Remote database update method and apparatus

摘要

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for selectively supplying the latest versions of portions of a source database to each of a plurality of uniquely identifiable target entities where some target entities may have access to portions completely different from those portions to which other target entities are entitled to receive. The data receiving target entity provides an indication of the time stamp and revision indications of all material presently available to the receiving entity along with the unique identifier of the receiving entity. The source returns a table of all material that a requesting entity is entitled to access along with an indication of data that has changed since the last update for the requesting entity. The requesting entity then selects from the table the desired data items to be received and obtains same from the source database.