DE102005025825A1 - Electronic documents e.g. user documents, managing method, involves outputting document at receiver user as document in output format, when documents in output format are produced from document in central memory format and document model - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves storing a document in a central computer in a central memory format, which exhibits all documents having only semantic matching meta data in the form of several properties, which exhibit the form of name values pairs. The document is output at a receiver user as document in an output format, when the document in the output format is produced from the document in the central memory format and the document model.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for managing electronic documents, where a document is from a resource that has an original memory format has, created by a sender user and in a central computer is stored and the document from the central computer to a recipient user is output, the document containing descriptive metadata.

Of the Focus of the current Management of electronic documents consists of storage of these documents. In this case, information is added to the documents that these documents closer describes. Such information is called meta-information or metadata. By means of this metadata it is then possible, within of a system to search the documents by criteria, to sort and spend. The output of documents is usually done always in the format of the system. There are of course conversion options given so that a management system documents in different Can output formats that are also processed by other systems can be.

Just in the output of documents, mostly in a handover from one system to another system, the Difficulty of a so-called media break. Very common are in The documents contain data from the processing in one System originate. To further process the document after a transfer in another system to be able to it will be necessary to determine the data from the document then these in a workable form in the second system to obtain. Such a media break usually means an increased input effort and always carries the risk of incorrect entries.

The The method according to the prior art is the simplest example the sending of invoices from a service or shipping company clear. Here are on a large scale Invoices, which are then sent to customers become. In most cases, this invoice is sent in paper form. there becomes from an automated system of different resources, for example, a personal database, a goods database and a price table created an invoice, which then also with a Form layout. This software generated invoice will be printed out and handed over to the customer by post. For customers with their own bookkeeping, it is then again necessary that this bill entered by hand into the accounting system only then the booking and the payment control can be automated. Here the media break becomes special clear. This consists namely on the one hand, that of the medium of automated invoice processing at the service or shipping company, a second medium, namely the paper form must be created. From this same medium must then a third medium can be generated at the customer, again in a machine-readable form, but in a different format. Of the The resulting effort is obvious.

Increasingly However, one also uses modern means of communication, such as for example, by e-mail. Here are bills in electronic Form created and also sent in electronic form. mostly However, the problem of media disruption is not overcome here either. So for example, by a service provider, such as a Phone company, an invoice automatically created, too here again with the help of a bill layout under Import certain Data from databases, the bill created, which then in one universally readable format, for example, in a PDF format is shipped. This PDF format is a universally readable format that comes with each user in the form as the sender has created readable is. The recipient receives Now this document in electronic form and it can be in electronic Display form. However, from this document are the data also to select again, because these data are not in a format present, as the recipient on his system. Consequently, this is also for this transmission to detect a two-fold format break at which the transmitter is off creates an accessible format for the recipient in an automated format. The receiver takes this readable format and provides another machine-workable for him Format.

It are over it In addition, document management systems known, some of which Usable for users in which no media break takes place. however these systems are always closed systems Bear character. There are so-called workgroup applications, the different users sharing resources allow. The disadvantage, however, is that an open usage, for example, in an invoice communication between a service provider or a mail-order company and a customer is not realized. requirement that would be that the two business partners in a networked relationship to each other, which is usually however in large customer areas can not be assumed.

It It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for managing electronic Specify documents with the documents from a sender user without a media break to be given to a recipient user can.

According to the invention Task solved by that the document in the central computer in a central storage format, which all documents have, is stored in which the document only from semantically related metadata in the form of several properties, which in turn have at least the form a name-value pair is present, and that the document to the recipient user is output as a document in an output format, the Document in the output format from the document in the central Memory format and a template is created.

The central storage format is here designed so that in one Property lying information describe itself, d. H. a date is in this sense a meta-date.

There Every property consists of a name-value pair, it is possible to do any one Date of its determination is evaluated.

Farther it is not necessary to have the document itself or a copy of it to the recipient user to convey. There are no exchange formats necessary. Each authorized recipient user can access the document.

By the inventive method will it be possible that the sender user to give the document to the central computer, making it for the recipient user is deemed delivered. For the recipient user it is helpful if this is done by the sender user or the central computer Flag generated and sent to the recipient user is sent. So learns the recipient user learns that a document has arrived in its delivery area.

