Patent ID: 6351766
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An apparatus configured to interact with a plurality of files distributed over a plurality of computers, the plurality of computers being in communication with each other, the apparatus comprising:a front and interface, wherein when a user requests to interact with a first file of the plurality of files located on a first computer of the plurality of computers through a first universal resource locator protocol an to edit the first file and the first file references a second file of the plurality of files located on a second computer of the plurality of computers through a second universal resource locator protocol, the front end interface accesses the first file on the first computer by ascertaining the first universal resource locator protocol associated with the first file, and the front end interface automatically, without human interaction, accesses the second file on the second computer through the second universal resource locator protocol provided by the first file such that the front end interface permits interaction between the user and the first and second files; a plurality of server processes, each of the server processes performing one of plurality of different categories of function regarding interaction between the user and the plurality of files, wherein when the front end interface permits interaction between the user and the first file, the front end interface permits the interaction through a first server process, which permits a first category of functions to be performed on the first file, and the front end interface permits interaction between the user and the second file trough a second server process which permits a second category of functions to be performed on the second file; and a plurality of tools, each of the tools performing a selected function of a category of the plurality of different categories of functions, wherein when the front end interface permits interaction between the user and the first file through a first tool, the first tool permits a first function of the first category of functions to be performed on the first file, and when the front end interface permits interaction between the user and the second file through a second tool, the second tool permits a second function of the second category of functions to be performed on the second file.