KR20010023658A - Data dissemination system for computer networks - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for distributing data to users of local computer systems 21, 22, and 23 that is accessible to wide area network 30 may include a storage medium that includes first static portions of data for distribution to users. Supply means 16 for supplying 40; Each local computer comprising a remote site 10 comprising a processor 13 for processing data and mass storage means 15 for managing dynamic second portions of data associated with the static first portions; The system reads the distributed storage medium 41 comprising first data portions and communication means 26 accessible 31 to the remote site via the wide area network 30 and accessing the second data portions from the remote site. Drive means 24; The identifier for the address of the drive means is thus communicated to the remote site 10 and access to the second data portions by the user is associated with the first data in the local computer system 21 in order to be immediately provided to the user. Promote the integration of the part with the second data part.

Description

Data dissemination system for computer networks

A major problem for wide area network users is the constraint imposed by the maximum reliable data transfer rate for conveniently accessible communication channels. This problem uses the available voice channels of a public switched telephone network to transmit data, especially when attempting to access files containing high resolution graphics, audio or video data that is characteristic of multimedia work. It may be sensitive to those who are.

Transmission rates utilized on voice channels for digital data generally range from 14,400 bps to about 56,000 bps when employing improved modulation schemes. While a nominal data transfer rate of 33,600 bps is suitable for handling text or low resolution graphics files, a voice channel operating at this rate can take approximately 5 minutes in succession to transmit 1 MB of digital data. Data files containing multimedia tasks can generally be in the range of several megabytes to hundreds of megabytes in size. As such, time and associated cost constraints become overwhelming for users who wish to access large data files over voice communication channels.

One method for dealing with such problems, often used by publication publishers in the context of computer technology, is to spread portable storage media, such as magnetic or optical discs, containing propaganda with samples of software products or other printed publications. It is. Such storage media may contain large data files ranging in size up to several hundred megabytes, especially if marketing techniques involving multimedia audiovisual presentations are used. This overcomes the significant time delays associated with downloading large data files, while the data contained in such storage media is out of date and generally not conveniently updated. In addition, publishers have limited control over the use of what material should be put by users.

Other prior art systems based on portable storage media provided by publishers of reference books, such as encyclopedias or commercial directories, provide update services. Update information will be "downloaded" or transmitted from the publisher's computer system or "remote site" via the Internet. However, such attempts generally require that a software application dedicated to the publisher service be installed on the user's computer. Other drawbacks involve the consumption of storage space in the user's computer to store the application and update the data for later reference. In addition, any executable software downloaded from the Internet has a finite risk of including destructive renegade code, colloquially known as a computer "virus", which undermines the correct and reliable operation of the local computer system. You may.

The system described in International Patent Document No. WO96 / 41445, in the name of Spyrus, provides a secure and periodic data dissemination of data on portable storage media, including CD-ROMs, to publishers by end-users. Make it possible. Access control for different sets of information contained in the data stores is optionally performed at the user's computer terminal via communication with the billing / access center at the publisher site. The system involves the encryption of data, where each set of information is encrypted using a different key. When certain conditions, such as subscription payment and / or timeout, are met, decryption keys are distributed to users. The system appears to rely on dedicated hardware and / or software installed on each user's computer terminal. The update function does not provide new additions and / or replacement information, but only relates to security keys or codes and is only useful to prevent access to outdated data.

<Solution of term>

To help with clarity and economics of explanation, a description of the usage of certain terms is provided as follows:

● "local computer system" includes a personal computer terminal or a local area network of such terminals.

● "remote site" includes computer systems operated by an information provider and interconnected via a wide area network for communication with a number of local computer systems.

● "storage media" refers to compact discs (CDs), CD-Rs, CD-RWs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), and DVD-s that are accessible by drives attached to or integrated with the local computer system. By any and all media devices capable of storing electronic data including RAM, DVD-R, DVD-V and large capacity removable magnetic tape, disks and semiconductor memory cartridges.

<Purpose of invention>

It is an object of the present invention to provide a data distribution method and system that ameliorates or overcomes at least some problems associated with the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for distributing data and conveniently updating the data via a non-invasive wide area network for local computer systems.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for converting Internet source code from a first format suitable for unified data distribution to a second format suitable for complex data distribution.

