The present invention relates to a system and method for providing communication among computers and devices in a network or distributed system, and more particularly it relates to a system and method of performing operations within the network or distributed system and transmitting throughout the network data content information.
Computer users often desire information concerning changes in data through a computer network. In order to obtain updated information concerning particular updated data, however, a user must typically repeatedly access the information in order to obtain the most current version of it. For example, if the user desires to know when a particular stock price increases by five percent, the user typically must repeatedly access the information to obtain the current price, or obtain real time information concerning the stock price, and determine therefrom when an increase of five percent occurs. Likewise, if the user desires to sell the stock upon a five percent increase, the user typically must manually execute a sell command, rather than having the user""s machine trigger execution of an automatic sell command upon detecting the required change. Also, the processing to determine when a particular change occurs typically happens at the user""s machine, increasing the amount of processing required by that machine and other machines seeking the same information.
Obtaining information through the network also involves two-way communication. Each time a user desires updated information, the user""s machine transmits a request for the information. In response, a server or another machine transmits the updated information to the user""s machine. Therefore, receiving updates to particular information, such as stock prices, requires repeated two-way communication between user machines and a server, resulting in increased network traffic.
In addition, a computer may transmit information concerning particular data to an entire network of computers. For example, a server may transmit through a network information concerning current stock prices. However, it usually transmits that information throughout the entire network, making it available to any user who desires it. Such an approach increases network traffic in comparison to sending information only to users having requested it or with a specific need to know.
Accordingly, a need exists for improved communication of changes in data within a computer network or distributed system.