Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing records stored in differing formats in a shared data environment. One aspect of the invention involves distinguishing a record without regard to its format. Once a record is introduced into the environment, it is detected. A record file is generated and associated with the event. A record file typically includes a record tag uniquely identifying a given record in the shared data environment and a record type indicating information such as whether or not the record represents a recurring event as well as the format of the record. A record file also contains data indicating the status of the particular event, that is, whether it is new, unchanged, modified, or deleted. When synchronizing, only those records with equivalent record tags are compared. The record type and status are then used to guide the synchronization of equivalent records.

Abstract: Converting a electronic files. An initial step involves determining whether an electronic file contains distinct data strings or simple text associated with marks. Where the electronic file contains distinct data strings, those distinct data strings are located, and, from each distinct data string, format data is obtained. The distinct data string is then converted to simple text and associated with a mark, the mark representing the format data. Where the electronic file contains simple text associated with marks, those marks are located, for each located mark, the simple text associated with that mark is identified. The simple text is then formatted according to the mark forming a distinct data string.

Abstract: Converting a electronic files. An initial step involves determining whether an electronic file contains distinct data strings or simple text associated with marks. Where the electronic file contains distinct data strings, those distinct data strings are located, and, from each distinct data string, format data is obtained. The distinct data string is then converted to simple text and associated with a mark, the mark representing the format data. Where the electronic file contains simple text associated with marks, those marks are located, for each located mark, the simple text associated with that mark is identified. The simple text is then formatted according to the mark forming a distinct data string.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing records stored in differing formats in a shared data environment. One aspect of the invention involves distinguishing a record without regard to its format. Once a record is introduced into the environment, it is detected. A record file is generated and associated with the event. A record file typically includes a record tag uniquely identifying a given record in the shared data environment and a record type indicating information such as whether or not the record represents a recurring event as well as the format of the record. A record file also contains data indicating the status of the particular event, that is, whether it is new, unchanged, modified, or deleted. When synchronizing, only those records with equivalent record tags are compared. The record type and status are then used to guide the synchronization of equivalent records.