With Punch installed on local workstations, users can publish and subscribe to information sources. In addition to its distributed nature, Punch employs a binary-level comparison routine that reduces the amount of redundant data sent over the network. For large or small networks with hundreds or even thousands of users sharing files, Punch's differential publishing technology can save you tremendous bandwidth, while providing more than adequate collaboration. I tested a beta version in Network Computing's University of Wisconsin lab and was impressed with its overall performance. Punching Out the Competition Punch uses groups, or families, to share information among users.
Any family member can share information with and receive content updates from any other member.
By using multiple families, you can create a hierarchy and segment information sources within your network environment. I was now ready to share an unlimited number of files with other Punch users on my network. Next, I modified one of the RFCs by annotating portions of the text. As I published the modified RFC, Punch scanned it for differences, then published the revised portion as a new version of the original. When another Punch user wishes to subscribe to published material, he or she must first be adopted by a family.