization system synchronization process. A further benefit is that the synchronization system and synchronization system-based applications may be extended independent of device type or operating system. Thus, a system is provided for synchronizing one or more plug-in applications.

Abstract: A synchronization system is provided that distributes synchronization system-based applications and synchronization system-based application extensions and their associated resources and components (hereinafter “plug-in applications” or “plug-ins”). Components are maintained such that any synchronization system-based application instantiation may be changed or updated by the synchronization system. In one specific example using the synchronization system, each synchronization system-based application or plug-in is self-contained and self-updateable through a synchronization system synchronization process. A further benefit is that the synchronization system and synchronization system-based applications may be extended independent of device type or operating system. Thus, a system is provided for synchronizing one or more plug-in applications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for managing, sharing and providing access to data, especially among systems that are used to conduct a distributed application. Such methods may be beneficial, for example, in distributed networks having occasionally-connected devices. Methods are provided for linking and synchronizing data in a distributed network. In one example system, loosely-coupled systems may be used to implement such a network. Further, an abstraction layer may be used to abstract data elements (e.g., files, database elements) from those used by an application.