DE10257819B4 - Network-based data access with separate data transfer and data transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of transferring data between a first user and a second user in a network-based communication environment, wherein
a transition of data of the first user in the sphere of influence of the second user and a transfer of the data of the first user to an end user unit associated with the second user independently of each other, wherein
in response to an access request or a write instruction for first data stored in a central storage system of the communication environment, associated with the first user, and second data associated with the second user in the central storage system, indicating the first data, wherein the second data is assigned to the first data generated second user associated alias data indicating the memory area of the central storage system in which the first data is stored.

Description

Territory of invention

The The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for transmission of data between different users within a communication environment and, more particularly, methods and apparatus for storing data of a user in to override the sphere of influence of another user and of it to transfer the data to the other user separately so that it actually turns on access them or use them.

background the invention

To over one Network to access foreign data are known various approaches.

So it is usual, that the original one Owner of the data through an end user unit via the Transmits network to another end user unit associated with a user, who wants to access this data. Alternatively, it is possible that the original one Owner of the data to a requesting user or a requesting one The end user unit allows access to the end user unit, on the desired Data is available or assigned to the requestor User or the requesting end user unit a transmission the desired Can cause data.

Further it is usual, that the original owner the data this via an end user unit on the Network to a centralized storage system (i.e., performing a so-called "upload") and a user who wants to access this data by means of another End user unit causes the central storage system, this Transfer data to the other end user unit (i.e., perform a so-called "download").

in this connection Is it possible, that the original one Owner of the data this in the central storage system for access any user releases or accesses the data for specific Restricts users or user groups. Limited access to data in the central storage system can be using of codewords, for End user units specific identifiers and the like take place.

Further is it for this possible, that the original one Owner of the data after transferring it to the central storage system has, a user who wants to access this data, data (e.g., in the form of an email, SMS, etc.) indicating this that there are data in the central storage system to which can be accessed.

Of further it is possible that the original one Owner of data another user a so-called alias which implicitly provides this information, where the desired Data is present in the central storage system.

The previously mentioned approaches is common for data to become the property of a requesting user this to an end user unit used by this for access transferred to. Such also referred to as download data transfers can Cause problems, when to transfer desired Data, i. on a download, insufficient or unsatisfactory transfer capacities (e.g., transfer rates, Bandwidths, etc.) stand. Furthermore, it is traditional network-based Data access required that the end user unit used for this purpose suitable or the desired is transferred to the download Receive, store and process data whose users to disposal to ask and the like.

In Tamino WebDAV Server, White Paper, Software AG, 2001 becomes the authoring system WebDAV server.

Generally the object of the present invention is to provide the abovementioned Overcome problems of the prior art. In particular It is an object of the present invention, network-based data access in terms of required network resources and thereby used End user units as well as in terms of ease of use and to optimize user-specific specifications.

Summary the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention according to claim 1, a method for data transmission between a first user and a second user in a network-based communication environment ready, in which a transition of data to be transmitted of the first user in the sphere of influence of the second user and a transmission of the Data to be transmitted to an end user unit assigned to the second user is carried out independently of one another. This is the basis of the present invention lying thought can also be called "separation of data transfer and download".

end user devices include any devices, units or devices, which can be used for communication. Preferred end user unit include stationary and mobile phones (e.g., PSTN phones, 2G and 3G devices, GMS and UMTS phones), stationary and portable computer systems, Devices and devices, etc. An example of a network-based communication environment is the Internet or at least parts of the same comprehensive Communication network.

Under a transition Here, data is understood to be that of the second user desired Data of the first user are in a form that is not different from the form in the second user's own data this available stand without in an end user unit associated with the second user be present.

in the Contrast this is under a transfer the data to understand that this is actually one of the second User assigned to the end user unit. This process can also known as download.

to Illustration of the difference between a data transition and a data transfer can in these processes on the one hand with a transfer of money into a bank account and on the other hand with the withdrawal of the Money from the bank account and a fanning of the money into a purse be compared.

This Comparison also illustrates the meaning of the definition according to which the data transition and the data transfers separated from each other. Apart from that, previously a data transition must have taken place so that at all transferable Existing data, the data transfers are unrelated to the data transition.

So find in a preferred embodiment, the data transition and the data transfers separated in time or at different times from each other instead of. For example, you can between data transition and data transfer minutes, Hours, days, months, years but even seconds.

