Content distribution system for network environments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for republishing content to multiple target server computers such that the content is automatically customized for each target site. Users on client computers can then view the customized content by connecting to the target sites through the Internet or another network. In one aspect, a source site receives content from one or more journalist client computers and automatically republishes the content to multiple target sites. The source site includes a database engine having procedures stored thereon that contain the custom section hierarchy of the target sites. The custom section hierarchy is used to map a story on the source site to any predetermined section on the target site. In another aspect, a difference engine determines stories that need to be republished by comparing a list of potential stories to be republished to a list of stories already published on a target site. This comparison includes analyzing time stamps and a browse order of the stories in both lists and only republishing stories that have changed. In another aspect, a binder is used to further customize the stories for each target site. The binder applies style sheets containing customization information to the stories. The style sheets change the look and feel of the story to customize the story for the target site. For example, the style sheets can be used to customize the location of a picture, add a header, add a deck, customize the font, etc. In yet another aspect, a status table is used to track each republication job as content is customized for each target site. The status table allows multiple jobs to be republished simultaneously either through parallel processing or multithreading.