Patent ID: 7213038
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for maintaining common data in first, second and third datasets in first, second and third respective computer systems, said method comprising the steps of: assigning said first computer system a sole right to approve updates of said common data while said first computer system is able to approve updates of said common data, and assigning said second computer system a right to approve updates of said common data when said first computer system is unable to approve updates of said common data; said third computer system subsequently making a request to said first computer system to update said common data, and in response, said first computer system updating said common data in said first dataset and advising said second and third computer systems to make a corresponding update to their second and third datasets, respectively; said third computer system making a subsequent request to said first computer system to update said common data, and in response, said third computer system learning that said first computer system is unable to approve updates of said common data and determining that said second computer system has a right to approve updates of said common data when said first computer system is unable to approve updates of said common data, and in response, said third computer system making a request to said second computer system to update said common data and notifying said second computer system that said first computer system is unable to approve updates of said common data or that said second computer system has the right to approve updates of said common data; and in response to said notification, said second computer system updating said common data in said second dataset and advising said third computer system to make a corresponding update to said third dataset.