Further objects will be apparent from the following description.

The present invention relates to a system for conveniently distributing data in a wide area network, and more particularly to a system for distributing digital data to computer systems in terminals of a global packet-switched computer network such as the Internet.

Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a data distribution system of the first embodiment.

2 is an overview of the steps involved in the composite data distribution method of the first embodiment.

3 shows a flowchart of the steps involved in preparing and distributing data for users.

4 is a flow chart of the main steps involved in accessing data using the method of the first embodiment.

In one form, it does not have to be the only or indeed the widest form, but the invention is directed to a method of distributing data to users of local computer systems that are connected to a wide area network, which method,

Providing a portable storage medium comprising, for distribution to users, a first portion of the data that is substantially static;

Managing, at a remote site for access by users over a wide area network, second portions of data associated with said first portions and substantially substantially dynamic;

In response to a user's request for data access, finding, from the user, an identifier for the address of each local computer system of the distributed storage medium;

Transmitting the first portion of the requested data from the remote site to the local computer system via a wide area network; And

Incorporating a first portion of data with a second portion of data from a storage medium identified in a local computer system for use by a user.

The supply of storage medium preferably includes selecting from the data, first static portions of data characterized by an impractical need for continuous updating.

It is appropriate that relatively large data files such as those related to database tables, high resolution graphics, audio or video presentations, etc. are selected as static first data portions.

If necessary, provision of the storage medium further comprises encrypting the first portions of data with a predetermined key.

Management of the remote site preferably includes selecting dynamic second portions of the data characterized by the substantial need for continuous updating from the data.

Relatively small data files, such as text, low resolution graphics, etc., are suitably selected as dynamic second data portions.

If necessary, selecting the second portions of data may include determining a key for encrypting the first portions of data.

The portable storage medium is preferably distributed to users by physical transport channels.

From the user, finding the identifier for the address of the distributed storage medium is suitably performed in response to a request for data comprising at least the first portion of the data.

Initially, the identifier is the address of the local computer system assigned to the drive means for reading the portable storage medium.

Dynamic data portions are most appropriately duplicated to facilitate integration with associated static data portions referenced by different identifiers assigned to the drive means of the local computer system.

The integrated data portions are preferably provided immediately to the user on the local computer system.

In another form, the present invention is directed to a system for distributing data to users of local computer systems accessible to a wide area network, the system comprising:

Supply means for supplying a storage medium including first portions of the data that are substantially substantially static for distribution to users;

A remote site that is substantially dynamic among the data and includes a processor for managing mass storage means and data for managing second portions associated with the first portions; And

Each local computer system comprising communication means for accessing second data portions from the remote site via a wide area network and drive means for reading the distributed storage medium including the first data portions Includes a number of local computer systems for

An identifier for the address of the drive means is communicated to the remote site and access by the user to the second data parts facilitates the integration of the second data part with the associated first data part for use by the user.

The supply means preferably comprises a device for recording data on the portable storage medium.

The supply means is suitably associated with the processor at the remote site.

If necessary, the supply means allows encryption of the first data portion.

Preferably, the static first portions of the data are characterized by an impractical need for continuous updating.

The static first data portions are suitable for containing relatively large data files.

The dynamic second portions of the data are preferably characterized by a substantial need for continuous updating.

The first static data portions are suitable for containing relatively large data files.

Dynamic data parts are most appropriately replicated at the remote site to facilitate integration with the relevant static data parts referenced by different identifiers assigned to the drive means of the local computer system.

The local computer system preferably integrates the data portions for immediate presentation to the user.

A further aspect of the invention pertains to a method for converting files from a first format suitable for unified data distribution to a second format suitable for complex data distribution for implementing a web site, the method comprising:

Sorting the files according to whether the files contain static data or dynamic data;

Arranging static data files in a predetermined directory structure for writing to a portable storage medium;

Retrieving dynamic files to identify references to static data files;

Transforming each reference into a static data file in dynamic files according to a given directory structure;

Duplicating each reference to facilitate access to static files by drive means assigned different identifiers; And

Incorporating all dynamic files together for publication on the Internet.

