Patent ID: 6449622
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for synchronizing user data in a first dataset with user data in at least a second dataset via a communication medium, wherein the user data in the first dataset and the user data in the second dataset are capable of having been independently modified prior to the synchronization, the method comprising:sending a dataset change from the first dataset; receiving the dataset change via the communication medium; determining whether the received dataset change, hereinafter referred to as the just-received change, was sent earlier than another dataset change from the first dataset that was received earlier than the receiving step, wherein the other dataset change is hereinafter referred to as the previously-received change; and performing synchronization of the first and the second datasets based at least in part on the determining step, wherein the performing step comprises: if the just-received change is determined in the determining step to have been sent earlier than the previously-received change, refraining from propagating the just-received change into the second dataset; and otherwise, propagating the just-received change into the second dataset, at least to an extent needed for reconciling the just-received change with the second dataset.