Of Further, it is preferable that the data transition to one of the second User assigned to the end user unit regardless of whether this End-user device used by the second user the data transition too cause. It is irrelevant whether the data transfer from one to the second User assigned end user unit or one of the first user associated end user unit initiated or at least partially is controlled. In particular, allows it the present invention the two th user spatially from each other arranged separately, different end user devices on the one hand the data transition and on the other hand the data transmission to effect.

Further a so-called subscription service can be provided at a user is a subscriber of another user. Here is it is possible that a user provides himself as a subscription to a data User defined ("Active Subscription ") or from this a subscription to a requesting user becomes ("Passive Subscription ") the data transfer takes place preferably automatically, i. without the respective data transition related interactions on the part of the first and second users takes place. Here it is possible that the data transition always takes place when new data from the first user to be provided. For this then takes place automatically a data transition. Such a Data transition can be assigned by the first user or a user assigned to it End user unit ("automated write instruction" or "passive subscription") and / or part the second user or an end user unit associated therewith ( "Automated Reading instruction "or" active subscription ").

Of Furthermore, it can be specified for which data types such automated data transfer should be, can or should be omitted. An information of the second user over an automated data transition can e.g. via SMS, telephone call with voice message, email, fax, etc. respectively.

In Continuing the automated data transfer can be a cascaded Data transmission for several Users are reached by each user, due to an automated data transition Received data to another user an automated Data transition he follows.

In a specific embodiment, in response to an access request indicating that first data associated with the first user stored in a centralized storage system of the communication environment is to be accessed by the second user, second data is associated with the second user in the centralized storage system saved. Here is a data access to data of the first user by a corresponding request ("read request") side initiated by the second user, causes and / or partially controlled. The second data serves to indicate the first data, wherein it is provided that the second data only contain information about where the first data is in the central storage system or that the second data correspond to the first data, ie represent a copy of the same , Independently of this data transmission in the form of the assignment of the second data, the second data is transmitted in response to a data access by means of an end user unit assigned to the second user from the central storage system to the end user unit assigned to the second user, ie a download is carried out.

at another special embodiment be in response to a write request from a first User indicating that in a centralized storage system Communication environment stored, associated with the first user, first data should be made available to the second user, in the central storage system assigned to the second user, second Data saved. This is a data access to data of the first Initiated by a corresponding instruction ("write command") by the first user, causes and / or partially controlled. The second data serve specify the first data, it being provided that the second Data only contains information about where the first Data in the central storage system, or that the second Data corresponding to the first data, so represent a copy of the same. Independently from this data transfer in the form of the assignment of the second data are the second data in response to a data access by means of a second user associated end user unit from the central storage system to the end user unit associated with the second user, i.e. a download performed.

Preferably be the first data from a first end user unit, which is associated with the first user, transmitted to the central storage system.

to It is storing the first data in the central storage system possible, do this in a first memory area of the same, the first user is assigned. A special example for one such storage area are known as folders or directories Locations.

alternative it is intended to store the first data in a memory area of the Store a central storage system that is not specific to any user assigned. In this case, the user gets first alias data provided that specify this memory area and the first Enable users using the first alias data to access the first data.

Around to enable the second users on to access the first data, a copy of the first data is created, to generate the second data. These will be the second User assigned by placing in a second memory area the central storage system, the second User is assigned.

alternative for this it is possible associate the second user with second alias data contained in this Case as the second data serve. Give the second alias data the second user a memory area of the central storage system in which the first data is available.

Around tell the central storage system that the second user wants a data transition can the second user makes an access request by means of a second end user unit transferred to the central storage system. For data transmission the second user may be using the second end user unit or a third, also assigned to the second user End user unit to submit an access request to the central storage system.

Here shows an advantage of the method according to the invention. While at usual Approaches data other users to be accessed, too transmitted to the end user unit Need to become, by means of which an access request has been transmitted, it is at the method according to the invention possible, itself by means of an access request transmitted by an end-user the option to open on desired Access the data of other users. As a result, an actual Data access but not done, but only the desired Data in the sphere of influence or possession of the inquiring user This can then decide, when and with which end user unit the desired Data actually to be used, i. when and with which end user unit a download performed shall be.

Due to the advantages of the method according to the invention, it is to be expected that its use will take place to such an extent that existing communication environments can be overloaded. If such a risk exists, it is possible to specify appropriate transmission rates for data transmissions to and from the central storage system which must not be exceeded. In this way, a similar performance for all users of the method according to the invention can be achieved. For comparable reasons it is provided to limit the storage space in the central storage system for the first and / or second data or for the corresponding user.

