Computer-based data processing system and method of processing data objects

A computer-based system for processing data objects, the system comprising:

• means for creating a data object by preparing a data structure for the data object in a database;
• means for processing the data object at different processing stages, associating a different workflow state with the data object at each processing stage;
• means for creating a unique locating reference for the data object;
• means for taking and storing a snapshot of at least a part of the data object, prior to a workflow transition of the data object from a first workflow state to a second workflow state, for associating the first workflow state with the snapshot, for associating the second workflow state with the data object, and for creating a unique locating reference for the snapshot based on the unique locating reference for the data object;
• and
• means for receiving from an application process the unique locating reference for the data object and for providing to the application process controlled access to the data object and to the snapshot in return to the unique locating reference for the data object.

A computer-implemented method of processing data objects, comprising:

• creating a data object by preparing a data structure for the data object in a database;
• processing the data object at different processing stages, associating a different workflow state with the data object at each processing stage;
• creating a unique locating reference for the data object;
• taking and storing a snapshot of at least a part of the data object, prior to a workflow transition of the data object from a first workflow state to a second workflow state;
• associating the first workflow state with the snapshot;
• associating the second workflow state with the data object;
• creating a unique locating reference for the snapshot based on the unique locating reference for the data object;
• receiving from an application process the unique locating reference for the data object;
• and
• providing to the application process controlled access to the data object and to the snapshot in return to the unique locating reference for the data object.

A computer program product including a computer readable medium comprising computer program code means for controlling one or more processors of a computer, such that the computer:

• creates a data object by preparing a data structure for the data object in a database;
• processes the data object at different processing stages, associating a different workflow state with the data object at each processing stage;
• creates a unique locating reference for the data object;
• takes and stores a snapshot of at least a part of the data object, prior to a workflow transition of the data object from a first workflow state to a second workflow state;
• associates the first workflow state with the snapshot;
• associates the second workflow state with the data object;
• creates a unique locating reference for the snapshot based on the unique locating reference for the data object;
• receives from an application process the unique locating reference for the data object;
• and
• provides to the application process controlled access to the data object and to the snapshot in return to the unique locating reference for the data object.