Method of synchronizing independently distributed software and database schema

[0002] This application is a continuation application under the provisions of 35 USC § 120 of PCT International Application No. PCT/US98/03572, filed Feb. 24, 1998, itself claiming the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/040,534 filed Feb. 27, 1997.

[0003] I. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to a system and method for providing updates to a network of partially replicated relational database systems, and, more particularly, for providing an efficient means for computing the visibility to a client on the network of a transaction processed against the database.

[0005] II. Background

[0006] Relational databases are a commonly-employed data structure for representing data in a business or other environment. A relational database represents data in the form of a collection of two-dimensional tables. Each table comprises a series of cells arranged in rows and columns. Typically, a row in a table represents a particular observation. A column represents either a data field or a pointer to a row in another table.

[0007] For example, a database describing an organizational structure may have one table to describe each position in the organization, and another table to describe each employee in the organization. The employee table may include information specific to the employee, such as name, employee number, age, salary, etc. The position table may include information specific to the position, such as the position title (“salesman”, “vice president”, etc.), a salary range, and the like. The tables may be related by, for example, providing in each row of the employee table a pointer to a particular row in the position table, coordinated so that, for each row in the employee table, there is a pointer to the particular row in the position table that describes that employee's position. A relational database management system (RDBMS) supports “joining” these tables in response to a query from a user, so that the user making a query about, for example, a particular employee, may be provided with a report of the selected employee, including not only the information in the employee table, but also the information in the related position table.

[0008] Relational databases may be much more complex than this example, with several tables and a multiplicity of relations among them.

[0009] With the widespread use of inexpensive portable computers, it is advantageous to replicate a database onto a portable computer for reference at locations remote from the central computer. The replicated database may then be referenced by the user of the portable computer, without requiring reference to the main database, which may be maintained at a central location inconvenient to the user of the portable computer. However, there are a number of difficulties with the use of a replicated database.

[0010] One disadvantage is that a full copy of the central database may require more data storage than is desired or economical. For example, a salesman working in the field may need to refer to the database for information regarding sales opportunities in his sales area, but have no need to refer to any information regarding sales opportunities outside of his area. One possible approach to reduce the amount of required data storage is to simply replicate only that portion of the database that is needed by the user. However, this approach does not recognize that the criteria to determine which portions of the data are required is likely to vary over time. For example, the salesman may have a new city added to his territory. Under conventional approaches, the salesman would need to re-replicate his local copy of the database, this time selecting data including the added city. Such a practice is inconvenient, subject to error, and time-consuming.

[0011] A further disadvantage to a replicated database is the difficulties encountered in attempting to update data using the replicated copy. A change made to the replicated database is not made to the central database, leading to a discrepancy between the information that is stored in the replicated copy of the database and the information that is stored in the central database. Although it is possible to journal modifications made to the replicated copy and apply an identical modification to the central database, one problem that this approach faces is the possibility of colliding updates; that is, where a user of a replicated copy makes a change to data that is also changed by a user of the central copy or by the user of another replicated copy.

[0012] It is therefore desirable to provide a capability to maintain one or more partially-replicated copies of a central database, in such a way that the degree of replication may be easily changed without requiring a refresh of the entire replicated database, and that permits updates to be coordinated among users of the central database and users of the partially replicated databases.

[0013] The present invention is directed to a method of maintaining a partially replicated database in such a way that updates made to a central database, or to another partially replicated database, are selectively propagated to the partially replicated database. Updates are propagated to a partially replicated database if the owner of the partially replicated database is deemed to have visibility to the data being updated. Visibility is determined by use of predetermined rules stored in a rules database. In one aspect of the invention, the stored rules are assessed against data content of various tables that make up a logical entity, known as a docking object, that is being updated.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the stored rules are assessed against data content of one or more docking objects that are not necessarily updated, but that are related to a docking object being updated. In one embodiment, the visibility attributes of the related docking objects are recursively determined.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the invention, changes in visibility are determined to enable the central computer to direct the nodes to insert the docking object into its partially replicated database. Such changes in visibility are determined so as to enable the central computer to direct a node to remove a docking object from its partially replicated database.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, the predetermined rules are in declarative form and specify visibility of data based upon structure of the data without reference to data content.

[0017] In still another aspect of the invention, the levels of the database schema and the database access software are synchronized to prevent an updated schema from being processed by a back-level version of software.

[0018] A still further aspect of our invention is a method of upgrading a software application from one or more upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). According to this method a copy of the upgrade package files and an upgrade database table are created on the server (1). A pointer is created in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1). This pointer points to the upgrade package files on the server (1). In invoking the upgrade the, the upgrade files are made active, and the upgrade database table is scanned when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks. This is to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the particular client (21a, 21b, 21c). The upgrade is copied to the client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade. At this point the upgrade may be invoked at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0019] A still further aspect of our invention is a program product article of manufacture encompassing a computer usable medium with computer program code embodied therein for causing the upgrading of a software application from upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). The computer readable program in the program product article of manufacture contains computer readable program code means for causing a computer to effect creating a copy of the upgrade package files on the server (1), creating an upgrade database table on the server (1); creating a pointer in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1) pointing to the upgrade package files on the server (1), making the upgrade active, scanning the upgrade database table when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the client (21a, 21b, 21c), copying the upgrade to a client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade, and invoking the upgrade at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0020] A even further aspect of our invention is a program product in the form of a program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for of upgrading a software application from upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c) said method steps comprising creating a copy of the upgrade package files on the server (1), creating an upgrade database table on the server (1); creating a pointer in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1) pointing to the upgrade package files on the server (1), making the upgrade active, scanning the upgrade database table when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the client (21a, 21b, 21c), copying the upgrade to a client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade, and invoking the upgrade at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a database schema that shows the relationship of the various components that make up a Docking Object.

[0023] FIG. 3 depicts steps performed by an update manager to update a database.