Around Users to facilitate the management of their data will be the Storage of the first and / or second data provided areas 2, 3, 4, etc. sub memory areas divided. This can be done, for example, according to topical terms not just the data-providing user facilitate data management, but also the requesting user an overview of available data provide. A specific example of such under storage areas are storage structures known as folders or subdirectories.

It It is to be expected that data providing users will not suit everyone Enable third parties want to access their data. Therefore, it is envisaged that Third, i. here the second user, only then an option on receive access to the data, i. a data transition takes place when the the data providing users, i. the first user, this one allowed. Therefor Preferably authorization data are used, in particular indicate to the centralized storage system that only certain users, For example, the second user is entitled to a data transition initiate. The definition of such authorization data can after general rules on the part of the central storage system and / or preferably done by the first user.

Further it is provided that the authorization data are then discarded, if the second user refuses. This can be done by that the second user provides so-called rejection data, preferably the central storage system, which in response to the Provide the permission data indicating that the second user does not want access to the first data. Comparable to this It is envisaged that the authorization data will only become valid if this by means of appropriate acceptance data from the second user is accepted.

It It is expected that users will not allow every third party want to give you data available to deliver. Therefore, it is contemplated that third parties, i. here the first User, only one data transition to be allowed to initiate i.e. the second data is generated when the user to which transfer the data should / can i.e. the second user has allowed this. For this purpose are preferred Authorization data is used, in particular the central storage system indicate that only certain users, for example, the first user, are entitled to provide the first data. The definition such authorization data can according to general rules on the part of the central storage system and / or preferably on the part of second user.

Of Furthermore, it is provided that the authorization data is then discarded if the first user declines. This can be done be done so that the first user provides so-called rejection data, preferably the central storage system, which in response to the Provision of authorization data indicate that the first user does not want to write. Similarly, it is provided that the authorization data only valid if this is done by means of appropriate acceptance data from the first user is accepted.

at a preferred embodiment It is required that both the first and the second user be entitled to use the central storage system.

Of Furthermore, it is preferred that the central storage system a Network service providers such as an Internet provider, an email provider and the same is assigned. Comparable to this, it is possible that the central storage system is associated with an e-mail system, wherein under an e-mail system both hardware and software units be understood.

Preferably be carried out the method according to the invention graphical user interfaces used that at least partially serve to give the first and / or the second user an interactive execution of the procedure. In particular, it is intended that such graphical user interfaces in user interfaces are integrated by users' email applications.

Of Furthermore, it is provided, depending on the amount of data, the at the data transition enters the sphere of influence of the second user, one to be provided monetary value is determined. This can be done, for example to be used for the data transition required Make storage space available to the second user for a fee. This represents a possibility represents, for the use of the method according to the invention to pay.

Summary the figures

In The following description of preferred embodiments will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings taken, of which show:

1 to 8th schematic representations of communication environments for carrying out the method according to the invention, and

9 to 18 schematic representations of graphical user interfaces for carrying out the method according to the invention.

description preferred embodiments

Referring to 1 to 4 Embodiments of the method according to the invention are described in general. Based on 5 to 8th are referred to as subscription service embodiments in which one or more users, to which data transitions (should) take place, desired data or data types in the form of Abonne ment automatically received. With reference to 9 to 18 The description of the method according to the invention follows on the basis of illustrative graphical user interfaces, which are integrated as parts of a graphical user interface of an e-mail application.

In 1 a first end user unit EUU1 is shown, which transmits first data D1 to a central storage system ZSpS via a network (step 1 ). The central storage system ZSpS stores the first data D1 in a first storage area SpB1, which is assigned to the first end user unit EUU1 or its users (step 1 ). A second user, wishing to use the first data D1 transmitted by the first end user unit EUU1, and advantageously also authorized thereto by the first user, transmits to the central storage system ZSpS data which requests the second user to access the first data , specify (step 2 ). Such request data transmitted from or used by a second end user unit EUU2 assigned to the second user does not indicate to the central storage system ZSpS that the first data D1 is actually to be used by the second user at the present time , Accordingly, such access request data does not cause the first data to be downloaded to the second end user unit EUU2. Rather, the access request data causes the first data D1 to enter the "possession" of the second user (step 3 ). For this purpose, the central storage system ZSpS creates a copy of the first data D1, ie generates second data D2 which correspond to the first data D1, and stores this in a second storage area SpB2 assigned to the second user.