1, a remote site 10 is shown that includes a server 11 that can be operated in accordance with a method of distributing digital data to multiple users 20. The remote server 11 includes a display unit 12, a processor unit 13, a keyboard 14, a mass data storage device 15 (such as a fixed magnetic disk), and a CD-ROM read / write device. (16). While only three users are shown, each user has a local computer system 21, 22, 23 interconnected with the server 11 via a wide area network 30. In general, each interconnect uses a respective voice channel 31, 32, 33 provided by a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Although the present invention contemplates a network-related use involving fixed local loop or wireless transmission over mobile telephone channels, the interconnect is usually a pair of wires. A common example of such a configuration would be for individual users to access an Internet service provider (ISP) 34 site via a PSTN. The ISP provides a gateway to the high speed communication channels of the network, such as the high speed channel 35 between the ISP 36 and the processor at the remote site 10.

In an embodiment, the digital data to distribute relates to information in a sales catalog of products available for purchase by a user from a vendor. The vendor may also operate a remote site 10. The sales catalog contains numerous audiovisual presentations and promo of available products, along with text-based information that provides current price information, product usage information and enables individual users to selectively order selected products. Therefore, the data to be distributed can be conveniently divided into two categories:

(1) a virtually substantially "static" data portion, typically involving large files ranging in size from about 1 megabyte to hundreds of megabytes, such as files including audiovisual presentations and product promotions; 1 category; And

(2) virtually substantially "dynamic" data, usually involving files of a size of about 1 megabyte or less, such as files containing textual information or smaller images relating to price, availability and ordering Second category of parts.

In the context of the present invention, the terms static and dynamic sometimes refer to the relative desirability of modifying information. While it is clear that price and availability information will require updating on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis, depending on the nature of the product, the functional details of the product line are generally relative to the update. You receive an impractical demand.

As such, information provided by the vendor can be distributed to users in a hybrid manner using a particular mode of digital data distribution. Static data can be compiled and sent to a storage medium such as CD-ROM 40, which can safely store large amounts of data. In this embodiment, the CD-ROM read / write device 12 connected to the remote server 11 will be used for this purpose. The CD-ROM can then be sold and distributed to the user for free as a marketing act or in response to a user request, noting that the unit price for playing the CD-ROM is about one dollar.

The reproduction and distribution of the CD-ROMs is undertaken by a separate entity 17 promised for this purpose of the embodiment. Physical distribution channels such as delivery by postal service are represented by dashed lines in the figure. In contrast, dynamic data that is in substantial demand for updating is managed at the vendor site 10. Dynamic data is suitably stored in a second memory device, such as magnetic disk 15, for direct access of users 20 over network 30. It will be appreciated that a price change of a product may become available to users as soon as the price information contained in the magnetic disk of the remote server 11 is updated.

In other embodiments, the product vendor or service provider may choose to provide and copy their own CD-ROMs containing static data, but the mass data belonging to the server of the Internet service provider (ISP) 34 may be dynamic. It depends on the ISP 34 to mount on the storage device. Any modifications to the dynamic data will then be sent to the ISP for subsequent updates. A further possibility provided by the present invention is that the static data on the CD-ROM may also include improved data for potential future product releases. It will be appreciated that dynamic data will only require minimal changes to introduce pricing information and allow access to relevant files on the CD-ROM at the time of product release.

2, a schematic flow chart of the steps involved in preparing and distributing data to users is shown. Source code 51 for Internet sites, and in particular for the World Wide Web (WWW or "web") sites, is generally coded in hyper text mark-up language (HTML). The source code generally assumes that all data will be unified in a collection of files accessible at that site. A conversion process 52, discussed below in connection with FIG. 3, is provided that converts the code from standard Internet code to modified Internet code suitable for complex distribution of data. This process separates static data from dynamic data according to configuration settings determined by the site administrator or 'webmaster'. Static data 53 is written to a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM for distribution to selected users via physical delivery channels. Dynamic data 54 includes modified Internet code hosted at a remote site. When a user with a distributed CD-ROM accesses the site, portions of the dynamic and static data will be integrated for supply to the user as described below in connection with FIG.

