Patent ID: 7827216
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: selecting a file comprising a list of associated contract objects; selecting a collection comprising a list of associated contract objects; determining a relationship between the file and the collection; creating a contract object to represent the relationship between the file and the collection, the contract object comprising a contract object identifier, locator for the file, metadata for the file, a locator for the collection, and a rule table; storing the contract object identifier in the lists of associated contract objects, wherein the file and the collection utilize the contract object identifier to locate the contract object; storing within a transaction log a first entry and a second entry, the first entry representing creation of the contract object and the second entry representing a user request for the creation; determining a first event that can occur to the file; associating a first rule with the contract object, the first rule including the first event and a first action; storing the first rule in the rule table; receiving the first event occurring to the file; locating the contract object to assess the rule table for the first rule associated with the contract object; and updating at least one of the contract object, the file, and the collection according to the first rule as determined by the first action responsive to the first event, wherein the contract object is created and used without participation by a user, the file, or the collection.