System and method for securely synchronizing multiple copies of a workspace element in a network

摘要

A system includes a general synchronization module at the client site for operating within a first firewall and for examining first version information to determine whether a first workspace element has been modified. The system further includes a synchronization agent at a global server for operating outside the first firewall and for forwarding to the general synchronization module second version information which indicates whether an independently-modifiable copy of the first workspace element has been modified. A synchronization-start module is maintained at the client site for operating within the first firewall and for securely initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent when predetermined criteria have been satisfied. The system further includes means for generating a preferred version from the first workspace element and from the copy by comparing the first version information and the second version information, and means for storing the preferred version at the first store and at the second store.