Abstract

In a data processing network having a first processor (for example, a programmable workstation), a second processor (for example a host computer) and a communication system linking said first processor and said second processor, control logic associated with said first processor is operable to manage the flow of information between said first processor and said second processor on behalf of one or more application programs running on said first processor. The control logic is responsive to calls issued by, or on behalf of, and application invoked by a user at the first processor to determine if a file or, set of files, associated with the calling application is the most up-to-date version of the file, or set of files available. The most up-to-date versions are always stored at the second processor (ie: the host). A comparison is made between the files and their levels currently available at the first processor (work station) and the up-to-date files held at the second processor (host). A list of actions to be taken is then compiled and files downloaded to the first processor to replace out-of-date files, to add or create files in order to augment those already there, and to delete any obsolete files no longer required by the application.