Spreadsheet-based network information exchange with two-part cache
DCFirst Claim
1. A system for facilitating efficient database-related information exchanges across a network, comprising:
- (a) a server that includes at least one database; and
(b) a client that includes a spreadsheet program and a cache, and that communicates with said server across a network, said spreadsheet program generating at least one spreadsheet having a plurality of data cells;
wherein said cache stores data for use by said spreadsheet program in rendering said at least one spreadsheet, and wherein, in response to said spreadsheet program attempting to render said at least one spreadsheet, said cache determines whether data required to render said at least one spreadsheet has been previously stored by said cache; and
wherein, to the extent data required to render said at least one spreadsheet has not been previously stored by said cache, said cache formulates a single query for transmission from said client across said network to said server requesting all required data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for facilitating information exchange between individuals and entities interacting on a shared project are provided, and more particularly to a method and system for horizontal, i.e., non-hierarchical, participation in and/or contribution to a spreadsheet-based project. The method and system is Web-based and utilizes conventional browser and spreadsheet technology to achieve collaborative exchanges of information on an enterprise-wide basis. The method and system also facilitate efficacious remote information access and exchange, e.g., over a computer network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, through a caching function that combines individual queries initiated by a spreadsheet program before transmitting across a network to a server for consideration.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for facilitating efficient database-related information exchanges across a network, comprising:
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(a) a server that includes at least one database; and
(b) a client that includes a spreadsheet program and a cache, and that communicates with said server across a network, said spreadsheet program generating at least one spreadsheet having a plurality of data cells;
wherein said cache stores data for use by said spreadsheet program in rendering said at least one spreadsheet, and wherein, in response to said spreadsheet program attempting to render said at least one spreadsheet, said cache determines whether data required to render said at least one spreadsheet has been previously stored by said cache; and
wherein, to the extent data required to render said at least one spreadsheet has not been previously stored by said cache, said cache formulates a single query for transmission from said client across said network to said server requesting all required data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification