Patent ID: 8782096

Claim:
A system for virtual repository management comprising: a processor configured to: receive an indication that one or more external content items stored in an external repository are to be taken under management of a content management system, or that one or more content management functionalities are desired to be performed with respect to the one or more external content items stored in the external repository; generate, in response to the receipt of the indication, a reference object for at least a first external content item stored in the external repository, wherein the reference object is generated based at least in part on metadata associated with the first external content item, wherein the reference object is part of a meta-catalog of managed content objects, wherein the external repository has not been ingested into the content management system, wherein external content items stored in the external repository are not directly controlled by the content management system, and wherein the reference object includes information that allows the content management system to access and to manipulate the first external content item; store, in an internal repository of the content management system, the reference object that represents the first external content item in the internal repository; receive a request to perform a content management functionality with respect to the first external content item; use the reference object to perform the requested content management functionality on the first external content item including by translating the requested content management functionality into a syntax or format required by the external repository and transmitting the translated request to cause the external repository to perform the requested content management functionality, wherein the reference object allows performance to the same extent of the one or more content management functionalities-with respect to the first external content item as with respect to content items that are stored within or have been ingested into the internal repository; and a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.