In a cheap one embodiment is provided by the recipient user one of several Output formats selectable is. In doing so, the recipient user on the one hand the display or Select the output format yourself.

on the other hand it is possible, that the output format depending on the receiver type at the receiver user selected becomes. For example, an output format for the presentation of the document on a mobile phone and another output format for presentation on a PC of the recipient user chosen become.

For further processing of the document, which by means of the method according to the invention in an output format was generated by the recipient user is provided that the recipient user the document in one of the output formats for own processing receives. Thus, for example, an invoice in such an output format generated, which is an evaluation program in a computer of the recipient user can evaluate the data from the bill for their own To read bookkeeping.

In An embodiment of the method provides that the transmitter and the recipient user one and the same user. Thus, the user for document transmission to use to yourself, with the document stored in the central computer remains. Thus, by means of the method according to the invention, a document management system will be realized.

In a cheap one embodiment of the method is provided that the document in the output format is generated such that in the document template fields for values from the properties of the document in the central storage format, which is the Names of the respective property correspond, be arranged, and When creating the document in the output format, the fields with the Values of the property are filled with the appropriate name. Here it is possible based on this central storage format an output format Generate content in fields in the document template Fields corresponding properties are used. With the help of Different document templates allow a wide variety of output formats.

Cheap is it that generated from the document in the original storage format Properties of the document in the central storage format in the central computer invariable get saved. Thus it is not possible to mark the document in its characteristic To change characteristics or even to manipulate. This is an essential prerequisite for a Document management system met.

In an embodiment is provided that to those from the original memory format generated properties in the document in the central storage format added more properties become. This will be the document without the actual characterizing Change content to be able to by personal Properties to complement.

It is particularly favorable if the Add properties and their contents in documents without changing the database structure. This eliminates any restructuring of the database in case of necessary changes or additions.

Is appropriate that a property consists at least of the attributes NAME, TYPE, VALUE, OWNER and RIGHTS and thus a document of the central storage format consists of a list of such properties. With this structure Most of the requirements that the name-value pairs have over the pure assignment between name and value addition. The Properties within a system according to the invention have then all the same structure. Each document can have any number of different properties be assigned without any restructuring of the database is required, as is the case with conventional databases is when in the database for example because of a few Documents an additional Added feature shall be.

If the inventive method also down compatible, d. H. also managed documents should be, which have such a format, which does not allow, divided into individual properties, i. in a foreign format present, is in an embodiment the invention provides that the storage location of a foreign format resource as a property of a document is mapped.

If normally document types according to the invention If a metadata contains a date, this will become a document type provided that the actual document, i. that is the foreign format resource is packed in a "shell" that a document according to the invention represents. So this document consists of metadata as well as exactly a date (that of the conventional Definition) in which to the foreign format document or the foreign format resource is referenced.

In order to will it be possible that documents and resources of all kinds and formats in the system and ever introduced in another document, enriched with properties that serve to describe the documents to them so centrally and consistently manage.

Preferably it is provided that the foreign format resource stored in the central computer becomes.

Around to avoid access by unauthorized persons or a change or manipulation of the foreign format resource is expedient provided that the foreign format resource encoded is stored. In addition and in principle Also, this foreign format resource can always by the below be shown protected authorization system.

Several Documents can be processed in the same way. This is in a variant the method according to the invention provided that documents become a collection to carry out a common Action grouped. The collection becomes static Collection document in the form of a document with an inclusion list of Documents that are definitely part of the collection, in the form of properties, and / or an exclusion list in the form of Properties that contains those documents that are not part of the Collection are, mapped and stored.

One static collection document can be grouped by explicit grouping be generated by documents.

alternative can do this Documents of each type to a collection to execute a grouped together, with the collection as dynamic Collection document in the form of a document as a list of properties is mapped and stored that define the conditions which specify the collection.

Such dynamic collections can be generated by that over the formulation of a request in a dynamic collection document all those documents are summarized that are in the request meet specified conditions. In addition to this request, there may also be an inclusion and exclusion list per dynamic collection, as explained below. ever after execution time this dynamic collection can always contain other documents, which then current of the request, the inclusion and exclusion list suffice.