These Approach possible it that the second user in possession of the first data D1 in Form of the second data D2 passes, i. a data transition takes place without causing data transfer resources between the central storage system ZSpS and the second end user unit EUU2 needed become.

Another advantage of this approach is that the second user, regardless of how he has transferred access request data to the central storage system ZSpS, can access the first, ie his, second data D2, at any later time and with any end user unit, ie the second data D2 actually received from the central storage system ZSpS, so can cause a download. Thus, it is possible here for the second user to be able to download the second data from his second memory area SpB2 from the central storage system ZSpS at any time after receipt of the second data D2 by means of the second end user unit EUU2 or with a third end user unit EUU3 (steps 4 ). Thus, for transmitting the access requests (effecting data transfer) and downloading the data (effecting data transfer), not only end user units of the same or different type but also end user units spatially separated and operated can be used. As an illustrative example, mention may be made of a user effecting a data transfer of desired data with an end user unit in the form of a personal computer in an Internet cafe in South America, and returning to his home computer to transfer the data to his private personal computer.

The previously referring to 1 described procedure can be taken under the term "read access" on the part of the second user or under the term "read permission" for the second user.

This procedure can also, as in 2 1, illustrated may be modified so that the generation of the second data D2 is not generated by access request data from the second user, but in response to a write instruction transmitted from the first user to the central storage system ZSpS (step 2 ). This approach, which can be grasped under the term "write instruction" by the first user or "write authorization" for the first user, differs from the procedure described above only in that the second user does not have to be active in order to obtain the first data D1 , that is, so that the second, associated with him data D2 are generated. Thus, the correspond in 1 and 2 illustrated steps 1 . 3 and 4 while the steps 2 of the 1 and 2 as access request and write differentiation.

In the 3 and 4 illustrated developments of in 1 and 2 The illustrated embodiments make it possible to optimize the central storage system ZSpS with regard to required storage resources. Here, the essential difference to the in 1 and 2 It is shown that no memory areas specifically assigned to the first and second users are used in the central memory system. Rather, all data associated with different users is stored in a common memory area. In order to enable a special user to access the data assigned to him, so-called alias data is generated, which indicates to the respective user or an end user unit he uses, where / how the data is present in the central storage system. It is not necessary here for several users who want to use the same data to store these each assigned to a user. Accordingly, it is only necessary to store data which is desired or to be accessed by multiple users (once at a later time) once in the central storage system and to provide alias data to the respective users. This allows the storage resources of the centralized storage system to be used more effectively, while still ensuring that only authorized users can use data because only they have aliased data.

As in 3 represented, a first end user unit EUU1 transmits over a network first data D1 to a central storage system ZSpS (step 1 ). The central storage system ZSpS stores the first data D1 in a general storage area SpBAllg which is not dedicated to a user and generates alias data A1 for the first user (step 2 ). A second user, wishing to use the first data D1 transmitted by the first end user unit EUU1, and advantageously also authorized thereto by the first user, transmits to the central storage system ZSpS data which requests the second user to access the first data , specify (step 3 ). Such request data transmitted from or used by a second end user unit EUU2 assigned to the second user does not indicate to the central storage system ZSpS that the first data D1 is actually to be used by the second user at the present time , Accordingly, such access request data does not cause the first data to be downloaded to the second end user unit EUU2. Rather, the access request data here causes the first alias data A1 to enter the "possession" of the second user (step 4 ). For this purpose, the central storage system ZSpS creates a copy of the first alias data A1, ie generates second alias data A2, which correspond to the first alias data A1 and specify the first data D1, and makes this available to the second user.

These Approach possible it that the second user in possession of the first data D1 in Form of the second alias data A2, i. a data transition takes place without causing data transfer resources between the central storage system ZSpS and the second end user unit EUU2 needed become.

Another advantage of this approach is that the second user, regardless of how he has transmitted access request data to the central storage system ZSpS, can access the first data D1 at any later time and with any end user unit, ie the first data D1 of FIG the central storage system ZSpS actually received, so can cause a download. Thus, it is possible here for the second user, using the second alias data A2, to access the first data D1 stored in the general memory area SpBAllg at any time after receipt of the second alias data A2 by means of the second end user unit EUU2 or with a third one End user unit EUU3 can download (steps 5 ). Thus, to transmit the access requests (effect the data transfer) and download the data (effect the data transfer) not only end user units of the same or different type but also end user units can be used which are spatially separated and operated.