[0024] FIG. 4 depicts steps performed by a Docking Manager to transmit and/or receive one or more transaction logs.

[0025] FIG. 5 depicts the steps performed by a merge processor to merge transaction log records into an existing database.

[0026] FIG. 6 depicts the steps performed by a log manager to prepare a partial transaction log.

[0027] FIG. 7 depicts the steps performed by a visibility calculator for calculating visibility for a docking object as invoked by a log manager.

[0028] FIG. 8 depicts the steps performed to synchronize a partially replicated database in response to a change in data visibility.

[0029] Overview

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts a central computer system 1 and three remote computer systems (or “nodes”) 21-a, 21-b, and 21-c. Each of nodes 21-a, 21-band 21-care depicted in various states of communication with central computer system 1, as will be more fully explained. Central computer system 1 includes a central database 3, a docking manager 5, a merge processor 7 and a log manager 9. Central computer system 1 additionally optionally includes update manager 11 responsive to user input 13.

[0031] Node 21-ais a remote computer system, such as a mobile client such as a laptop computer. Node 21-aincludes a partially replicated remote database 23-a, update manager 31-aresponsive to user input 33-a, docking manager 25-aand merge manager 27-a. In operation, update manager is responsive to user input 33-ato make changes to remote database 23-aas directed by the operator of node 21-a. Updates made are recorded, or journaled, in node update log 35-a.

[0032] At some point at the convenience of the operator of node 21-a, node docking manager 35-ais activated, and enters into communication with central docking manager 5. Update log 35-ais taken as input by node docking manager 25-a, and provided to central docking manager 5. Central docking manager 5 creates a received node update log 19, which contains all the information that had been recorded in update log 35-a. Optionally, partial log 17-ais taken as input by central docking manager 5 and provided to node docking manager 25-a, as more fully described herein.

[0033] At some point in time, at the convenience of the operator of central computer system 1, merge processor 7 is activated. Merge processor 7 takes as input received node update log 19, and applies the updates described therein to central database 3. In the process of applying the updates from received node update log 19, merge processor journals the updates applied to central update log 15. Optionally, update manager 11, responsive to user input 12 makes additional changed to central database 3 as directed by the operator of central computer system 1. The updates made by update manager 11 are additionally journaled in central update log 15.

[0034] At some point in time, at the convenience of the operator of central computer system 1, log manager 9 is activated. Log manager 9 takes as input central update log 15 and produces as output a set of partial logs 17-a, 17-band 17-caccording to visibility rules as will be further described herein. Each of partial logs 17-a, 17-band 17-ccorresponds to one of nodes 21-a, 21-band 21-c. When a node docking manager such as node docking manager 25-aenters into communication with central docking manager 5 and optionally requests transmission of its corresponding partial log, central docking manager 5 takes as input the appropriate partial log, such as partial log 17-a, and presents it to node docking manager 25-a. Node docking manager 25-athen replicates partial log 17-aas merge log 37-a.

[0035] At some point in the future, at the convenience of the operator of node 21-a, merge processor 27-ais activated. Merge processor 27-atakes as input merge log 37-a, and applies the updates described therein to partially replicated database 23-a.

[0036] In addition to node 21-a, FIG. 1 also depicts two additional nodes 21-band 21-c. Node 21-bis depicted in communication with central computer 1. However, unlike node 21-a, the operator of node 21-bhas requested only to send his updates to central computer system 1, and has not requested to be presented with changes made elsewhere to be made to his partially replicated database 23-b. This may be, for example, if the operator has an urgent update that must be made as soon as possible, but does not have the time to receive updates from other nodes. Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows only transmission of node update log 35-afrom node docking manager 25-bto central docking manager 5, and no transmission from central docking manager 5 to node docking manager 25-b. Accordingly, the merge manager for node 21-bis not activated and is not shown.

[0037] Likewise, node 21-cis depicted as not in communication with central computer system 1. Accordingly, the docking manager for node 21-cis not activated and is not shown.

[0038] By the cycle described above, updates made by each of nodes 21-a, 21-band 21-care presented to central computer system 1, permitting central database 3 to be updated accordingly. In addition, each of the updates made by each of the nodes 21-a21-band 21-c, as well as updates made on central computer system 1, are routed back to each of nodes 21-a, 21-b, and 21-c, thereby keeping each of partial databases 23-a, 23-band 23-cin synchronization with each other and with central database 3.

[0039] Database Structure

[0040] The synchronization of central database 3 with node databases 23-a, 23-band 23-cis performed using a construct called a Docking Object. A Docking Object consists of Member Tables (including one Primary Table), Visibility Rules, Visibility Events, and related Docking Objects.

[0041] A Member Table is a table of the relational database that makes up a docking object. When a docking object is propagated from central database 3 to one of node databases 23-a, 23-bor 23-c, the propagation takes the form of an insertion into each of the Member Tables associated with the particular docking object. Similarly, when a docking object is scheduled to be removed from a database, that removal consists of deleting records from the member tables associated with the docking object. For example, a docking object that represents a sales opportunity may include tables that represent the opportunity itself (e.g., named “S_OPTY”), the product whose sale is represented by the opportunity (e.g., named “S_OPTY_PROD”), the contact for the opportunity (e.g., named “S_OPTY_CONTACT”), etc. Each of these tables is said to be a member table of the “Opportunity Docking Object.”

[0042] A Primary Table is a Member Table that controls whether a particular instance of a Docking Object is visible to a particular node. The Primary Table has a Primary Row-ID value that is used to identify a row of the Primary Table being updated, deleted or inserted. For example, the “Opportunity Docking Object” may have as a primary table the table S_OPTY. The row-id of that table, i.e., S_OPTY.row_id, is the Primary Row-ID for the Opportunity Docking Object.

