Data processing

A computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer such that when executing said instructions a computer will perform a method of storing data, wherein data streams are stored in a non-structured arrangement in which information is defined by references in data streams identifying data elements in related data streams, comprising the steps of:

• placing a first data stream in a frozen state such that the information contained said data stream is unmodifiable;
• identifying a first data element within said first data stream that contains the same information as a second data element within a second data stream;
• and
• removing said first data element from said first data stream and inserting a reference to said second data element.

Data storage apparatus comprising a processing device and at least one storage device, wherein:

• said at least one storage device is configured to store data streams in a non-structured arrangement in which information is defined by references in data streams identifying data elements in related data streams;
• and
• said processing device is configured to place a first data stream into a frozen state such that the data contained in said data stream is unmodifiable,
• identify a first data element within said first data stream that contains the same information as a second data element within a second data stream, and
• remove said first data element from said first data stream and insert a reference to said second data element.