Titanide Ventures, LLC v. Google, Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Google, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3506749.), filed by Titanide Ventures, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit A - U.S. Patent Number 6,714,968, # 3 Exhibit B - U.S. Patent Number 6,735,623, # 4 Exhibit C - U.S. Patent Number 6,952,724)(Hill, Jack)

EXHIBIT B

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006735623Bl

United States Patent

(10)

Prust

(12)

(45)

(54)

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING A
REMOTE STORAGE AREA

(75)

Inventor:

(73)

Assignee: Mitch Prust, Saint Paul, MN (US)

( *)

Notice:

(21)

Appl. No.: 09/501,039

(22)

Filed:

(51)
(52)
(58)

Int. CI? ................................................ G06F 15/16
U.S. CI. ........................................ 709/219; 709/206
Field of Search ................................. 709/206, 201,
709/217-219, 207, 203; 707/1, 10, 201

Mitch Prust, 16244 Ramsey Blvd.
NW., Ramsey, MN (US) 55303

Patent No.:
US 6,735,623 BI
Date of Patent:
May 11,2004

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP
EP
WO
WO

0881587 A2
0881587 A3
WO 94/18634
WO 98/24025

12/1998
6/2002
8/1994
6/1998

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.

Feb. 9,2000

"Client Application for Integrating a Development Environment with a Web Distributed Authoring (WEBDAV)
Server", Research Disclosure, Kenneth mason Publications,
Hampshire, GB, NR. 420, Page(s) 578-579, XP000888651,
ISSN: 0374-4353, Apr. 1999.
Goals for a configuration management network protocol,
Whitehead, E.J., System Configuration Management, 9th
International Symposium. SCM-9, Proceedings, Toulouse,
France Sep. 5-7, 1999, ISBN: 3-540-66484-X, 18 pages.
WebDAV: A Panacea for Collaborative Authoring?, Sussman, D., Siemens Corporate Research, Apr.-Jun. 1999, pp.
76-79.

References Cited

(List continued on next page.)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Primary Examiner-David Wiley
Assistant Examiner-Joseph E. Avellino
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Shumaker & Sieffert, P.A.

(56)

5,659,746
5,748,896
5,937,160
6,018,774
6,044,205
6,072,982
6,216,168
6,256,666
6,289,382
6,308,164
6,311,213
6,327,608
6,356,863
6,356,941
6,363,384
6,366,987
6,393,466
6,397,261
6,424,996
6,449,688
6,453,325
6,466,978
6,519,612

A
A
A
A
A
A
B1
B1
B1
B1
B2
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1

* 8/1997 Bankert et al. ............. 707/205
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*

*

5/1998
8/1999
1/2000
3/2000
6/2000
4/2001
7/2001
9/2001
10/2001
10/2001
12/2001
3/2002
3/2002
3/2002
4/2002
5/2002
5/2002
7/2002
9/2002
9/2002
10/2002
2/2003

Daly et al.
Davis et al. ................ 709/203
Mayle et al. ............... 709/250
Reed et al. ................. 709/201
Haddad ....................... 725/93
Dev et al.
Singhal ...................... 709/217
Bowman-Amuah
Nummelin et al. ... ... ... ... 705/9
Dawson et al.
Dillingham ................. 709/203
Sayle
Cohen
Cookmeyer, II et al.
Tzelnic et al.
Hickman et al.
Eldridge et al. ............ 709/217
Killcommons et al. ..... 709/206
Peters et al.
Cabrera et al.
Mukherjee et al.
Howard et al. ............. 707/200
400\

(57)

ABSTRACT

A data storage system is described that provides seamless
access to remote data storage areas via a global computer
network. The data storage system includes one or more
storage servers coupled to one or more storage devices. The
storage devices provide a plurality of virtual storage areas,
where each virtual storage area is assigned to a user. Access
to the virtual storage areas is fully integrated with an
operating system executing on a client computer such that
the user, or software applications executing on the client
computer, can seamlessly access the corresponding virtual
storage area using standard file management routines provided by the operating system. In addition, the invention
provides a wide range of other remote access methods to the
virtual data storage areas including access via electronic
mail.
24 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