The previously referring to 3 described procedure can be taken under the term "read access" on the part of the second user or under the term "read permission" for the second user.

This procedure can also, as in 4 3 illustrates that the generation of the second alias data A2 is not generated by access request data from the second user, but in response to a write instruction transmitted from the first user to the central storage system ZSpS (step 3 ). This approach, which can be grasped under the term "write instruction" by the first user or "write authorization" for the first user, differs from the procedure described above only in that the second user does not have to be active in order to obtain the first data D1 ie, that the second alias data A2 assigned to it is generated. Thus, the correspond in 3 and 4 is put steps 1 . 2 . 4 and 5 while the steps 3 of the 1 and 2 as access request and write instruction differ.

In 5 a second end user unit EUU2 or a second user is shown, which sends via a network a request to a first user or a first end user unit EUU1, which indicates that the second end user unit EUU2 wants to subscribe to data provided by the first end user unit EUU1 (step 1 ). In this context, subscribing means that data of the first end user unit EUU1 is automatically transferred to the second end user unit EUU2.

Thereafter, the first user may reject or accept the subscription request of the second user. If the first user accepts the subscription request of the second user, the desired subscription is set up (step 2 ).

If the second end user unit EUU2 grants the desired subscription from the first end user unit EUU1 and first data D1 is transferred from the first end user unit EUU1 to a central storage system ZSpS (step 3 ), the central storage system ZSpS stores the first data D1 in a first storage area SpB1 associated with the first end user unit EUU1 or its users (step 4 ).

Thereafter, automatically, ie without interaction on the part of the second user or a request from the second end user unit EUU2, a data transition of the first data D1 in the "possession" of the second user (step 4 ). For this purpose, the central storage system ZSpS creates a copy of the first data D1, ie generates second data D2 which correspond to the first data D1, and stores this in a second storage area SpB2 assigned to the second user.

At any later time and with any end-user unit, the second user may access the first, ie his, second data D2 in order to actually receive them from the central storage system ZSpS, ie to initiate a download (step 5 ).

The referring to 5 described approach can be taken under the term "Active Subscription" by the second user or the second end user unit EUU2, since the second user has become active himself to receive the subscription.

This procedure can also, as in 6 3, illustrated may be modified such that a subscription for the second user or the second end user unit EUU2 in response to a subscription offer or subscription release transmitted by the first user to the central storage system ZSpS (step 1 ) comes about. In this case, it is possible that such a subscription actually only comes about when the second user accepts the subscription offer of the first user, while a rejection of the subscription offer of the first user by the second user prevents such a subscription from being established. This embodiment, which can be grasped under the term "passive subscription", differs from the procedure described above only in that the second user does not first have to become active, but can only accept or reject the subscription offer of the first user to subscribe to data to become the first user or the first end user unit EUU1, that is, to automatically acquire the first data D1, that is, so that the second, associated with him data D2 are generated. Thus, the correspond in 5 and 6 illustrated steps 3 . 4 and 5 while the steps 1 and 2 of the 5 and 6 as a subscription request by the second user (step 1 in 5 ) and subscription offer by the first user (step 1 in 6 ) or as a subscription release by the first user and corresponding subscription creation (step 2 in 5 ) and Subscription Acceptance by the Second User and Subscription Creation (Step 2 in 6 ).

In the 7 illustrated embodiment represents a combination of the embodiment of 3 regarding the use of alias data and the embodiment of 5 towards the subscription service, which is why the above statements apply accordingly.

In the 8th illustrated embodiment represents a combination of the embodiment of 4 regarding the use of alias data and the embodiment of 6 with regard to the subscription service, which is why the remarks made above apply accordingly.

As in 5 to 8th 4, active subscriptions and / or passive subscriptions are not to an end user unit that initially provides data for which an automated data transfer is to be made, and an end user unit that is defined as subscribing to the data. Instead, active and / or passive subscriptions can also be defined for other end user units or users. These will then automatically come into the possession of desired data, here the first data. For this purpose, then, as described above, data transitions to as Subscriber defined end user units. This can be accomplished by data transitions to the memory areas SpB3, SpB4, etc. associated with the end user units defined as subscribers ( 5 and 6 ) or corresponding alias data D3, D4, etc. are generated ( 7 and 8th ).

