Abstract: The described embodiments include a computing device that enables the placement of data guards on data items (e.g., files, data in an application, etc.). The data guard is associated with a conflict priority that is used to determine users that are permitted to make changes to the data item. When the data guard has been placed, the data item is visually identified (e.g., when displayed on a display) as being guarded. In addition, the computing device includes various mechanisms for enabling synchronization of data items between computing devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for data storage management. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request to store one or more data items from a client device; identifying one or more remote storage locations for storing the one or more data items; creating header snips corresponding to the one or more remote storage locations; and sending the header snips to the client device.