초록 ▼

An information server adapted to service requests for information has an integral database containing configuration information, application information, and/or content information. The information in the database is stored in a hierarchical fashion with elements that correspond, in some degree, wit

An information server adapted to service requests for information has an integral database containing configuration information, application information, and/or content information. The information in the database is stored in a hierarchical fashion with elements that correspond, in some degree, with physical storage structure or individual information objects on the information server. Path names received in information requests are broken into constituent components and are used to retrieve configuration information, application information, and/or content information from the database and information objects from physical storage. In the database properties stored at one hierarchical level may be inherited by lower hierarchical levels. The database is preferably provided with a programmatic interface that allows concurrent access to and administration of the database. Mechanisms to notify registered users of changes or events that occur with respect to the database are implemented.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by United Stated Letters Patent is:] [1.] In an information server that has access to a storage medium wherein information objects are stored according to a storage hierarchy and further has access to a database comprising a plurality of key locations that

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by United Stated Letters Patent is:] [1.] In an information server that has access to a storage medium wherein information objects are stored according to a storage hierarchy and further has access to a database comprising a plurality of key locations that are arranged hierarchically and store metadata, a method for retrieving an information object and metadata associated with the information object, said method comprising the steps of:obtaining a path name comprising a hierarchy of constituent names;resolving said path name into its constituent names;while proceeding from parent to child through the constituent names, performing the steps of:identifying a key location in said database that corresponds to one of the constituent names and retrieving metadata from said identified key location;identifying a storage location in the storage hierarchy of the storage medium that corresponds to another of the constituent names; andresolving a physical location of the information object at the storage medium by using said other of the constituent names and any children constituent names thereof; andretrieving the information object from the physical location.