[0043] A Visibility Rule is a criterion that determines whether a particular instance of a Docking Object is “visible” to a particular node 21. If a Docking Object is visible to a particular node, that node will receive updates for data in the Docking Object. Visibility Rules are of two types, depending on the field RULE_TYPE. A Visibility Rule with a RULE_TYPE of “R” is referred to as an SQL Rule. An SQL Rule includes a set of Structured Query Language (SQL) statements that is evaluated to determine if any data meeting the criteria specified in the SQL statements exists in the Docking Object. If so, the Docking Object is visible to the node. A Visibility Rule with a RULE_TYPE of “O” is referred to as a Docking Object Rule. A Docking Object Rule specifies another Docking Object to be queried for visibility. If the specified Docking Object is visible, then the Docking Object pointing to it is also visible.

[0044] A Related Docking Object is a Docking Object that is propagated or deleted when the Docking Object under consideration is propagated or deleted. For example, an Opportunity Docking Object may have related Docking Objects representing the sales contacts, the organizations, the products to be sold, and the activities needed to pursue the opportunity. When an Opportunity Docking Object is propagated from Central Database 3 to one of node databases 23, the related docking objects are also propagated.

[0045] FIG. 2 depicts a database schema that shows the relationship of the various components that make up a Docking Object. The schema is a meta-database, in that it does not describe the data being accessed in the database. Rather, the schema is a separate database that defines the structure of the database being accessed. That is, it is a database comprising tables that describe the relationships and data contexts of another database.

[0046] Each of the tables shown in FIG. 2 is a table in a relational database, and as such is in row-column form. Many columns represent fields that are common to all the illustrated tables. Such fields include for example, a ROW_ID to identify a particular row in the table, as well as fields to tack the date and time that a row was created and last modified, and the identity of the user who created or modified the row. In addition, each table contains fields specific to that table, and which are described in detail below.

[0047] Table S_DOBJ 61 describes the Docking Objects in an application. Table S_DOBJ 61 includes the fields OBJ_NAME and PRIMARY_TABLE_ID. Field OBJ_NAME defines the name of the Docking Object being described. Field PRIMARY_TABLE_ID is used to identify the primary table associated with this Docking Object.

[0048] Table S_DOBJ_INST 63 describes whether a particular instance of a Docking Object, described by table S_DOBJ 61, is present on a particular node's database. Table S_DOBJ_INST 63 includes the fields NODE_ID, DOBJ_ID and PR_TBL_ROW_ID. Field NODE_ID points to a particular node table 65. Field DOBJ_ID points to the Docking Object to which the Docking Object instance applies. Field PR_TBL_ROW_ID is used to select a particular row in the Primary Table of the Docking Object. This value identifies the Docking Object instance.

[0049] Table S_REL_DOBJ 67 describes the related Docking Objects of a particular Docking Object, described by table S_DOBJ 61. Table S_REL_DOBJ 67 includes the fields DOBJ_ID, REL_DOBJ_ID, and SQL_STATEMENT. Field DOBJ_ID identifies the Docking Object that owns a particular related Docking Object. Field REL_DOBJ_ID identifies the related Docking Object that is owned by the Docking Object identified by DOBJ_ID. Field SQL_STATEMENT is an SQL statement that may be executed to obtain the Primary ID value of the related Docking Object.

[0050] Table S_DOBJ_TBL 69 describes the member tables of a particular Docking Object, described by table S_DOBJ 61. Table S_DOBJ_TBL 69 includes the fields DOBJ_ID, TBL_ID, and VIS_EVENT_FLG. Field DOBJ_ID identifies the Docking Object that contains the member table described by the row. Field TBL_ID identifies the particular table in the database that is the member table described by the row. Field VIS _EVENT_FLG is a flag that indicates whether a change to this Docking Object can result in a visibility event. A value of “Y” indicates that a change can result in a visibility event; a value of “N” indicates that it cannot.

[0051] Table S_DOBJ_VIS_RULE 71 contains the visibility rules associated with a particular Docking Object. S_DOBJ_VIS_RULE 71 contains the fields DOBJ_ID, RULE_SEQUENCE, RULE_TYPE, SQL_STATEMENT and CHECK_DOBJ_ID. Field DOBJ_ID identifies the Docking Object with which a particular visibility rule is associated. Field RULE_SEQUENCE is a sequence number that indicates the sequence, relative to other visibility rules in table S_DOBJ_VIS_RULE 71, in which the particular visibility rule should be run. RULE_TYPE specifies whether the particular visibility rule is of type “R,” indicating an SQL visibility rule or of type “O,” indicating a Docking Object visibility rule.

[0052] If RULE_TYPE is equal to “R,” field CHECK_DOBJ_ID is not meaningful, and field SQL_STATEMENT contains an SQL statement that is evaluated using the Primary ROW-ID of the primary table associated with this Docking Object and a particular Node 21. If the SQL statement returns any records, the Docking Object is deemed to be visible to the Node 21 for which visibility is being determined.

[0053] If RULE_TYPE is equal to “O,” both field CHECK_DOBJ_ID and field SQL_STATEMENT are meaningful. Field CHECK_DOBJ_—IDspecifies a docking object whose visibility should be determined. If the specified docking object is deemed to be visible, then the docking object associated with the visibility rule is also visible. Field SQL_STATEMENT contains a SQL statement that, when executed, returns the Row-ID of the docking object identified by CHECK_DOBJ_ID that corresponds to the docking object instance associated with the visibility rule.

[0054] Table S_APP_TBL 73 is an Application Table that describes all the tables used in a particular application. It is pointed to by table S_DOBJ_TBL 69 for each member table in a docking object, and by table S_DOBJ for the primary table in a docking object. S_APP_TBL 73 points to table S_APP_COL 75, which is an Application Column Table that describes the columns of data in a particular application. S_APP_TBL 73 points to table S_APP_COL 75 directly through a primary key and indirectly through such means as a Foreign Key Column Table 81, User Key Column Table 83, and Column Group Table 85. The relationship of an Application Table, Application Column Table, Foreign Key Column Table, User Key Column Table and Column Group Table are well known in the art and are not further described.

