Method, system, and computer program product for simulating an online session

Abstract

A method and system for conducting an offline session simulating an online session between a client and server in a network environment. The client imports data and functional logic from the server prior to going offline. The imported functional logic is embedded into a format or document that is capable of being interpreted and performed by the local interface at the client that is used to interact with server during an online session. Whether offline or online, the user utilizes the same local interface at the client to transmit instructions to the functional logic in order to manipulate the data. In an offline session, such instructions cause the imported and embedded functional logic to execute, thereby manipulating the data that is imported at the client. Known synchronization methods may also be used in order to maintain consistency and coherency between the imported data at the client and the database at the server.

1 . A method for simulating an online session while offline, comprising:
 invoking functional logic associated with a server to manipulate data in a database associated with the server;   allowing a client to establish one or more communication channels through a network that connects the client to the server;   importing to the client at least a portion of the data from the database and at least a portion of the functional logic associated with the server so that the client can conduct an offline session in isolation;   wherein the importing to the client further comprises establishing a directory structure in the client;   while offline, allowing a user to manipulate, view, and modify the at least a portion of the data; and   after the client returns online, performing a synchronization process by uploading the modified or newly created data records from the client to the database.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising allowing the user to manipulate the portion of the data by selecting from one or more options through a web browser while offline. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the database is a relational database management system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the importing the portion of the functional logic further comprises embedding the functional logic in at least one document. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one document utilizes a markup language. 
     
     
         6 . A system for simulating an online session while offline, comprising:
 invoking functional logic associated with a remote server to manipulate data in a database associated with the remote server;   logic for allowing a client to establish one or more communication channels through a network that connects the client to the remote server;   logic for importing to the client at least a portion of the data from the database and at least a portion of the functional logic associated with the remote server so that the client can conduct an offline session in isolation;   wherein the system is operable such that the importing to the client further comprises establishing a directory structure in the client;   while offline, logic for allowing a user to manipulate, view, and modify the at least a portion of the data; and   after the client returns online, logic for performing a synchronization process by uploading the modified or newly created data records from the client to the database.   
     
     
         7 . A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium for simulating an online session while offline, comprising:
 computer code for invoking functional logic associated with a remote server to manipulate data in a database associated with the remote server;   computer code for allowing a client to establish one or more communication channels through a network that connects the client to the remote server;   computer code for importing to the client at least a portion of the data from the database and at least a portion of the functional logic associated with the remote server so that the client can conduct an offline session in isolation;   wherein the computer program product is operable such that the importing to the client further comprises establishing a directory structure in the client;   while offline, computer code for allowing a user to manipulate, view, and modify the at least a portion of the data; and   after the client returns online, computer code for performing a synchronization process by uploading the modified or newly created data records from the client to the database.