Data dissemination system for computer networks

摘要

A system for disseminating data to users of local computer systems (21, 22, 23) connectable to a wide area network (30) including: production means (16) for producing storage media (40) containing static first portions of the data for physical distribution to the users; a remote site (10) including a processor (13), for processing the data, and mass storage means (15), for maintaining dynamic second portions of the data associated with the static first portions. Each local computer system is connectable (31) to the remote site via the wide area network (30). A local computer is able to access second data portions from the remote site via a communications means (26) and includes drive means (24) for reading the distributed storage media (41) containing first data portions. An identifier of an address of the drive means is communicated to the remote site (10) and access to the second data portions by a user facilitates integration of the first and second data portions at the local computer system (21) for immediate presentation to the user.