The conversion process 60 shown in FIG. 3 starts with all files 61 for a previously existing web site. The files are then sorted according to whether they are static data files or dynamic data files on the one hand (62). In this example, the process ensures that all files with characteristic extensions * .jpg, * .gif, * .mpg, * .avi, and * .wav for image, audio, and video data are sorted into static files. On the other hand, text and Internet code files (* .htm, * .vmr, * .txt and * .doc) are implemented to be sorted as dynamic files. The static data files are then stored 63 in a suitable directory structure, where similar types of files can be grouped together and copied from there to the portable storage medium as needed. Subsequently, copies of the media can be delivered 64 to users.

Dynamic files 65, in particular HTML and any VRML files, are each retrieved 66 to determine whether to reference any of the static data files identified in step 62. The path reference to each file in the source code is then transformed according to the directory structure provided in step 63. All dynamic files that reference static content (content) are duplicated (68) and stored for all valid media drive letters, typically A through Z. Replicated files are integrated with files that lack references 69 and the dynamic data is published on the Internet 70.

Considering this embodiment from the user's perspective, FIG. 4 shows a flow chart that includes steps taken by the user to access the sales catalog example of this embodiment. This flowchart assumes that the user has received a distributed CD ROM 41 containing static data portions of the product information from the vendor via the postal service. In addition, the user local computer system 21 may include a suitable CD-ROM drive 24 and an Internet browser in the form of a dedicated application (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) or embedded in a computer operating system. It is further assumed that the communication software is included.

The user connects to the vendor's remote server 11 using its browser software and internal modem 26. This connection comprises the voice channel 31 of the PSTN network between the local computer system 21 and the ISP 34. A welcome or "home" page is sent (72) from the server to be displayed (25) on the local computer system in a conventional manner. The welcome page contains text requiring the user to select the desired mode to display subsequent pages with product information, where one selection is identified as the "CD enhanced" mode. If the CD enhancement mode is selected, the user is asked 74 to enter a letter or other identifier that represents the address of the CD-ROM drive 24 of the local computer system.

The choice available in this embodiment is any of the letters D through Z because many personal computers assign the letter C to the magnetic disk drive and the next available D to the CD-ROM drive. However, the situation is complicated when there are a large number of drives for the storage medium, which can be potentially identified logically or physically. A common example is when a user computer system involves a local area network (LAN) with various drives.

To allow for this outbreak, the dynamic data on the remote server 11 is preferably sorted by a particular hierarchical structure. The common file containing the welcome page is included in the upper directory of the magnetic disk 15 of the remote server, and the lower directories are divided into identically configured subdirectories (26). Each subdirectory generally contains nearly identical sets of text-based web pages, the only difference being between the sets of which refers to different drive letters for the selection of static data files contained in the CD-ROM of the local drive. . Here is an example of hypertext markup language (HTML) code that can be used to generate a suitable page:

〈HTML〉

〈HEAD〉

<TITLE> DVDA Home Page </ TITLE>

〈/ HEAD〉

〈BODY BACKGROUND = "../ biacarr.jpg">

<P> <CENTER> &nbsp; </ CENTER> </ P>

<H1> <CENTER> Vendor Home Page </ CENTER> </ H1>

<H2> <CENTER> Enhanced Website Equiped </ CENTER> </ H2>

<P> <HR ALIGN = LEFT> </ P>

<P> <CENTER> <B> <FONT SIZE = + 1> This is an Enhanced Website. If you have our CD then place 〈BR〉 this into your CD-Rom drive and select your CD-Rom drive letter. </ FONT> </ B> </ CENTER> </ P>

<P> <FONT SIZE = + 1> <BR>

<BR>

<BR>

〈/ FONT〉 〈/ P〉

<P> <CENTER> <FONT SIZE = + 1> No I do not have the <A HREF="feedback.html"> Enhanced Website CD </A> <BR>

<BR>

Yes I do have the CD and my drive is:

