DATA LINKING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING ENCODED LINKS

摘要

A method for linking data using persistent links is disclosed. The links a re created in a central repository, which maintains an identification class for each entity. The identification class contains all available information concerning the entity. By matching links instead of names and addresses, potential ambiguities and erroneous duplicates are eliminated. The links are encoded before external distributio n with a client-specific key; the link encoding discourages clients from collaboratin g to use personal information without authorization.