US 6,735,623 BI
Page 2

OlliER PUBLICATIONS
World Wide Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning:
Web DAV, Whitehead, E.J., WebDAV Information, Feb.
1999, pp. 1-2.
Requirements for Distributed Authoring and Versioning on
the World Wide Web, Slein, J.A.; Vitali, F.; Whitehead, Jr.,
E.J.; Durand, D.G.; Standard View VI. 5, No.1, Mar. 1997,
ISSN: 1067-9936, pp. 17-24.
How to implement Web-based groupware systems based on
WebDAV, Dridi, F.; Neumann, G., Enabling Technologies:
Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises, Jun. 1999, Proceedings IEEE 8 th , ISBN: 0-7695-0365-9, pp. 114-119.
Open Door Networks Introduces New Products for Appleshare Servers, pp. 1-2, Sep. 1997.
ShareWay IP 2.0, pp. 1-2, Feb. 1997.
Open Door Network Products Enhance MAC OS 8, p. 1,
Aug. 1997.
U.S. patent application entitled, "Method and System for
Seamless Access to a Remote Storage Area," Ser. No.
09/501,041, filed Feb. 9,2000.
U.S. patent application entitled, "Remote Storage Area
Having Multiple Access Interfaces," Ser. No. 09/500,868,
filed Feb. 9, 2000.
International Search Report from Application No. PCT/US
01/04352 mailed Oct. 9, 2003 (3 pages).

http://www.webdav.org-WebDAV Resources, pp. 1-3,
printed Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.backup.com-@Backup®.p.1.printed Jun.
15,2000.
http://www.bitlocker.com-Bitlocker.p.1.printed Jun. 15,
2000.
http://www.datahubonline.com-datahubonline.com. p. 1,
printed Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.diskonnet.com-DiskOnNet.com.p.1.printed
Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.docspace.com-CriticaIPathInc .• p.1.printed
Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.driveway.com-Driveway Corporation, p. 1,
printed Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.itools.mac.com-Apple-iTools.p.1.printed
Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.filemonkey.com-File Monkey Software Development Services, p. 1, printed Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.freedrive.com-FreeDrive.Inc.p.1.printed
Jun. 15, 2000.
http://www.xinet.com-Xinet. Inc., p. 1, printed Jun. 15,
2000.

* cited by examiner

d

•
rJl
•

1001...

~

,112

SYSTEM MEMORY
ROM

114

-

BIOS

~1l7

RAM

I

V

Software
Applications

~137

=
~

~

'-<

Video
Adapter

~y5

Device
Drivers

If

Bus Controller

~136

Operating
System

119
I

~

B

Processor

116
\

.....
.....

1~4

113

115

-

~

'""'"
'""'"

~

N
C
C

-20

~

F8

I

120
I

Internal Hard
Disk

~21

Floppy Disk Drive

I

!22

Optical Drive

t

28

Input / Output
Ports

1
Network
Interface

53

'JJ.

I
A..

LOCAL AREA NETWORK
I

=-

~
~

.....

'"
o"'"
....,

51

00
L

--l
[d-151

0

(' 129
Modem

1
,;

1

152
42

1=

LI=JD
40

49 -

Remote
Computer

e
rJ'l
-..CJ\

tj
(I)

0..,
N

FIG. 1

~

~

I--"

u.s. Patent

May 11, 2004

205

US 6,735,623 BI

Sheet 2 of 8

205

D

20

D

D
<
( «
( (
+ =( C « «( < c

User Computer

User Computer

User Computer

20~

21°1 "-

J

;

~~~~~~~

II
~~~~~~~

•••

0000000

0000000

Storage Server

Storage Server

J

j

220,,-

Ir

1

/'

r--

.......

Metaaata
database
222

........

210

.../

/'

-...,
../

-

/"

I'-....

"-

Virtual
Storage
Area
'- 225 1

--

FIG.2

•••
........

-.......

Virtual
Storage
Area
225 _
N

N

u.s. Patent

May 11, 2004

Sheet 3 of 8

FIG.3

US 6,735,623 BI

u.s.

