Palmsource Inc.

Access Company, Ltd.

Access Systems Americas, Inc.

Tom Butler

Alvin I Pivowar

William Leonard Mills

Robert G McKenzie

Jayita Poddar

A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.

N-way synchronization of computer databases

A method and system for fast synchronization of computer databases using coverage status. First coverage information of a first database and second coverage information of a second database are accessed. Using the coverage information from the two databases, it may be determined which data elements from the second database are more recent than corresponding data elements from the first database. Data elements from the second database that are more recent than corresponding data elements of the first database may be transferred to the first database. In this novel manner, synchronization of two databases may take place without comparing corresponding data elements between the two databases in order to determine if a data element has been modified. By this exchange of coverage information, it is possible to transfer only changed records, in one direction, allowing for a consistent synchronization method that is typically faster than prior art methods.

Fast synchronization of computer databases using coverage status

A single ended synchronization agent which communicates with a single endpoint. Responsive to instructions from a synchronization manager, a single ended synchronization agent transfers information between its endpoint and a common synchronization engine. Endpoints may include databases, hand held computers, communication links and the like. These novel single ended agent programs in cooperation with a common synchronization engine are able to synchronize databases. The agent programs need not implement synchronization logic and agent programs are required to understand only a single database. These aspects of the single ended agent programs greatly simplify the design, construction and maintenance of this software when compared with the prior art.

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Santa Clara, CA, United States of America

Tom Butler