Xml methods and systems for synchronizing multiple computing devices

Abstract

Extensible markup language (XML) methods and systems for synchronizing a configuration of resources across multiple computing devices are described. In the described embodiment, a computer network comprises a master computing device and a plurality of additional computing devices communicatively linked with the master computing device. The master computing device comprises a configuration of resources that are desired to be synchronized across the additional computing devices. The master computing device is configured to develop a XML list that describes aspects of its configuration of resources. Each additional computing device is configured to receive the XML list that is developed by the master computing device and evaluate the XML list to determine whether its particular configuration of resources are synchronized with those of the master computing device. If a particular additional computing device's configuration of resources is not synchronized with those of the master computing device, the additional computing device prepares a second XML list that describes its resource configuration needs and sends the second XML list to the master computing device. The master computing device receives the second XML list, evaluates it, and sends data to the corresponding additional computing device for use in synchronizing its configuration of resources. Each of the additional computing devices can send separate independent XML lists that describe their resource needs and the master computing device is capable of individually responding to each one. In one aspect, the computing devices are computer servers that are configured as Web servers.