System and method for using soft links to managed content

摘要

A system and method for using soft links to managed content is described, wherein data is stored within a content repository in the form of nodes arranged in a hierarchical structure. Soft links are created and associated with content nodes by having a reference pointer to a node that is resolved by the content repository. A soft link may be implemented as a skeleton node containing no actual storage data except to point to the actual content node. Nested soft links are also supported wherein a soft link may reference another soft link which can reference a node or yet another soft link. Checks for cyclical infinite loops can be performed. Soft links can be presented as pointers to regular content nodes to the users. This can enable users to arrange and customize data while saving on storage costs and preventing duplication of data.