Binary data store

Abstract

A method for storing binary data, preferably in the form of Binary Large Objects (BLOBs), in more than one location. The method includes the steps of producing a processing thread corresponding to each location where the data is to be stored and verifying whether each thread has completed successfully after a predetermined time period. Information relating to the storage of the binary data is stored in an access token.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A method for reading binary data that is stored in at least two data stores, the method comprising the steps of:
 at a storage interface, receiving, from a collaboration system, a read request and an access token for the binary data that is to be read;   at a storage interface, locating said binary data in at least one data store using information from said access token or a Control Log; and   retrieving said binary data from said data store and returning it to said requesting collaboration system.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the step of computing a hash value for said located binary data. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said access token comprises said hash value for said binary data, and wherein the method further comprises the step of:
 checking whether the hash value for the located binary data is equal to the hash value comprised in the access token, and returning the binary data to said collaboration system conditionally on the equality of the two hash values.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the access token comprises information on the storage location of the stored data. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 at a storage interface, providing a first encryption key;   at a storage interface, providing a second encryption key;   at a storage interface, locating said binary data in at least one data store and storing it in a buffer memory;   at a storage interface, decrypting said binary data using said first and second encryption keys and a decryption algorithm; and   at a storage interface, returning including said decrypted binary data to said requesting collaboration system.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the method further comprises the step of computing a hash value for said located binary data. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said access token comprises said hash value for said binary data, and wherein the method further comprises the step of:
 checking whether the hash value for the located binary data is equal to the hash value comprised in the access token, and decrypting the binary data conditionally on the equality of the two hash values.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the first encryption key is provided by said collaboration system.