FIELD

The specification relates generally to database synchronization, and specifically to a method, system and apparatus for intermediating database updates.

BACKGROUND

In various environments (e.g. manufacturing, provision of professional services, etc.), multiple streams of data are maintained by distinct systems. Although discrete, such systems may nevertheless be related in that updates to one system are triggers for updates to another system. Typically, such updates are made manually by one or more human operators, an approach that is time-consuming and error-prone. Alternatively, the systems may be reconfigured to enable communication therebetween, which may undesirably increase the operational load placed on one or both of the systems under consideration.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the specification provides a method in an intermediate server of initiating updates to a secondary database based on activity in a primary database includes: retrieving primary data from a primary server hosting the primary database; retrieving secondary data from a secondary server hosting the secondary database; storing a combined data set including the primary data and the secondary data; responsive to receiving a request from a client device, presenting a portion of the combined data set to the client device; receiving, from the client device, input data associated with the portion of the combined data set and updating the combined data set in the memory; determining whether to synchronize the updated combined data set with at least one of the primary server and the secondary server; and when the determination is affirmative, selecting a subset of the combined data set for transmission to at least one of the primary server and the secondary server.