[0055] Update Processing

[0056] FIG. 3 depicts steps performed by an update manager 31 such as update manager 31-a, 31-bor 31-cin updating a database, such as a node database 23-a, 23-bor 23-c, responsive to user input. Execution of update manager 31 begins in step 101. In step 103, the update manager 31 accepts from the user input 33 in the form of a command requesting that the data in database 23 be altered. The request may be in the form of a request to delete a row of a table, to add a row to a table, or to change the value of a cell at a particular column of a particular row in a table. In step 105, using a well-known means, the update manager 31 applies the requested update to database 23. In step 107, the update manager 31 creates a log record describing the update and writes it to update log 35.

[0057] The contents of a log record describe the update made. Each log record indicates the node identifier of the node making the update, an identification of the table being updated, and an identification of the type of update being made, i.e., an insertion of a new row, a deletion of an existing row, or an update to an existing row. For an insertion, the log record additionally includes an identifier of the row being inserted, including its primary key and the values of the other columns in the row. For a deletion, the log record identifies the primary key of the row being deleted. For an update, the log record identifies the primary key of the row being updated, the column within the row being updated, the old value of the cell at the addressed row and column, and the new value of the cell.

[0058] After writing a log record in step 107, the update processor exits for this update. The foregoing description of the update processing preferably includes additional steps not material to the present invention, for example, to assure authorization of the user to make the update, to stage and commit the write to the database to allow for rollback in the event of software or hardware failure, and the like. These steps are well-known in the art and are not described further.

[0059] An update manager 11 executing in central computer system 1 operates in an analogous manner, except that it updates central database 3 and writes its log records to central update log 11.

[0060] Docking Processing

[0061] FIG. 4 depicts steps performed by a Docking Manager 25 such as Docking Manager 25-a, 25-bor 25-cto transmit and/or receive one or more transaction logs. Docking Manager 25 is invoked by the user of a remote node such as node 21-a, 21-bor 21-c, whereby the user requests that the node dock with central computer 1 to upload an update log such as update log 35-ato central computer 1, to download a partial log such as partial log 17-a, or both. Execution of Docking Manager 25 begins in step 121. In step 123, Docking Manager 25 connects with central computer 1 under the control of Central Docking Manager 5. This connection can be any connection that enables data exchange. It is anticipated that the most common form of a connection is a telephone line used in conjunction with a modem, but other forms of data connection, such as a Local Area Network or a TCP/IP connection may also be used. Step 125 checks to see whether the user has requested that node update log 35-abe uploaded to the Central Computer 1. If so, execution proceeds to step 127. If not, step 127 is skipped and control is given to step 129. In step 127, Docking Manager 25 uploads its update log to central computer 1. The upload may be accomplished with any known file transfer means, such as XMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT, FTP, ASCII transfer, or any other method of transmitting data. In step 129, Docking Manager 25 checks to see whether the user has requested that a partial log such as partial log 17-abe downloaded from Central Computer 1. If so, execution proceeds to step 131. If not, step 131 is skipped and control is given to step 133. In step 131, Docking Manager 25 downloads its partial log from central computer 1. The download may be accomplished with any known file transfer means, such as XMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT, FTP, ASCII transfer, or any other method of transmitting data. In step 133, having completed the requested data transfer, Docking Manager 25 exits.

[0062] Merge Processing

[0063] Merge processing is performed by a processor such as node merge processor 27-a, 27-b,or 27-c, or central merge processor 7. The merge process serves to update its associated database with a transaction that has been entered by a user of a computer remote from the computer where merge processing is being performed. Merge processing is analogous to update processing and is similar in form to update processing as previously disclosed with reference to FIG. 3, with three differences. First, the input to a merge processor is not an update entered directly by a user, but rather is a log file that is obtained from a computer remote from the computer where the merge is executing. A second difference is that, as shown by in FIG. 1, merge processing does not produce a log when performed at a node. The function of a log on a node is to record a transaction for propagation to Central Computer system 1 and thence to other nodes as required. A transaction that is the subject of a merge in a node has been communicated to Central Computer System 1, and there is no need to re-communicate it.

[0064] A third difference is that merge processing must be capable of detecting and resolving multiple conflicting transactions. For example, assume that a field contains the value “Keith Palmer.” Assume further that a user at node 27-aenters a transaction to update that field to “Carl Lake,” and a user at node 27-benters a transaction to update the same field to “Greg Emerson.” Without collision detection, data among various nodes may become corrupt. When the transaction for user 27-ais merged, the field is updated from “Keith Palmer” to “Carl Lake.” Without collision handling, when the transaction for node 27-bis merged, the field would be updated to “Greg Emerson,” and the central database would then be out of synch with the database of node 27-a. Furthermore, when merge processing is performed on each of nodes 27-aand 27-b, each node will update its database with the other's transactions, leaving at least one node out of synch with the other node and with central database.

[0065] Therefore, merge processing must also have a means of detecting collisions and correcting them. In the above example, a simple way to detect and correct a collision is to compare the value in the database to the value that the merge log reflects as being the previous value in the node database. If the two values do not match, Merge processor 7 may reject the transaction and generate a corrective transaction to be sent to the node from which the conflicting transaction originated. In the above example, when the transaction for node 27-bwas presented to merge processor 7, merge processor 7 would compare “Keith Palmer,” the prior value of the field as recorded by node 27-bto “Carl Lake,” the present value of the field as recorded in central database 3. Detecting the mismatch, merge processor 7 may then generate a transaction to change the value “Greg Emerson” to “Carl Lake,” and write that transaction to update log 15. In a subsequent docking operation, that transaction would be routed back to node 27-bto bring its database 23-bin synch with the other databases.

