Collaborative model for software systems with synchronization submodel with merge feature, automatic conflict resolution and isolation of potential changes for reuse

• Main Authors: Hurley, William D, Habermehl, Kyle D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 13.01.2004

The present invention relates generally to collaborative applications, and more particularly to a collaboration model which can support the introduction of new object types into deployed network environments. A collaboration model is provided for constructing evolutionary collaborative applications deployed in network environments, such as the World Wide Web, or wireless environments, which supports introduction of new object types into the deployed system. The collaboration model is arranged as a set of submodels. The highest-level control resides in a synchronization submodel. A merge submodel defines mechanisms for merging changes, detecting conflicts, and resolving conflicts whenever possible. A change submodel is operative to define allowable changes for shared objects. A replication model is arranged to provide replication functionality, and define how multiple versions of an object are presented. A distribution submodel provides distribution functionality, and a type submodel provides a programming language-independent representational scheme for the overall collaboration model. The synchronization submodel, the merge submodel, and the replication submodel are arranged to use constructs defined by the change submodel.