A multi-copy structured database computer conferencing system
Bernard Ivan Strom · 1980
Computer conferencing, also known as computer-mediated telecommunication, has been used experimentally within recent years to implement asynchronous communication between individuals and groups. One such system, the Computer Buffered Information Exchange (CBIE), allows users to organize communication into a network of items, as opposed to a linear list. The current work develops and expands upon the initial conceptions of CBIE. First, CBIE was moved to a UNIX('TM)-based system, which provided a more conducive environment for experimentation, feature development, and usage. Theoretical and practical aspects of the conversion are discussed in this thesis. Secondly, the theoretical problem of how to provide and synchronize copies of a conference on multiple hosts was addressed. Most redundant data synchronization techniques assume that hosts are always available to each other (or only temporarily down). The technique presented here assumes that hosts only rarely communicate with one another, as would be true in the case of home computers. Finally, the results of a preliminary evaluation of CBIE are presented, along with suggestions for further research.