Patent

May 11, 2004

!)esk,lop

: . jJ M5' Ctln1llJeI
i $J.~ 3" Flcppy [A: I
[~@ (c:)

W"U

(D:l

$.@9AuooCD [E:I
:: ... @&J C1Jnlr~~ Pan~
~ ... ~ FJinlers
Nework t-4"iyliJoroood

Inlemllt N~i!t1~OIhClOd
SlO
.Open%~~

Appli:::/ltiol"lS

libiilfY
MsilbOJlet

!-.@j Mu~ic

$_

as·@jj. \Wfw

.. ~ ReC)'deB~
WSJTP Pro Explorer
' ... ~ My flriofc"",,,

FIG.4

Sheet 4 of 8

US 6,735,623 BI

u.s. Patent

May 11, 2004

Sheet 5 of 8

US 6,735,623 BI

500~
AppleScript Example:
On adding contents to folder this folder
Set folder content to the contents of
this folder
Set the selected_SilO_directory to the
comments of this folder
Tell application "SilO access layer"
Activate
Upload folder_content to the
selected_SiLO_directory
End tell

FIG.5

u.s.

Patent

May 11, 2004

FlleNlmre
.. ~9-14-99B~Irnll.

[] llJUlleS tl:i~<t ~t¥.w..LL!!rn
ro- .i:¥l:D~m~S~iil!lli
Do

§Silnag?!l

~

Fire Siize
:;g,I-,!lO Mllytes
912ii7

Ijo@.f! My As~l1W StIlt!

~MJFllM

. ~ M! PemlruUFiJMi
.,
l\;

Kbjile~

1fi fI(J I.:::llyteS

::llil MiJ:£l!Q}g;t

..

US 6,735,623 BI

Sheet 6 of 8

UH21l0

F.lljIfE~

[]

bylE~

lAC MIlytes
116 .00

Kb~s

~ Modill.Ed
lDi151l99.~

ll:M:38 CDT

101171 1999 11 :43: IS CD'!'
Wfl~l99SlI15:S!l:4V

CD'!'

DY311111l9!i1 15:37:3lJ CD'!'

Daflllllillilll Itr.:Zl :~1 CPT
D9:06l1!<1!i1!HJ3:~iJ:D5

CDT

[]OO~I999 1~:[]g:3~

CDT

:'.81\.,:3

l\.>f!l~s

ilSl1l4l1!l'Sl~

2S~.m

Ml!y!I!!s

051114119519 O::l::57::l1 eDT

l.~a

MlIy1!:s

[JS'fl4l19SlSl Q6:02.::Hl eDT

'm~iR5

IJIl.:!::l KUyteS

[19(1411995' UC5:0:::::m CI:lT

'm ITitclul'2:g~. i~.:g
11 ~arurrt1'~ruJ;ij]1g

:51,2,6 Kb}"1l11

(}9fl4l1Sl99 Oti:a~;19 eDT

l:5Il04 Kby'I::i

[l9fl4l1999116 .m: lSi eDT

~~.fT!.&

lGa,~:: K~

()5i{!411$l~$1 OIl;tJ~: III eDT

'm.~

149,36

XlT~

(l9/14l19~

DG:lJ2:17CDT

m1:ikilw~.,g

166,41

K~

09fl<l1I!l~

06:fJ.Z; Irs COT

1.10.:m

K~

iMMrn.~

w ~~ Sr::h!\rJ1jzm7.i

FIG. 6

C7:iJf;I;5S' CD'!'

u.s.

Patent

May 11, 2004

Sheet 7 of 8

700

705

FIG.7

US 6,735,623 BI

u.s. Patent

803 ~

May 11, 2004

Sheet 8 of 8

US 6,735,623 BI

800 \..

User accesses the remote storage servers via a global
computer network, such as the Internet, and request a
corresponding virtual storage area.

805
,.....

+
Prompt the user for information such as a username,
password, and billing address.

807

809

~I Upon approval, automatically atocate a remote storage area to
the user and stores the user information in metadata
database. Inform user of approval as well as necessary
access information.

+
Upon allocation, users can access the respective remote
storage area via a variety of access interfaces.