The inventive method can also be designed by static and dynamic collections be that documents to a collection to run a grouped together. The collection is called static and as a dynamic collection document in the form of a Document as a list of properties displayed and saved, which is described by three elements, namely the request that the Defines conditions that specify the collection, the inclusion list, the documents that are definitely part of the collection, even if they do not meet the conditions specified in the request fulfill, includes, and the exclusion list containing those documents, too at fulfillment these conditions should not be part of the collection, contains.

Consequently When using collections another document, namely a Collection document generated, which in the above-mentioned way also is shown as a list of properties. With such a collection can then one, two and consequently several documents are grouped. Thus, it becomes possible not individual documents, but directly address the collection. For example, this is of interest in the assignment of rights, such as it will be shown below.

Of Further can the documents or the result of a dynamic collection in a static collection will be transferred. Everyone will Documents at the time of execution the dynamic collection in the inclusion list of static Collection accepted. This static collection is then a snap shot of a dynamic collection at a certain time.

The takeover of documents in the source storage format stored in the resource present at the sender user, in a document of the central storage format can be facilitated by the fact that the sender user the document in the central storage format by means of an interface program generated in the original memory format. It is not imperative that the future document data at Sender user as document. The sender user can do this Send data directly to the central computer and the system in The central computer then presents the actual document in the central storage format together. When data is sent directly to the central computer for the purpose of Creating a document in the central storage format, this should still fall under the inventive method and so be understood that the data at the sender users in their abstract Entity the "document in original memory format ", even without such an express demonstrably present.

It may be provided for dividing the documents into document types, which are characterized by different Propertysätze. to Labeling of a document type are base properties as minimum content present within a document. Documents related to this document type should correspond contain these base properties.

One Document type can be particularly favorable Be formed by the fact that the properties of Basic Properties exist with different attributes. A property whose attribute "Name" is marked with "ID", serves as a unique identifier of a document in the management system. A property whose attribute "Name" is set to "Name" represents the document later on a user interface. A property whose attribute "Name" is set to "Type" indicates the document type, the documents that have this property list and thus the type definition of the document itself. A property, whose "Name" attribute is set to "Creation" the date of creation of this document in the management system. A Property whose "Name" attribute is set to "Last change" the time of the last changing Zugriffes. Another property whose attribute "name" is set to "owner" returns the Name of an authorized person (or a legitimate collection from user documents as described below). A Property whose attribute "Name" is set to "Rights" defines the Access rights to the document. A property used in content documents whose "Name" attribute is set to "Content Object ID" points to the location of a resource, usually the location within the central computer, which is the document of a foreign format, a file containing.

With Document types can As already described, several document types, for example "content documents", "user documents", "collection documents", etc., are generated. A document type that identifies a content document references on a foreign format z. Eg DOC, PDF etc. (backward compatibility)

In a further embodiment of the method is provided that in the document a property that has user rights to the document denotes, d. H. with the attribute "Name" set to "Rights", and an access control list, d. H. a string of properties, which document IDs of a user document of an authorized person User or group of users (which contain users) added becomes. The access control list is provided with the user document ID of the registered user and the display or the Processing of these properties of the document depending on posed by this comparison. This is a rights assignment for the document allows.

The Method can also be developed by that for a property in the document another property, the user rights to the property of the document and an Access Control List is inserted, which at least one document ID of a user document of a authorized user, or a user group contains which in turn contain users. The access control list will compared with the user document ID of the logged in user and displaying or editing this property of the document dependent on is made by this comparison. This is a rights assignment for one Property allows.

Appropriate way is provided that the property, which the user rights on the document or a property of the document identifies with compared to the content of the access control list which contains elementary rights as shown below.

Farther the method is characterized in that next sender and Receiver users a third user who also through a user document by adding their user document ID to the property that the user rights to the document or the Property of the document indicates an access control list, access is granted on documents.

to Awarding and consideration of user rights, it is provided that a property "right" is inserted in the document. This property includes an access control list, which is an or contains several document IDs and their associated elementary rights. These Document IDs refer to authorized users or users authorized user groups. Each user is also in one own document presented and managed. In the document User Group, which is of the type collection, are in turn documents of the users contain. The documents contain the corresponding properties.