[0066] The above is one example of a collision and a resulting corrective action. Other types of collisions include, for example, an update to a row that has previously been deleted, inserting a row that has previously been inserted, and the like. Merge processing must detect and correct each of these collisions. This may be performed using any of a number of well-known methods, and is not discussed further.

[0067] FIG. 5 depicts the steps performed by merge processor such as central merge processor 7. Although it depicts merge processor 7 writing to central database 3 and to transaction log 15, it is equally representative of a node merge processor such as node merge processor 27-a, 27-bor 27-cupdating a node database 23-a, 23-bor 23-c. Merge processing begins at step 141. In step 143, merge processor 7 finds the first unprocessed transaction on received log 19. In step 147, merge processor 7 selects a transaction from received log 19. In step 149, merge processor 149 attempts to update database 3 according to the transaction selected in step 147. In step 151, merge processor 7 determines whether the database update of step 149 failed due to a collision. If so, merge processor proceeds to step 153, which generates a corrective transaction. Following the generation of the corrective transaction, the merge processor returns to step 149 and again attempts to update database 3. If no collision was detected in step 151, execution proceeds to step 157. In step 157, merge processing checks to see if it is executing on central computer 1. If so, step 155 is executed to journal the transaction to log 15. In any case, either if step 157 determines that the merge processing is being performed on a node or after step 155, execution proceeds to step 159. Step 159 checks to see if any transactions remain to be processed from log 19. If so, execution repeats from step 147, where the next transaction is selected. If not, merge processing exits in step 161.

[0068] Log Management

[0069] FIG. 6 depicts the steps to be performed by log manager 9 to prepare a partial transaction log such as partial transaction log 17-a, 17-b, or 17-c. The procedure depicted in FIG. 6 is executed for each node available to dock with central computer system 1. Log manager 9 begins execution in step 171. In step 173, Log Manager 9 finds the first unprocessed transaction for the node whose partial transaction log is being prepared. In step 175, log manager 9 selects a transaction for processing. In step 177, log manager 9 checks to see whether the selected transaction originated on the same node for which processing is being performed. If so, there is no need to route the transaction back to the node, and control proceeds to step 179. Step 179 checks to see whether there are any transactions remaining to be processed. If so, control is given again to step 175. If not, control passes to step 189, which records the last transaction that was processed for this node, and then exits at step 191. If the transaction originates in other than the same node as the node for which processing is being performed, control is given to step 181. Step 181 calls a visibility calculator to determine whether the selected transaction is visible to the node being processed. The Visibility calculator routine is described in detail further herein. In step 183, merge processor 9 checks to see whether the visibility calculator determined that the transaction is visible. If it is not visible, control is passed to step 179, which performs as disclosed above. If the transaction is visible, control is passed to step 185. Step 185 writes a record for this transaction to the partial transaction log for the node being processed, for example, partial transaction log 17-afor node 21. In step 187, the log manager 9 records the last transaction that was processed for this node, and then passes control to step 179, which determines whether to select additional transactions or exit, as disclosed above.

[0070] Visibility Calculation

[0071] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart describing the process a visibility calculator for calculating visibility for a docking object as invoked by step 181 of log manager 9. The visibility calculator is called with the node-id of the node for which visibility is being calculated, the docking object for which the visibility is being calculated, and the row-id of the docking object whose visibility id being calculated. The visibility calculator uses this information, in conjunction with information obtained from meta-data stored in the schema depicted in FIG. 2, to determine whether a particular transaction that updates a particular row of a particular docking object is visible to a particular node.

[0072] The Visibility calculator begins execution at step 201. In step 203, the visibility calculator makes a default finding that the transaction is not visible. Therefore, unless the visibility calculator determines that a transaction is visible, it will exit with a finding of no visibility. In step 205, the visibility calculator selects the first visibility rule associated with the docking object. This is done by finding the table S_DOBJ _VIS _RULE 71 associated with the current Docking Object as pointed to by table S_DOBJ 61. In step 205, the visibility calculator selects the row of table S_DOBJ_VIS_RULE 71 with the lowest value for field RULES_SEQUENCE.

[0073] In step 207, the Visibility Calculator checks the field RULE_TYPE for a value of “R.” The value of “R” indicates that the rule is a SQL visibility rule. If so, the Visibility Calculator proceeds to step 209. In step 209 the Visibility Calculator obtains a SQL statement from field SQL_STATEMENT and executes it. An example of such an SQL statement might be:

[0074] SELECT ‘X’ FROM S_OPTY_EMP

[0075] WHERE OPTY_ID=:PrimaryRowId AND EMP_ID=:NodeId;

[0076] This SQL statement causes a query to be made of application table S_OPTY_EMP. The query selects any records meeting two criteria. First, the records selected must have a field OPTY_ID, which is a row id or key, equal to the Primary Row-ID of the Docking Object whose visibility is being determined. Second, the records selected must have a field EMP_ID, which may be for example, an identifier of a particular employee, equal to the NodeId of the node for whom visibility is being determined. In ordinary language, this SQL statement will return records only if a row is found in a table that matches employees to opportunities, where the opportunity is equal to the one being updated, and the employee to whom the opportunity is assigned is the operator of the node.

[0077] This is a simplistic example, provided for maximum comprehension. More complex SQL statements are possible. For example, the rule:

[0078] SELECT ‘X’ FROM

[0079] & Table_Owner.S_ACCT_POSTN ap

[0080] & Table_Owner.S_EMP _POSTN ep

[0081] WHERE ap.POSITION _ID=ep.POSITION_ID AND ep.EMP_ID=:NodeId;

[0082] This rule queries the tables S_ACCT_POSTN (which relates a particular account with a particular position in the organization that is responsible for the account) and S_EMP_POSTN (which relates what employee corresponds to a particular position). The condition “ap.POSITION_ID=ep.POSITION ID” requires finding a row in the account-to-condition position table that has the same position as a row in the employee-to-position table. The condition “ep.EMP_ID=:NodeId” further requires that the selected row in the employee-to-table also have an Employee ID equal to the ID of the user of the Node for which visibility is being determined. In ordinary language, this condition allows visibility if the employee occupies the position that has responsibility for the account in the docking object being updated.

