Transaction management in a configuration database

Abstract

A method and system are disclosed for updating and managing a configuration database used to store configuration and user data in a computer network having multiple clients, such as network computers. The transaction management mechanisms described determine whether new data, such as a new user or specific property, is being added to the configuration database or whether an existing node in the database is being modified by a transaction. A locking mechanism obtains a lock on a node according to whether a new node is being added to the configuration database or an existing node is being modified. During this process, an identifier is assigned to the transaction that caused the lock that acts as a transaction handle. The transaction then proceeds to modify the configuration database by either adding new data or modifying existing data. The locking mechanism then commits the transaction by releasing the lock if the modification or insertion is successful, or aborts the transaction if the modification or insertion fails.