Everyone Entry "right" for everyone Entry in the access control list in a document, elementary rights (Vissible, Add, Delete, Change) added. Also, there is an attribute "right" at the property level, also in addition to Elementary rights (Read, Write, Delete, Change). These elemental rights are organized based, d. H. the right "Write" includes the right "Read", etc.

In order to can a user add properties to the document he owns can assign the permissions. The original document with his Properties remains unchanged. This newly added Fields can so by other users, what legitimate access to the document have not been viewed.

By this inventive method, multi-stage Permissions, this is the redundant storage of information for the various application groups avoided. These are the permissions used at the property level.

at editing a property of a document of whatever type (for example, from the document type "content document"), the property becomes used with the attribute "right" for comparison. The document ID of the user logged in to the system is used with the IDs in the property "right" of the property of a Document and checked the corresponding elementary rights. The Editing the property of a document is then dependent posed by this comparison. With this procedure can - im very significant difference to the state of the art, that individual properties are handled user-dependent.

at When editing a document, the property with the attribute "right" is used for comparison. The document ID of the user logged in to the system is used with the IDs in the property "Legal" of the document compared and checked the corresponding elementary rights. The editing of this Document will depend on put this comparison.

In similar Way can also collections are processed, since these likewise documents with corresponding properties. Documents of the type "collection" also include a property "right". in use or editing a collection or property of the collection the property with the attribute "right" is used for comparison: the document ID of the user logged into the system will be displayed with the IDs in the property "right" of the collection document, resp. their properties, compared and checked the corresponding elementary rights. The Editing this collection document or a property of this Document depending on posed by this comparison.

The properties "Legal" of the documents in this collection or their properties will also be checked in this way. 2 ) or a property of this document depending on this comparison.

In a training of the procedure is provided that documents in the central storage format in copies on secondary storage locations one distributed environment - central computer and Nebenrechner or computers in companies etc. -, which the System managed, distributed and the information of the storage locations in one further property of the document and its copies.

This It can be trained by providing each document with information all memory locations of Copies or the original in Properties.

Appropriate way is provided that a document and its copies accordingly user rights, again in Properties, can be viewed and changed are, and that changes be synchronized appropriately within the distributed environment.

The inventive method is used in a distributed environment. A document can be located in multiple locations - within the distributed Surroundings. For the Manage the documents within the distributed environment the properties "main location" and "secondary location" are used. In these properties the server names of the environments are stored in which the document is located. Normally there is a document only once, thus is the property with the attribute "main memory" filled with the respective server name. The property "Nebenspeicherort" is available in this Case with this document not yet. If, for example, in the company (Intranet) was created (main location) and this document but centrally outside of the company network needed it can, in addition to a secondary storage z. B. be placed on the Internet. The Document gets so another property with the attribute "secondary location" in which the another location of the document is called. A copy of the Document is generated at the secondary storage location. In both locations the document has the same structure, so the system always "knows" where the document is else exists. A document can have several secondary storage locations which are managed in additional properties with the attribute "secondary storage location". The documents and their copy in the secondary storage locations can be managed and according to permissions to be edited. The system takes over then the synchronization of the documents in the secondary storage locations and the main location.

In In any case, it is appropriate that Document against unauthorized access or tampering to protect, by encrypting the document is stored.

The Invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. In the associated Drawings shows

1 building a property with the minimum attributes,

2 a propery set of a document,

3 a hierarchical order of document types,

4 a classification of a foreign format document in a document with central storage format,

5 a property set of a foreign format document,

6 a hierarchical classification of a collection document,

7 a propery set for a collection document,

8th a hierarchical classification of a user document,

9 a propery set of a user document

10 the schematic structure of a document from the central storage format with user-specific properties and

11 a schematic structure of a management system that operates according to the inventive method.

As in 1 represented, there is a property 1 which together with other properties 1 a document 2 identifies attributes 3 , At least includes a property 1 the attributes "name", "value", "type", "owner" and "rights". However, it is not excluded that a property 1 if necessary also with further attributes provided.

