System and method for distributing data simultaneously to multiple computers on a network, with advanced notice to intended recipients

A computer-readable memory having stored therein computer-executable program code for distributing data to multiple computer locations associated with a network, the computer-readable memory comprising:

• structure for determining which of the multiple network computer locations are to receive a data distribution;
• message announcement structure for generating and transmitting to the network a first message, said first message identifying the data that comprises the data distribution and identifying the network computer locations intended to receive the data distribution, wherein the multiple network computer locations examine the first message so that each network computer location can determine whether it is an intended location for receiving the data distribution;
• and
• file record structure for transmitting the data distribution to the network after transmission of the first message, such that a plurality of the multiple network computer locations are capable of receiving the data distribution, and wherein one or more intended network computer locations receive the data distribution as specified in the first message.

A data distribution system for distributing data to multiple computer locations associated with a network, the data distribution system comprising:

• means for determining which of the multiple network computer locations are to receive a data distribution;
• means for generating a first message, said first message identifying the data that comprises the data distribution and identifying the network computer locations intended to receive the data distribution;
• means for transmitting the first message across the network, wherein the multiple network locations determine whether they are intended locations for receiving the data distribution based the first message
• means for transmitting a single copy of the data distribution across the network after transmission of the first message across the network, such that each of the multiple network computer locations is capable of receiving the data distribution and one or more of the intended network computer locations can accept the data distribution.

A computer network adapted to distribute data, the network comprising:

• a plurality of client computers connected to the network;
• and
• a data server adapted to communicate with the plurality of client computers;
• the data server including:
• means for determining which of the plurality of client computers are to receive a data distribution;
• means for generating a first message, said first message identifying the data that comprises the data distribution and identifying which of the plurality of client computers are intended to receive the data distribution,
• means for transmitting the first message across the network, wherein the plurality of client computers examine the first message so that the client computers can determine whether they are intended locations for receiving the data distribution;
• and
• means for transmitting a single copy of the data distribution across the network after transmission of the first message across the network, such that the plurality of client computers are capable of receiving the data distribution, wherein one or more of the plurality of client computers receive the data distribution as indicated in the first message.