A server system for the sharing of documents, comprising: a processor and memory storing one or more programs comprising computer instructions for execution by the processor ; a pointer server electronically coupled to the processor , the pointer server including a pointer database for storing a pointer to a document associated with a user and stored on a repository device remote from the server system , wherein the pointer comprises a unique identifier of the document and an associated location of that document on the repository device; a network communications interface (212; 312; 412) electronically coupled to the processor and configured to: electronically receive via a computer network, an electronic request to share the document with a recipient third-party device remote from a client device associated with the user; and in response to the electronic request, transmit an encrypted information package including the pointer that includes the unique identifier of the document and the associated location of the document on the repository device to one of the client device , the repository, or the third-party device; and at the pointer server , documenting in a certificate at least a part of a transaction related to the electronic request, wherein the certificate includes an identity of the user, identifying information related to the recipient third-party device, a time and date of receipt of the electronic request, and a status of the transaction. a processor and memory storing one or more programs comprising computer instructions for execution by the processor ; a pointer server electronically coupled to the processor , the pointer server including a pointer database for storing a pointer to a document associated with a user and stored on a repository device remote from the server system , wherein the pointer comprises a unique identifier of the document and an associated location of that document on the repository device; a network communications interface (212; 312; 412) electronically coupled to the processor and configured to: electronically receive via a computer network, an electronic request to share the document with a recipient third-party device remote from a client device associated with the user; and in response to the electronic request, transmit an encrypted information package including the pointer that includes the unique identifier of the document and the associated location of the document on the repository device to one of the client device , the repository, or the third-party device; and at the pointer server , documenting in a certificate at least a part of a transaction related to the electronic request, wherein the certificate includes an identity of the user, identifying information related to the recipient third-party device, a time and date of receipt of the electronic request, and a status of the transaction. electronically receive via a computer network, an electronic request to share the document with a recipient third-party device remote from a client device associated with the user; and in response to the electronic request, transmit an encrypted information package including the pointer that includes the unique identifier of the document and the associated location of the document on the repository device to one of the client device , the repository, or the third-party device; and at the pointer server , documenting in a certificate at least a part of a transaction related to the electronic request, wherein the certificate includes an identity of the user, identifying information related to the recipient third-party device, a time and date of receipt of the electronic request, and a status of the transaction. <EOS>