The "Name" and "Value" attributes represent the name-value pair that identifies the actual meta-information. The attribute "Type" describes the type of the value of the property 1 , The attribute "owner" describes the creator of this property 1 , This indicates a user ID. The attribute "rights" serves the definition of the rights, which determines, which persons in which way on this property 1 can access. This is a significant advantage of the method according to the invention, namely that individual properties 1 can be assigned to individual users. So it is possible, for example, that only the properties named "name" and "type", as in 2 can be brought into a document with an output format for multiple users while, for example, the properties 1 with the name "unit price" and "invoice amount" in a document with the output format, only certain persons, for example a bill recipient, are brought to view. This will be explained in more detail below.

The entire method according to the invention is characterized in that a document is written through a successive list of individual properties, as described in US Pat 2 is shown. This will make it possible documents 1 to describe in a variety of ways.

The specification "Min" and "Max" represents the cardinality 4 This indicates how often a property 1 in a document.

As in 3 presented, can be a document in different document types 5 occur.

As in 4 can represent one of the document types 5 a content document 6 mark. A content document 6 is according to 5 characterized in that two additional properties 7 and 8th namely a property 7 with the name attribute "content object ID" and a property 8th with the name attribute "content object type" the property set of a document 2 attached. The value of the property 8th describes the type of content object with the content object type. The cardinality specified in this object type 4 again indicates that the two properties 7 and 8th only occur once in a document.

As in 6 is shown next to the content object 6 another document type 5 namely a collection document 9 or a collection for short 9 intended. With the collection 9 can have multiple documents 2 be summarized. For example, a user list can be defined here.

As shown in 8th is another document type 5 namely a user document 10 intended. As in 9 is a user document 10 characterized by additional properties. The property "NKZ" contains the user ID, which the user uses in connection with the password password stored in the "password hash" to log in to the media management system. "Username" and "UserName" are used to further describe the user in question, however, they are the specified cardinality 4 recognize, not mandatory.

The property "Blocking" should later enable the system or system administrator to reactivate the user document 10 enable. The "rout collection" contains as value a reference to a document 2 from the collection 9 ,

As in 10 shown, contains a document 2 several properties 1 that include a date, for example, in the field with the attribute "value" of the property 1 with the name attribute "Invoice amount" the date, ie the numerical value of the invoice amount 1 , the information from the document in the original memory format, which in 11 is shown, contain, form the original document 11 , This original document 11 can not be changed in its content.

In addition to the original document 11 can the document 2 even more properties 12 for example, only one person can view them, which in turn is indicated by the "rights" attribute in each property 1 can be controlled. For a property 13 is a multiple access possible, ie as shown here, both persons this property 13 use.

Adding these properties 12 and 13 is possible without changing the database structure, as would be required in the prior art. Since each field can be evaluated via the property structure, in addition to the flexible extensibility, the evaluation is also individual to a document 2 Added data in the properties 12 and 13 possible. For example, this would make it possible to have a property 12 with the name attribute "special case" and the value attribute "yes" in a document. Because this property 12 is clearly identifiable in a search, the corresponding document 2 found. It is not necessary to retrofit the property in all documents 12 with the name attribute "special case".

11 now indicates the inventive interaction of the individual components.

Transmitter users 14 For example, various service companies, such as telephone service providers, register on their terminals 15 Data, such as the scope of services provided and the prices of services, from which they compile invoices for your customers, then the recipient users 16 of the method.

The sender users 14 Now enter their documents, which are in an original memory format, that of the application software on the terminal 15 corresponds, via an interface 17 to a central computer 18 , It either sets the interface 17 or a corresponding conversion program on the central computer 18 convert the document in the source storage format to a document in the central storage format. The interface 17 or the conversion program take over a function, as they are known from drivers for peripherals, only vice versa. While drivers implement instructions of generally common structure in individual commands for the respective peripherals, we here according to the invention of the specific original memory format on the generally usable and user-independent central storage format implemented.