<A HREF="ddrive/index.html"> D <A/>

〈A HREF="edrive/index.html"〉 E 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="fdrive/index.html"〉 F 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="gdrive/index.html"〉 G 〈A/〉

<A HREF="hdrive/index.html"> H <A/>

〈A HREF="idrive/index.html"〉 I 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="kdrive/index.html"〉 K 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="ldrive/index.html”〉 L 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="mdrive/index.html"〉 M 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="ndrive/index.html"〉 N 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="odrive/index.html"〉 O 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="pdrive/index.html"〉 P 〈A/〉

<A HREF="qdrive/index.html"> Q <A/>

<A HREF="rdrive/index.html"> R <A/>

<A HREF="sdrive/index.html"> S <A/>

<A HREF="tdrive/index.html"> T <A/>

〈A HREF="udrive/index.html"〉 U 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="vdrive/index.html”〉 V 〈A/〉

<A HREF="wdrive/index.html"> W <A/>

〈A HREF="xdrive/index.html"〉 X 〈A/〉

〈A HREF="ydrive/index.html"〉 Y 〈A/〉

<A HREF="zdrive/index.html"> Z <A/> </ FONT> </ CENTER> &lt; / P>

<P> <CENTER> &nbsp; </ CENTER> </ P>

<P> <FONT SIZE = + 1> <HR ALIGN> </ FONT>

〈/ BODY〉

〈/ HTML〉

Accordingly, the selection 75 of " F " by the user leads to a set of pages defined for that drive identifier, which pages contain dynamic data with catalog information. After the drive identifier is selected using this concept, all subsequent references to the storage device (located in the CD-ROM drive of this embodiment) are made using an HTML string that points to the file. In other words, calls to dynamic data files, including pictures, audiovisual presentations, movies, etc., from within that HTML code, preferably use the string constant "file: // x | / 'at the beginning of the file path." The term x | "can be changed to" file: /// anydrive | / 'to indicate a CD-ROM drive. This string reflects each replicated web page, and the variable "anydrive |" is replaced with the drive letter selected if necessary. E.g

〈BODY BACKGROUND = "file: /// F | /pictures/biacarr.jpg>

The code calls a JPEG encoded background file named "biacarr.jpg" from the "image" directory of the CD-ROM indicated by F: by the local computer system's basic input / output system (BIOS).

Returning to the example of FIG. 4, the requested dynamic data is sent 76 to the local computer for display 77. In this example a default product list is displayed with options for product promotion. That is, portions of dynamic data are associated with portions of static data. If a promo video for a particular product has been requested by the user, the appropriate mpg file contained in the CD-ROM on the F drive of the local machine will be activated to display the video (80). Further user requests 81 are then processed depending on whether static data is requested or dynamic data is requested. This process consists of a prior art configuration by which long video files (shown inserted in FIG. 4) will first need to be accessed at the remote server and then sent 82 to the local computer system via the communication network before preparing the display. This can be in contrast. In general, the image or audiovisual presentation is displayed in a window at a predetermined position on the user display unit 25.

Thus, the method of this embodiment does not require the user to download any active code that can invoke sensitive system files that could potentially compromise the private part of the user, whether or not they have vendor specific software or with user permission. It is very noninvasive in that respect. Whenever any of the static data, such as a high resolution image or audiovisual presentation, is requested, the appropriate file contained in the distributed CD-ROM can be accessed directly through the F drive to integrate with the dynamic data. In another configuration, the static data on the storage medium may be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, and since the dynamic data will contain a decryption key, consolidating the data portions will include decrypting the static data to be provided. .

