Abstract: A method of and system for collecting, storing, and retrieving data in a data base management system. The database management system includes a master database server (4), at least one workgroup server (315), and a plurality of workgroup user clients (310). The workgroup server (315) is interposed between the master database server (4) and said workgroup user clients (310). The method creating a transaction in a local database resident on one of the workgroup user clients (310), entering the transaction into a transaction log resident on the workgroup user client (310), and creating a transaction file corresponding to the transaction in an outbox of said workgroup user client (310). Next, the transaction file is copied to an inbox identified to the workgroup user client (310) and updating the transaction file into a workgroup database (305) resident on the workgroup server (315). The workgroup database (305) includes a transaction log.

Abstract: Attaching files and other objects in a distributed computing environment. This includes adding file attachments and non-database objects, such as, text file data, web file data, image file data, and other file attachment objects to databases. These objects may be retrieved at the convenience of a node to which the objects are sent. Visibility rules can be set to determine which attachments and objects are seen by a node. Distribution rules for an object determine whether a node must request the object or whether the node is forced to receive the object.

Abstract: Attaching files and other objects in a distributed computing environment. This includes adding file attachments and non-database objects, such as, text file data, web file data, image file data, and other file attachment objects to databases. These objects may be retrieved at the convenience of a node to which the objects are sent. Visibility rules can be set to determine which attachments and objects are seen by a node. Distribution rules for an object determine whether a node must request the object or whether the node is forced to receive the object.

Abstract: Updates made to a central database (3) or to another partially replicated database (23-1) are selectively propagated to a partially replicated database (23-2) if the owner of the partially replicated database (23-2) is deemed to have visibility to the data being updated. Visibility is determined by use of predetermined rules stored in a rules database. Stored rules are assessed against data content of various tables that make up a logical entity, known as a docking object that is being updated. The stored rules are assessed against data content of various tables that make up a docking object, not necessarily being the docking object that is being updated. The visibility rules of these related docking objects are recursively determined. Changes in visibility are determined to enable the central computer to direct the nodes to insert the docking object into its partially replicated database.

Abstract: A method of and system for collecting, storing, and retrieving data in a data base management system. The database management system includes a master database server (4), at least one workgroup server (315), and a plurality of workgroup user clients (310). The workgroup server (315) is interposed between the master database server (4) and said workgroup user clients (310). The method creating a transaction in a local database resident on one of the workgroup user clients (310), entering the transaction into a transaction log resident on the workgroup user client (310), and creating a transaction file corresponding to the transaction in an outbox of said workgroup user client (310). Next, the transaction file is copied to an inbox identified to the workgroup user client (310) and updating the transaction file into a workgroup database (305) resident on the workgroup server (315). The workgroup database (305) includes a transaction log.

Abstract: Upgrading a software application from one or more upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). According to this method a copy of the upgrade package files and an upgrade database table are created on the server (1). A pointer is created in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1). This pointer points to the upgrade package files on the server (1); In invoking the upgrade the, the upgrade files are made active, and the upgrade database table is scanned when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks. This is to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the particular client (21a, 21b, 21c). The upgrade is copied to the client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade. At this point the upgrade may be invoked at the client (21a, 21b, 21c). Also disclosed is a program product carrying code for the upgrade method.

Abstract: A method for upgrading (31-b of FIG. 1) a software application (35-b) from a prior version to a subsequent version while preserving user modifications to the prior application. The method includes comparing differences between the two versions of the software applications. This is followed by enumerating the differences between the two versions of the software applications; and determining which differences between the two versions of the software are conflicting and which are compatible. The compatible changes are made (7). Also disclosed is an article of manufacture containing computer readable program code for carrying out the above process, and a program storage device carrying the code.

Abstract: A method of and system for collecting, storing, and retrieving data in a data base management system. The database management system includes a master database server (4), at least one workgroup server (315), and a plurality of workgroup user clients (310). The workgroup server (315) is interposed between the master database server (4) and said workgroup user clients (310). The method creating a transaction in a local database resident on one of the workgroup user clients (310), entering the transaction into a transaction log resident on the workgroup user client (310), and creating a transaction file corresponding to the transaction in an outbox of said workgroup user client (310). Next, the transaction file is copied to an inbox identified to the workgroup user client (310) and updating the transaction file into a workgroup database (305) resident on the workgroup server (315). The workgroup database (305) includes a transaction log.

Abstract: A method, a program product, and a system for assigning resources to tasks in a rule based, resource constrained system. This is done by receiving as inputs tasks and task attributes; resources and resource attributes; and assignment rules. These inputs are used to searching a database of tasks, task attributes, and assignment rules thereof, to search a database of resources including resource attributes thereof, and to retrieve resources based upon the resource attributes. Resources are assigned to tasks based upon matches and scores of the resource attributes, the task attributes, and the assignment rules.

Abstract: Upgrading a software application from one or more upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). According to this method a copy of the upgrade package files and an upgrade database table are created on the server (1). A pointer is created in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1). This pointer points to the upgrade package files on the server (1); In invoking the upgrade the, the upgrade files are made active, and the upgrade database table is scanned when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks. This is to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the particular client (21a, 21b, 21c). The upgrade is copied to the client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade. At this point the upgrade may be invoked at the client (21a, 21b, 21c). Also disclosed is a program product carrying code for the upgrade method.

Abstract: A method of and system for collecting, storing, and retrieving data in a data base management system. The database management system includes a master database server (4), at least one workgroup server (315), and a plurality of workgroup user clients (310). The workgroup server (315) is interposed between the master database server (4) and said workgroup user clients (310). The method creating a transaction in a local database resident on one of the workgroup user clients (310), entering the transaction into a transaction log resident on the workgroup user client (310), and creating a transaction file corresponding to the transaction in an outbox of said workgroup user client (310). Next, the transaction file is copied to an inbox identified to the workgroup user client (310) and updating the transaction file into a workgroup database (305) resident on the workgroup server (315). The workgroup database (305) includes a transaction log.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for collecting, storing, and retrieving data in a database management system. The database management system has an enterprise server and at least one workgroup user client. The method includes creating a transaction in a local database resident on said workgroup user client, entering the transaction into a transaction log resident on the workgroup user client, and creating a transaction file corresponding to the transaction log in an outbox of the workgroup user client. The workgroup user client transaction log is read, skipping those transactions which originate at the enterprise server, data files are created corresponding to the entries. The data files corresponding to transactions originating at the workgroup user client are read to an inbox on the enterprise server, thus updating the transactions into an enterprise database on the enterprise server.