Patent ID: 8005844

Claim:
A method for retaining data online within a distributed database system, comprising: generating a first instance of a data set comprising a plurality of data fields with corresponding data values searchable in response to a data selection request; generating a second instance of the data set comprising a second plurality of data fields with corresponding data values searchable in response to a data selection request; and storing the first and second data instances online in a plurality of databases within a distributed database system, wherein each of the plurality of databases contains a structure distinct from a relational database model, wherein the data values, index elements for the data values, and the data fields of each data instance are encapsulated within one file stored on one of the plurality of databases; wherein the first and second data instances are each stored independently but are accessible jointly through a directory server containing connectivity information and content details for the data instances; wherein the first and the second data instances utilize a first and a second blueprint respectively, and wherein each blueprint contains embedded code to control behavior and presentation of data within the data instance, wherein the embedded code performs independent actions upon the data instance, including normalizing data, mapping data, performing a search, and returning the search; and wherein additional functions can be defined within the embedded code of the first data instance independent of functions performed within the second data instance.