This configuration, along with the proper selection of files that constitute static data, will substantially reduce the time a user may spend waiting for large files to be downloaded from a remote server. The sales catalog also contains current price and availability information because this dynamic data, which is essentially text, is obtained from the remote server. In summary, the speed of access and provision of local CD-ROM or similarly performing storage media is combined with the suggestiveness of the information provided to users 20 directly from vendor site 10. It also has the marketing advantage of sending the media to prospective customers to attract their attention to both the product and the website. In contrast, the use of search engines on the Internet typically provides hundreds of potential vendors, which must be carefully masked. Product presentations facilitated by mailed CD-ROMs are fast and effective and provide a reduced risk for the user.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the presentation of the sales catalog for reporting and ordering of products, the method of the present invention has numerous other applications. In distance education applications, all image, audio, video and total textual data (ie, references) may be integrated into a storage medium for distribution to students. Students will then be able to log in to a remote server at a learning site with appropriate dynamic data files, such as HTML pages, to run the learning program according to a given curriculum. When implemented according to the method of the present invention, each student can consume less network resources, dynamic data files can be updated as teaching methods change and the learning program is conveniently standardized for all students.

In further embodiments, the static data may include sensitive records of individuals (eg, medical and financial records) that may be distributed without confirmation of potential users. The confirmation information can be stored as dynamic information at the secure site, so that only authenticated users can access certain identity information according to their authentication level. If desired, encryption of static data may be employed.

Other applications examples include online game play and remote installation of software into the operating system of the local computer. The purpose of the entire specification is to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or collection of features.

Claims (22)

A method for distributing data to users of local computer systems that are connectable to a wide area network, the method comprising: Supplying a portable storage medium comprising substantially first static portions of data for distribution to users; Managing, at a remote site accessed by a user through a wide area network, second portions associated with said first portions of data and substantially substantially dynamic; In response to the user's request for data access, finding, from the user, an identifier for the address of each local computer system of the distributed storage medium; Transmitting the first portion of the requested data from the remote site to the local computer system via a wide area network; And Incorporating a first portion of data with a second portion of data from a storage medium identified in a local computer system for immediate use by a user. The method of claim 1, wherein the supply of the storage medium, Selecting a static first portion of data characterized by an impractical need for continuous updating from the data. The method of claim 2, Relatively large data files are selected as static first data portions. The supply of the portable storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Encrypting the first portions of data by a predetermined key. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the management of the remote site is performed. Selecting from the data dynamic second portions characterized by a substantial need for continuous updating of the data. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the relatively small data files are selected as dynamic second data portions. 7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the second portions of data comprises determining a key for encrypting the first portions of data. 8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portable storage medium is distributed to users by physical delivery channels. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of finding from the user an identifier for the address of the distributed storage medium is performed in response to a request for data comprising at least a first portion of the data. Data distribution method. The method of claim 9, wherein the identifier, And the address of the local computer system assigned to the drive for reading the portable storage medium. The method of claim 10, wherein managing the second data portion comprises: Copying said second data portions to facilitate integration with relevant static data portions referenced by different identifiers assigned to drive means of a local computer system. 12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said integrated data portions are immediately provided to a user by a local computer system. A system for distributing data to users of a local computer system accessible to a wide area network, Supply means for supplying a storage medium including first portions of the data that are substantially substantially static for distribution to users; A remote site having a processor for processing data and mass storage means for managing second portions of the data that are substantially dynamic and associated with the first portions; And Each user comprising a communication means for accessing the remote site via a wide area network and accessing second data portions from the remote site and drive means for reading the distributed storage medium including the first data portions. A plurality of local computer systems for The identifier for the address of the drive means is thus communicated to the remote site and the access by the user to the second data parts is intended to integrate with the relevant first data part of the second data part for use by the user. Data scattering system. 14. A data distribution system according to claim 13, wherein said supply means comprises a device for recording data in a portable storage medium. 15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein said supply means is coupled to a processor at a remote site. 16. A data distribution system according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said supply means permits encryption of said first data portions. 17. The data distribution system of any of claims 13-16, wherein the static first portions of the data are characterized by an impractical need for continuous updating. 18. The system of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the static first data portions comprise relatively large data files. 19. A data distribution system as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the dynamic second portions of the data are characterized by a substantial need for continuous updating. 20. A data distribution system according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the dynamic second data portions comprise relatively small data files. 21. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the dynamic data portions are remote to facilitate integration with relevant static data portions referenced by different identifiers assigned to drive means of a local computer system. Data distribution system characterized by being replicated at the site. 22. A data distribution system as claimed in any of claims 13 to 21, wherein the local computer system integrates data portions for quick presentation to a user.