[0083] There is no particular limit to the complexity of the conditions in the SQL statement used to evaluate visibility. Particular implementations of SQL may impose limitations, and resource considerations may make it desirable to use less complex statements, but these limitations are not inherent in the invention.

[0084] Step 211 evaluates whether the execution of SQL_STATEMENT in step 209 returned any records. If records were returned, this indicates that the Node for which visibility is being checked has visibility to the docking object being processed. Accordingly, if records are returned, the Visibility Calculator proceeds to step 213. In step 213, the transaction is marked visible. Because no further rules need to be evaluated to determine visibility, the visibility calculator proceeds to step 228. Step 228 synchronizes the databases by determining whether the calculated visibility requires the insertion or deletion of a docking object into a particular node's partially replicated database. This may occur, for example, if a node is determined to have visibility to a docking object due to a change to a related docking object. For example, an owner of a node may be assigned to a particular activity that is related to a particular sales opportunity. As a result, the node should be provided with a copy of the object representing the sales opportunity.

[0085] FIG. 8 depicts the steps performed to synchronize a partially replicated database in response to a change in data visibility. Execution begins in step 241. In step 243, the Visibility Calculator references the visibility just calculated for a docking object. If the Docking Object is visible, execution proceeds to step 245. Step 245 references the S_DOBJ_INST table, to verify that a row exists for the Docking Object for the current node. If a row exists, this indicates that the node in question already has a copy of the referenced Docking Object, and the routine proceeds to step 255, where it exits. If, however, no row exists for the Docking Object at the node being processes, this indicates that the node in question does not have a copy of the Docking Object on its partially replicated database. The routine then proceeds to step 247, where a transaction is generated to direct the node to insert the Docking Object into its partially replicated database.

[0086] If step 243 determines that the Docking Object is not visible, execution proceeds to step 249. Step 249 references the S_DOBJ_INST table, to verify that no row exists for the Docking Object for the current node. If step 243 determines that no row exists in the S_DOBJ_INST table for the current docking object for the current row, this indicates that the node in question does not have a copy of the referenced Docking Object, and the routine proceeds to step 255, where it exits. If, however, a row exists for the Docking Object at the node being processed, this indicates that the node in question does have a copy of the Docking Object on its partially replicated database. The routine then proceeds to step 251, where a transaction is generated to direct the node to delete the Docking Object from its partially replicated database.

[0087] Referring again to FIG. 7, following the data synchronization routine of step 228, the Visibility Calculator proceeds to step 229, where it exits. Referring to FIG. 6, as previously described, the resulting finding of visibility is available to be checked by the log manager in step 183 to determine to write the transaction.

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 7, if step 211 determines that no records were returned by the execution of the SQL statement in step 209, execution proceeds with step 215. Step 215 checks to see whether there are any remaining visibility rules to be assessed. If not, the visibility calculator proceeds to step 228 to synchronize the database, and then to step 229, where it exits. In this case, the default mark of no visibility that was set in step 203 remains set. This value will also be used by the log manager as shown in FIG. 6, step 183, to determine not to write the transaction.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 7, if rules remain to be assessed, control proceeds to step 217, which selects the next rule to be processed. Control is then given again to step 207 to begin processing the new rule.

[0090] The preceding text provided a description of the processing or SQL visibility rule; that is, visibility rules of type “R.” If step 207 determines that the visibility rule is not of type “R,” the visibility rule is of type “O.” Type “O” indicates a docking-object visibility rule. In such a case, the docking object being processed will be considered to be visible if it is related to a particular related docking object that is visible. If field RULE_TYPE is not equal to “R,” then. execution proceeds to step 221. Step 221 determines the related Docking Object whose visibility must be determined to determine whether the current docking object is visible. The related Docking Object identifier is obtained from field CHECK_DOBJ_ID in table S_DOBJ_VIS_RULE 71. In step 223, the Visibility Calculator determines which row in the related Docking Object must be queried for visibility. In order to determine this, the Visibility Calculator obtains a predetermined SQL statement from the field SQL_STATEMENT and executes it. The SQL statement is a query that select one or more rows of the Docking Object that, for example, correspond to the docking object for which the Visibility Calculator was invoked.

[0091] For example, assume that it is desired to indicate that a record for a sales opportunity should be visible if the Node has visibility to any sales quote made for that sales opportunity. This may be accomplished using the following SQL statement:

[0092] SELECT“_ID” FROM

[0093] & Table_Owner.S_DOCS_QUOTE

[0094] WHERE OPTY_ID=:Primary Rowld

[0095] This SQL statement accesses a table S_DOC_QUOTE that contains all sales quotes. The WHERE clause specifies retrieval of all rows where the Opportunity ID of the row is equal to the Row-ID of the opportunity for which visibility is being calculated. The Visibility manager retrieves the specified Row-Ids, thereby identifying the rows of the S_DOC_QUOTE table whose visibility must checked.

[0096] Having determined the a related docking object and the row-ID of that related docking object upon whose visibility the visibility of the current docking object depends, the Visibility Calculator proceeds to step 225. In step 225, the Visibility Calculator recursively invokes itself to determine visibility of the related docking object. The recursively invoked Visibility Calculator operates in the same manner as the Visibility Calculator as called from the Log Manager 9, including the capability to further recursively invoke itself. When the recursive call concludes, it returns a visibility indicator for the related Docking Object, and control proceeds to step 227. In step 227, the Visibility calculator determines whether the related Docking Object was determined to have been visible. If so, the Visibility Calculator proceeds to step 213 to mark the originally current Docking Object as visible, and then to step 228 to synchronize the database and then to step 229 to exit. If the related Docking Object was not determined to be visible, control proceeds to step 215 to determine whether additional visibility rules remain to be assessed.