As in the case of the first end user unit EUU1 and the second end user unit EUU2 also serves here the memory area or alias data the end user unit that owns a data transition to another end user unit, as an output source. Alternatively or optionally, i. in contrast or in addition to the illustrated embodiments, can also use the end user unit as a starting point for any data transfer serve as part of a subscription from which data was originally provided are, i. here the first end user unit EUU1.

The file sharing method according to the invention is explained below with reference to a communication environment provided by an Internet service provider (provider):
It is assumed here that the provider offers its users the method according to the invention in an email application supported by the provider ("browser"). This makes it possible for users registered with the provider to exchange data, eg MD3 format files (Multimedia Data 3), digital photos, MP3s, videos and any other documents in just a few moments.

As Described in more detail below, users can put their files - such as emails - in folders remote, copy back and forth between different folders, access them, delete them and the same. To distinguish such data from conventional E-mail data, so-called file-sharing folders are used. One Users can each other registered users a so-called Guest access to its file sharing folders or contained therein Subfolders and individual files grant. Guests can download folders and files Transfer user to their own file sharing folder, where - as above executed - a direct download is not provided.

advantageously, is the inventive method not part of the conventional E-mail service, but will - for example through a link - in integrated the email applications. This has the advantage of being this Service can only be offered to specific users, for example as so-called "full-account" users are registered.

9 to 18 13 are schematic representations of graphical user interfaces which, in addition to graphical user interfaces for a conventional email application, include graphical user interfaces for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Will the of the in 9 activated home page with "Friends &Family" titled area you get to the in 10 page called "Friends &Family" page. If the e-mail application provides an overview of a folder available to a user on a page not shown here, the folders "music", "videos", "photos" and "documents" provided on the "Friends &Family" page are advantageously also provided there "listed.

These four folders can be fixed, so that users can not remove or rename them or create new folders. Furthermore, it is possible for each user to create subfolders for one or more of these folders, the number of which may be limited, for example for reasons of capacity. Also the possibility of further subfolders provided below this (see 11 to 15 ).

In this file sharing folder allows the user to transfer his data, i.e. make an upload. The maximum amount of data per record (e.g., file or folder) and / or the maximum number of records per upload can for single, multiple or all users predetermined and / or adjustable be.

Users have the option to grant and revoke access to their file sharing folders (see 10 "My friends" area). This can be done for example by specifying an email address, a name or other information that identify authorized users. It is possible for guests to grant access only, write access only, or both.

As in 10 A user can see his guest list in the middle part of his "Friends &Family" page, whereby active and non-active guests can be color-coded. At the bottom of his "Friends &Family" page, the user recognizes which other user invited him as a guest (see 10 "I am a guest" section). Advantageously, it is possible for users to terminate their guest status with other users.

In 16 to 18 Graphical user interfaces are illustrated for a user who uses another user's file sharing folder. The guest receives a general an overview of the four file-sharing folders ( 16 ). From there, the guest can access the subfolders defined by the hosting user and transfer the desired data to his file-sharing folders ( 17 and 18 ).

at The procedure described so far has been a data transition from one to another user, each controlled by one of these users initiated. Alternative or supplementary it is intended that guests for individual, several or all file-sharing folders and / or subfolders a so-called Have subscription. In such cases will be for the appropriate guests (i.e. subscribers) automated data transitions of subscribed data File sharing folders or subfolders to file sharing folders or folders Subfolders of subscribers.

Such Subscriptions via automated data transfers may be made by the holder of the File-sharing folder) and / or its guests. So is e.g. possible, that the owner of the file-sharing folder for at least one of them automatic data transfer to one of his guests pretending, in turn, an automatic data transition for at least another file-sharing folder has given.

automatic Data transitions may also be limited be defined to specific data types and / or datasets. To a holder of the file sharing folder and / or one or more of his Guests over one informing them of automated data transfer, SMSs, Emails, (automated) telephone calls with voice message, fax, etc. serve.

By Concatenation of automated data transitions from one user to the next User to the next User to the next Users, etc. can cascade automated data transitions become.

Of Furthermore, it is intended that the individual users for file-sharing folders required Storage space costs to be imposed. It is possible that a user a fee for one paid certain memory size, by paying further fees be enlarged can. In this case, the fee is independently of whether the user has the space available to him uses or not. Alternatively or in addition to this procedure Is it possible, that user charges dependent on of how much space is actually used; that is, if A user transfers data to one of his file-sharing folders, this is a fee for him Process.