Will now the recipient-user 16 When viewing the document, the central computer will use a style sheet to create a document in the output format by reading the values from the properties 1 . 12 or 13 , in appropriate places in the For Mat template be used. The style also represents a document 2 in the central storage format, which is stored in the central computer. The style can be applied to both the sender user 14 as well as to the recipient user 16 be tailored. So it is possible for the recipient user 16 the document gets in the form it receives from the sender user 14 knows in conventional form. For example, the document 2 to present an invoice. The output format will now be set so that the receiver user 16 the invoice format of the sender user 14 recognizes again. Does he want the document? 2 on a PDA (Personal Data Access), a recipient-specific style is selected that is tailored to the lower output size of the PDA.

In contractual relationships between sender users 14 and recipient users 16 can now be agreed that a document 2 with the transfer to the central computer 18 is deemed delivered. The recipient user 16 possibly obtains information about the receipt of the document by other means 2 on the central computer 18 , for example via an SMS. He can then get the document anytime 2 can be output without a media break occurring.

In summary, it can be stated, sender users 14 via the method according to the invention documents 2 to recipient users 16 can deliver. The sender user 14 saves the sending data (ie the information of the documents 2 ) in the central storage format, this process can be automated, for. B. from the application software of the sender user 14 , By storing the information on the central computer 18 the document is deemed delivered.

The recipient user 16 picks up the document 2 after receiving a receive message. The system software bundles the information of the document 2 to one of several possible display formats and shows the document to the recipient user 16 at.

The inventive method is a uniform management of documents and resources of all kinds possible. The method according to the invention can be designed to be backwards compatible by also including documents in a foreign format into a "cover" of a document 2 be plugged into the central storage format, in which reference is made to existing foreign format documents. Thus, also images, movies, PDF files, Word documents, etc. in the document management system on the central computer 18 be set, that is, each resource or foreign document is passed through a document 2 managed. A uniform administration of all resources in one place is guaranteed.

The distribution of documents can now be done by putting in a terminal 15 at a sender user 14 a document is created. After completion, the sender user wants 15 send the document to other colleagues. This is the sender user 14 who previously worked offline, online and the system software distributes the document to the central computer 18 because only there the colleagues have access. The terminal 15 is otherwise offline. For all users 14 or 16 the document exists 2 once only.

The authorizations that are possible in accordance with the invention are now used in such a way that, in addition to the content information, the created document also stores further information in the document that informs the recipient users 16 but should not be accessible. This information may be from the recipient users 16 can only be viewed if the corresponding authorization exists.

By the distribution aspect and the permission options can also multiple users edit a document without this document exists several times. The scope is, for example Concepts, protocols or specifications.

Because documents 2 According to the method of the invention consist exclusively of metadata, these documents 2 completely evaluable. Although the prior art can extract information from documents, this information can not be assigned to specific types, which is ultimately the basis of evaluations, eg. B. Invoice amount, discount amount, etc.

The data is managed separately from the associated document layouts or styles. This allows z. B. optionally the compressed representation of the document information on a mobile phone or the further processing of information on a data processing system 19 at the receiver user 16 , This is accomplished exclusively by the central storage format according to the invention.

method for the administration of electronic documents

1

Property

2

document

3

attribute

4

cardinality

5

document type

6

content document

7

Content Object ID Property

8th

Property "Content Object Type"

9

collection document

10

user document

11

Original document

12

additional Property

13

Property with multiple access

14

Transmitter users

15

terminal the sender user

16

Receiver users

17

interface at the sender user

18

mainframe

19

Data processing system at the receiver user

Claims (27)