[0097] The Visibility Calculator, in conjunction with the Log Manager is therefore able to determine what subset of update transaction data is required to be routed to any particular node. This operation serves to reduce the transmission of unneeded data from the Central Computer 1 to the various nodes such as nodes 21-a, 21-band 21-cthat utilize partially replicated databases, and to reduce the system resources such as disk space needed to store, and the CPU time needed to process, what would otherwise be required to maintain a fully replicated database on each remote node.

[0098] The operation of the log manager 9 in conjunction with the Visibility Calculator herein described will be apparent from reference to the description and to the drawings. However, as a further aid in the description of these facilities, a pseudocode representation of these facilities is hereto attached as an Appendix.

[0099] Software Distribution Integration with Remote Upgrade

[0100] The docking facility of the present invention also permits the distribution of software upgrades and related database schema. This provides an easy process to allow administrators to notify remote users of the existence of software upgrades and to distribute software upgrades to remote users. It provides an easy process for remote users to receive notification of software upgrades and to apply the software upgrade. It provides a means to associate a software upgrade with a remote schema upgrade so that the software upgrade is not applied before the remote schema upgrade. It provides a means for a remote user to provide feedback regarding a successful or unsuccessful completion of the software upgrade to the administrator.

[0101] Typically, implementation of software upgrades is very passive. The user does not actively receive information about the availability of software that should be downloaded. Users are required to download the file manually, and, once received, the upgrade is installed using an installer package separate from the software package being upgraded. It would be advantageous to provide a means in the software package to publish the availability of software for download to remote users so that the remote users are informed of the need to download software and are prompted when the download should occur, and provide for the dependency of a software upgrade on an accompanying schema upgrade.

[0102] According to one embodiment of our invention there is provided is a method of upgrading a software application from one or more upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). According to this method a copy of the upgrade package files and an upgrade database table are created on the server (1). A pointer is created in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1). This pointer points to the upgrade package files on the server (1); In invoking the upgrade the, the upgrade files are made active, and the upgrade database table is scanned when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks. This is to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the particular client (21a, 21b, 21c). The upgrade is copied to the client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade. At this point the upgrade may be invoked at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0103] The upgrade can be invoked at any point during a docking session, for example, at the beginning of a client (21a, 21b, 21c) session., or, and most preferably, at the end of a client (21a, 21b, 21c) session. The upgrade can be invoked at the client user's option, or at the server's option, that is, by forced downloading as will be described hereinbelow.

[0104] One way of implementing the invention, as will be described more fully hereinbelow, is to create a docking item file type to scan the upgrade database table when the client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks to thereby determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0105] These various aspects of our invention may be implemented as program products. That is, they may be implemented as a computer usable medium with computer program code embodied therein for causing the upgrading of a software application from upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a, 21b, 21c). The computer readable program in the program product article of manufacture contains computer readable program code means for causing a computer to effect creating a copy of the upgrade package files on the server (1), creating an upgrade database table on the server (1); creating a pointer in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1) pointing to the upgrade package files on the server (1), making the upgrade active, scanning the upgrade database table when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the client (21a, 21b, 21c), copying the upgrade to a client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade, and invoking the upgrade at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0106] Additionally, our invention may be implemented as a program product in the form of a program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for of upgrading a software application from upgrade package files in a server (1) to a client (21a,21b, 21c) said method steps comprising creating a copy of the upgrade package files on the server (1), creating an upgrade database table on the server (1); creating a pointer in the client's (21a, 21b, 21c) file on the server (1) pointing to the upgrade package files on the server (1), making the upgrade active, scanning the upgrade database table when a client (21a, 21b, 21c) docks to determine the status of an upgrade with respect to the client (21a, 21b, 21c), copying the upgrade to a client (21a, 21b, 21c) if the client (21a, 21b, 21c) has not received the upgrade, and invoking the upgrade at the client (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0107] The integrated update works as follows. At the end of a normal docking session, the user is prompted with the information regarding the availability of a software upgrade. The user has the option to download the software upgrade or to defer and download the software upgrade later. This can be overridden by the system administrator, who has the ability to mark the file as a force download. In such a case, the user is not prompted to download the file; instead, the file is downloaded without input from the user. The user is prompted using a message box that has the ability to time out.

[0108] There are two classes of software upgrades: software that is being distributed in conjunction with a schema upgrade and software that is not associated with a schema upgrade. If the software is associated with a schema upgrade, the software upgrade is not applied until after the schema upgrade has been applied. The applying of the schema upgrade invokes the software upgrade at the end of the processing of the schema upgrade. If the software is not associated with a schema upgrade, then after successfully downloading the software upgrade files, the user will be prompted to apply the upgrade now or to defer. The administrator will have the ability to force the applying of the software upgrade immediately upon completion of the docking session.

[0109] Once the user chooses to apply the software upgrade, the installation component is invoked and the database application is closed. The installation component then guides the user through the necessary steps needed to apply the software.

[0110] The system administrator uses a dialog to specify the association of files, messages and schema upgrades for an upgrade package. The dialog includes a master section and a detail section. The master section allows for the creation of a header record that names the upgrade package and specifies some general attributes regarding the upgrade. The detail section associates software upgrade files, messages and schema upgrades.

[0111] The attributes of the master record include the name of the upgrade package; the schema version of the database after the upgrade is applied; a message supplied to users to view prior to downloading the upgrade; a message to be displayed when the upgrade is applied; a download attribute indicating how the file must be downloaded, e.g., whether the file must be downloaded immediately or whether it may be deferred by the user; an application attribute indicating how the upgrade may be applied, e.g., whether the upgrade must be applied immediately, may be deferred by the user, or must be deferred pending a corresponding upgrade of a corresponding schema or software upgrade; and a description.

