Patent ID: 7062486

Claim:
A method for providing access to data files stored in a data repository comprising the steps of: receiving a request for a data file from a requester; determining if said requester is authorized to access said requested data file; displaying at least one available data format selected from a list of stored data formats, said at least one available data format selectable by said requester; translating the requested data file from a stored data format into a requester-selected data format; and making said translated data file accessible to said requester if it is determined that said requester is authorized; wherein said repository resides behind a secure firewall the method further comprising the steps of: providing an access control system outside of said firewall for receiving said request for said data file; determining via access control system if the requested data file is stored in the repository; passing said request to said repository if said requester is authorized and said requested data file is stored in said repository; receiving said request at a staging database within said firewall; determining based on said received request which of said stored data formats is to be used to perform said translating into said requested data format; using the results of said determination to retrieve the data file having the determined format from said repository; and providing said translated data file from said repository to said staging database; wherein said access control system includes a response repository and wherein said translated data file is transferred from said staging database to said response repository and retained at the response repository in response to said request.