A method of managing electronic documents, wherein a document from a resource having an original storage format is created by a sender user and stored in a central computer and the document is output from the central computer to a recipient user, the document being descriptive metadata contains, characterized in that the document ( 2 ) in the central computer ( 18 ) are stored in a central storage format containing all the documents in which the document ( 2 ) only from semantically related metadata in the form of several properties ( 1 ), which in turn have at least the form of a name-value pair, and that the document ( 2 ) to the recipient user ( 16 ) is output as a document in an output format, the document being output in the output format from the document ( 2 ) is generated in the central storage format and a document template. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that by the recipient user ( 16 ) one of several output formats is selectable. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the output format depends on the type of recipient or the type of document at the recipient's user ( 16 ) is selected. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the recipient user ( 16 ) receives the document in one of the output formats for its own processing. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmitter and the receiver user ( 14 ; 16 ) are one and the same user. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the document is produced in the output format such that in the document template fields for values from the properties ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ) in the central storage format corresponding to the name of the respective property ( 1 ), and when creating the document in the output format, the fields with the values of the property ( 1 ) with the corresponding name. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the properties generated from the document in the original memory format ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ) in the central storage format in the central computer ( 18 ) are stored invariably. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that to the generated properties ( 1 ) in the document ( 2 ) in the central storage format further properties ( 12 ; 13 ) without changing the document in central storage format with its properties. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adding of properties ( 12 ; 13 ) and their contents in documents without changing the database structure. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a property ( 1 ) at least from the attributes NAME, TYPE, VALUE, OWNERS AND RIGHTS and thus a document ( 2 ) in the central storage format from a list of such properties ( 1 ) consists. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the storage location of a foreign format resource as a property ( 1 ) of a document ( 2 ) is displayed. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the foreign format resource in the central computer ( 18 ) is stored. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized that the foreign format resource is stored encrypted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that documents ( 2 ) of each type to a collection ( 9 ) are grouped to perform a joint action, the Collection ( 9 ) as a static collection document in the form of a document ( 2 ) with an inclusion list of documents ( 2 ), which are definitely part of the collection ( 9 ), in the form of properties ( 1 ), and / or an exclusion list in the form of properties containing those documents ( 2 ), which are not part of the collection ( 9 ), are mapped and stored. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a static collection document ( 9 ) by explicitly grouping documents ( 2 ) is produced. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that documents ( 2 ) of each type are grouped into a collection to perform a joint action, the collection being a dynamic collection document ( 9 ) in the form of a document ( 2 ) as a list of properties ( 1 ) that defines the conditions that specify the collection. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that collections are generated by the fact that the formulation of a request in a dynamic collection document ( 9 ) all those documents ( 2 ) that meet the conditions specified in the request. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that documents ( 2y grouped into a collection to perform a joint action, the collection being a static and dynamic collection document ( 9 ) in the form of a document ( 2 ) as a list of properties ( 1 ), which is described by three elements, namely the request that defines the conditions that specify the collection, the inclusion list, the documents ( 2 ), which in any case are part of the collection, even if they do not fulfill the conditions specified in the request, and the exclusion list containing those documents ( 2 ), which, even if these conditions are fulfilled, should not be part of the collection. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the sender user ( 14 ) the document in the central storage format by means of an interface program ( 17 ) is generated from the source storage format. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that in the document a property ( 1 ), the user rights to the document ( 2 ), and an access control list which identifies document IDs of a user document ( 10 ) of an authorized user, or a user group, which is compared with the user document ID of the registered user and the display or processing of these properties ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ) is made depending on this comparison. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that for a property ( 1 ) in the document ( 2 ) another property is added, the user rights to the property ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ), an access control list containing at least one document ID of a user document ( 10 ) of an authorized user, or a user group which in turn contains users, which is compared with the user document ID of the registered user and the display or the processing of this property ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ) is made depending on this comparison. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized that the property which the user rights to the document or a property of the document is compared with the content of the access control list becomes, which contains elementary rights. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that in addition to transmitter ( 14 ) and recipient users ( 16 ) a third user, who is also represented by a user document ( 10 ) by adding their user document ID to the property ( 1 ), which assigns the user rights to the document ( 2 ) or the property ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ), an access control list is granted access to documents. Method according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that documents ( 2 ) in the central storage format in copies on secondary storage locations of a distributed environment - central computer and ancillary computers or computers in companies etc. - which manages the system, distributes it and stores the information of the storage locations in another property ( 1 ) of the document ( 2 ) and his copies. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that each document ( 2 ) Contains information of all memory locations of copies or of the original in Properties. Method according to claims 1 to 25, characterized in that a document ( 2 ) and its copies according to the user rights, again in Properties ( 1 ), are viewable and changeable, and that changes are synchronized appropriately within the distributed environment. Method according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the document ( 2 ) is stored encrypted.