Claims (30)

Method for data transmission between a first User and a second user in a network-based communications environment the a transition of data of the first user in the sphere of influence of the second User and a transfer the data of the first user to a second user assigned End user unit independent taken from each other, where in response to an access request or a write instruction for stored in a central storage system of the communication environment, the first user associated with first data and in the central Storage system stored second user associated with second data which indicate the first data, wherein the second Generate data associated with the second user alias data, indicating the memory area of the central storage system in which the first data is stored. The method of claim 1, wherein the data transition automated. Method according to Claim 2, in which information of the second user the automated data transition he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the data transition and the data transfer temporally separated from each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in an end user unit associated with the first user or an end user unit associated with the second user, the data transition at a different time than that of the second user assigned, for the data transition used end user unit or another the second user associated end user unit, the data transfer is effected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - of the Data transition under control of an end user unit associated with the first user done and the data transfer to an end user unit associated with the second user, or - the data transition under control of one of the first user and the second user associated end user unit takes place and the data transmission to the end user unit associated with the second user or another end user unit associated with the second user he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - of the Data transition caused by an end user unit associated with the second user and the data transition from a remote user assigned to the second user arranged end user unit is effected Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the second data in response to a data access by means of an end user unit associated with the second user central storage system associated with the second user End user unit independent be transferred from the assignment of the second data. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the first data associated with a first user first end user unit to the central storage system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the first data in a first user associated with the first user Storage area of the central storage system are stored. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein - the first Data in no user assigned Speicherbe rich the central Storage system to be stored, and - first alias data the first Be provided to users who have the memory area with the specify the first data. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in for copying the second data, a copy of the first data created and the copy of the first data as the second data in a second user assigned second memory area of the central Storage system to be stored. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - the Access request by means of a second user assigned, second end user unit is generated, and - the second Data in response to a data access by the second end user unit be transmitted to the second end user unit or the second Data in response to a data access by means of one of the second User assigned, third end user unit to the third Transfer end user unit become. Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the write instruction by means of a first end user unit assigned to the first user be generated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - for transfers the first data to the central storage system a first maximum Data transfer rate is predetermined, and / or - for transfers from the central storage system upon access to the first data a second maximum data transfer rate is predetermined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - for storage the first data is given a first maximum memory size, and / or - for storage the second data given a second maximum memory size is. Method according to one of claims 8 to 15, in which - one to Storage of the first data provided area of the central Memory system divided into predetermined first sub-memory areas is, and / or - one for storing the second data provided area of the central Memory system divided into predetermined second sub-memory areas is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the second data is generated when specifying authorization data, that the second user is authorized to transfer the data cause. The method of claim 18, wherein the authorization data provided by the first user. The method of claim 19, wherein - the authorization data discarded when in response to the provisioning of the authorization data Refusal data provided by the second user, and or - the Authorization data valid when assuming data in response to the provision of the authorization data provided by the second user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the second data is generated when specifying authorization data, that the first user is entitled to the data transition to effect. The method of claim 21, wherein the authorization data provided by the second user. The method of claim 22, wherein - the authorization data discarded when in response to the provisioning of the authorization data Rejection data provided by the first user, and / or - the authorization data valid when assuming data in response to the provision of the authorization data provided by the first user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the first and second users to use the central Storage system must be entitled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the central storage system a network service provider and / or Emailsystem is assigned. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the - the first user provided a first graphical user interface will be used to at least partially interactive implementation of Procedure used by the first user, and / or - the second User provided a second graphical user interface which is at least partially interactive implementation of the process used by the second user. The method of claim 26, wherein - the first graphical user interface into a graphical user interface an e-mail application of the first user is integrated, and / or - the second graphical user interface into a graphical user interface an e-mail application of the second user is integrated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in in dependence the amount of data of the data transition a monetary benefit to be provided by the second user is determined. Communication environment, with: - one central computer system - one central storage system, - one first end user unit, A second end user unit, and - one Network for transmission of data in the communications environment, - where the central computer system and / or the central storage system is designed according to the steps one of the claims 1 to 28. A communications environment according to claim 29, wherein - the central one Computer system at least one computer unit of an Internet provider includes, and / or - the Central storage system includes a file server, and / or - the first End user unit and / or the second end user unit a stationary or mobile computer-based communication device, a landline telephone or includes a mobile phone, and / or - the network at least partially the internet includes.