[0112] The attributes of the detail record include a record type indicating whether the file is a message, a software upgrade, etc., and the name of the file.

[0113] Upgrades are denoted by a record in an upgrade table in the database. Once a record is created in the upgrade table and the associated upgrade package is made active, Log Manager routes this information using the previously described docking mechanisms to remote users by creating an entry in the users'server.ts files. This entry points to a global upgrade table of contents (TOC) file. A single TOC file serves all docking users per application server installation. The upgrade TOC file contains the detailed information regarding the upgrade package. In this embodiment, only one upgrade package is active at a given time.

[0114] When a user docks and retrieves the server.ts file, the docking client scans the server.ts file for the existence of upgrade entries. Depending upon the attributes of any upgrade entries in the server.ts file, either the upgrade files be downloaded immediately or a message is displayed to the user. The user optionally has have the option either download the files during the current docking session or defer download until a later docking session.

[0115] Depending upon the attributes of the upgrade package, the installation component may be invoked automatically or the user may defer applying the upgrade. If the software upgrade is associated with a schema upgrade, then after the schema upgrade has been applied, the status of software upgrade files is checked to verify that all files associated with the upgrade have been downloaded. Any files not yet downloaded will be downloaded, making a connection to the application server if necessary. The software upgrade will then be invoked by the installation component.

[0116] The file types are represented by the field UTLTocFileType. A file type of UTLTocFileTOCUpg indicates the Upgrade TOC file, and a file type of UTLTocFileUpgrade indicates a file that is a constituent part of an upgrade. Optionally, a file type of UTLTocFileMessage indicates a file containing a message to be displayed to the user.

[0117] The upgrade is represented to the user as a new dock item type, named CSSDockUpg. The CSSDockUpg class is derived from the CSSDockItem class.

[0118] When the user docks and is sending or receiving data from the server, the CSSDockUpg dock item type is created. When executed, this class examines the server.ts file for an entry type of UTLTocFileTOCUpg. If found, either the message specified by the entry pre-download message will be displayed to the user using a time-out dialog box at the end of the docking session or the files will be downloaded immediately depending on the attributes of the entry type UTLTocFileTOCUpg.

[0119] Once the files are downloaded, the apply message from the upgrade TOC file is displayed to the user at the end of the docking session. Alternatively, the installation component is invoked by the mobile client.

[0120] When the upgrade is applied, the installation component is invoked. If the user defers application of the upgrade, then each time the user issues docks to the headquarters server, the docking client looks for the upgrade TOC file in the upgrade directory on the client machine. If the file exists, the apply message is displayed to the user.

[0121] After the upgrade files have been downloaded the upgrade TOC file is stored locally on the client. This file will then be examined after the schema upgrade process has completed.

[0122] The master copy of the upgrade package files is placed on the file server. When a Log Manager process is processing a user and encounters the transaction that makes the upgrade package active, Log Manager copies these files to the local application server upgrade directory if the files do not already exist. Log Manager also creates the upgrade TOC file in this directory if the TOC file does not already exist.

[0123] Once an upgrade package is marked as active, a record in the docking transaction log is created. This record will cause the log preprocessor to create the global upgrade TOC file. The contents of the file are inserted into a text column of the upgrade package. When the log router is executing for a particular user, this record will cause the log router to create an entry in the user's server.ts file, which that points to the global upgrade TOC file. The log router also ensures that the global upgrade TOC file exists in a predetermined directory. If the file exists, the log router reads the text column of the upgrade package that contains the contents of the TOC file and creates the global upgrade TOC file. Alternatively, the log router may read the text column and create an upgrade TOC file for each user. This would prevent more than one log router executable from creating the global upgrade TOC file.

[0124] In some cases, a schema upgrade will require a corresponding software upgrade in order for the schema to function properly. This may occur, for example, when the vendor supplies a new software-schema pair. A customer cannot cause a software version conflict with the ability for dbinit/data merge to apply the schema changes. If schema upgrade that requires a corresponding software upgrade is to be applied, the software upgrade must be applied first, because it is the new software that provides support for the schema upgrade.

[0125] An example of this scenario is when the vendor ships new software and a new version of the database. The system administrator packages the software and makes it available for download by the user. The system administrator then applies the database upgrade to the central database.

[0126] At some point, a remote user docks and is informed that the central database has been updated, and that the user's docking operation is limited to downloading changes to the database; that is, the user is not permitted to upload transactions until his own partially replicated database has been upgraded to match the central database schema. The user then downloads the database upgrade files corresponding to the upgrade installed on the central database. The installation component is invoked (either by the client-side software upon detecting the upgrade condition, or expressly invoked by the user, depending on the upgrade file's attributes). The installation component opens the database upgrade files and contains a checksum value for the upgrade file set. The checksum is compared against a value in the user's configuration file that uniquely identifies the user's software level. If the checksum value is different, then the client software does not have the ability to apply the schema changes. The schema changes will be deferred until the user separately upgrades his or her software level.

[0127] A checksum may also be included in the DX files that represent transactions. The data merge component verifies the checksum associated with the transaction against the checksum in the configuration file. If the checksums do not match, the application of the DX file is deferred. This prevents a user from inadvertently applying changes that cannot be supported by the software.

[0128] Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0129] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0130] The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing therefrom.

[0131] This program will be called by a server-side process that processes transaction log entries for all Laptop Nodes. For each Laptop Node, the calling process building the UserTrxnLogFileName and calling Program 1.

[0132] Input Parameters

[0133] LaptopNodeId—node_id of the destination laptop

[0134] UserTxnLogFileName—full path of the file where txns will be written

[0135] MaxBatchTxns—number of txns between commits and updates to the

[0136] S_DOCK_STATUS table

[0137] MaxTxns—number of txns to process in this session. Use this parameter to limit processing.

[0138] Main Algorithm

[0139] Check Visibility Routines

[0140] Generate SQL statement to get the PrimaryId

[0141] Process Visibility Events