Patent ID: 8452823

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for using a file system, comprising: a first storage storing a first file object in the file system; a first storage storing a first collection object in the file system; a second storage storing a contract object table and a first contract in the contract object table, the first contract representing a relationship between the first file object and the first collection object, the second storage storing a second contract in the contract object table, the second contract representing a relationship between a second file object in the file system and the first collection object; a third storage storing a rule table and a first rule in the rule table, the third storage storing a second rule in the rule table; a computer receiving a first event associated with the first file object, the first collection object, or both; the computer selecting the first contract in the contract object table responsive to the receiving; the computer selecting the first rule in the rule table responsive to the receiving and based at least in part on the first contract; the computer applying the first rule to the first file object, the first collection object, or the first contract; the computer determining that a second event has occurred to the second file object, the first collection object, or both; the computer selecting the second contract in the contract object table responsive to the determining; the computer selecting the second rule in the rule table responsive to the determining and based at least in part on the second contract; and the computer applying the second rule to at least one of a group consisting of: the second file object, the first collection object, and the second contract.