FIG.8

US 6,735,623 Bl
1

2

FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface displayed by another
embodiment of an operating system for directly accessing a
remote storage area;
FIG. 5 illustrates an example operating system script
5 written in AppleScript for the Macintosh& operating system
TECHNI CAL FIELD
that automatically copies a file from a local directory to a
This invention relates to storage of digital data, and more
similarly named remote directory located within a storage
particularly to a data storage system that provides access to
area;
a remote storage area.
FIG. 6 illustrates a window displayed by a conventional
10 web browser when a user accesses a virtual storage area;
BACKGROUND
FIG. 7 illustrates a window displayed by a conventional
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that
electronic mail software application when a user mails one
spans over 100 countries and connects millions of computor more data files to a corresponding storage area;
ers. Reports indicate that the Internet is growing faster than
FIG. 8 is a flow chart 800 providing a high-level overview
all preceding information technologies including radio and 15 of one mode of operation in which storage network 220
television. Remote data storage over the Internet is one of
allocates storage areas.
the fastest growing facets of the Internet. Numerous comDETAILED DESCRIPTION
panies provide a wide range of an Internet data storage

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING A
REMOTE STORAGE AREA

services for remotely storing and managing data files. Many
of these services, however, have limited modes for accessing
the data files. For example, many require that a user load
proprietary software on his computer in order to communicate data files to the remote storage. Other services only
support access via a web browser or similar communication
utility.

20

25

SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a data storage system
and method capable of providing a variety of access methods. In one embodiment, a data storage system includes a
plurality of storage servers coupled to a plurality of storage
devices. The storage devices provide a plurality of virtual
storage areas and each virtual storage area is assigned to a
user. According to the invention, the assigned user can easily
access the assigned virtual storage area using a client
computer communicatively coupled to the storage servers
via a global computer network such as the Internet. More
specifically, in order to store data files within the remote
virtual storage area, the user sends an electronic mail message that includes the data file as well as user information
and target data file information. The storage server parses the
electronic mail message and stores the data file within the
storage area according to the target data file information. In
addition, the user can request one or more data files from the
storage area and electronically mail the data files to the user.
In this manner, authorized users can easily store date files to
or retrieve data files from his or her remote storage area from
anywhere in the world via a global computer network such
as the Internet or a private wide-area network. The details of
one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.

30

35

Definitions

40

45

50

55

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary hardware and
operating environment of a suitable computer for use with
embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a computing system
in which a storage server provides seamless access to remote
storage areas;
FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface displayed by one
embodiment of an operating system for directly accessing a
remote storage area using standard file management routines
provided by the operating system;

In the following detailed description, references are made
to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
Electrical, mechanical, programmatic and structural changes
may be made to the embodiments without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
claims.
The detailed description is divided into three sections. The
first section provides definitions for various terms used
throughout the detailed description. The second section
describes an exemplary hardware and operating environment in conjunction with which embodiments of the invention can be practiced. Finally, the third section describes
various systems, methods, potential benefits and alternative
embodiments of the invention.

60

65

File Transport Protocol (FTP)-A networking protocol specifically for transporting files from one computer on the
network to another.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)-an authoring language that defines the syntax and semantics used to create
documents on the World Wide Web.
Internet-a worldwide collection of networks that spans
hundreds of countries and connects millions of computers. pO Internet Protocol (IP)-A low level communications protocol that specifies the format of individual
communication packets and an addressing scheme.
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)-A highvolume storage device having multiple storage drives and
fault recovery procedures.
Server Message Block (SMB)-a message format used by to
share files, directories and devices.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)-a higher-level network communication protocol that establishes a virtual
connection between a destination and a source.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol(TCP/IP)the suite of network communications protocols including
both TCP and IP.
Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is a
set of extensions to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP) that seeks to make the World Wide Web a
collaborative, writeable medium.
World Wide Web (WWW)-A system of Internet servers
that support documents specially formatted in the HTML
language that supports links to other documents, as well
as graphics, audio, and video files.

US 6,735,623 Bl

3
An Exemplary Operating Environment

4

and are copied to RAM 115 for execution or are executed
directly from ROM 114.
FIG. 1 illustrates a computer 100 suitable for supporting
In general, the operating system 135 executes software
the operation of an embodiment of the present invention. As
applications 136 and carries out instructions issued by the
shown in FIG. 1, the computer 100 includes a processor 112
that in one embodiment belongs to the PENTIUM® family 5 user. For example, when the user wants to load a software
application 136, the operating system 135 interprets the
of microprocessors manufactured by the Intel Corporation of
instruction and causes the processor 112 to load software
Santa Clara, Calif. However, it should be understood that the
application 136 into RAM 115 from either the hard disk 120
invention can be implemented on computers based upon
or the optical disk 152. Once software application 136 is
other microprocessors, such as the MIPS® family of microprocessors from the Silicon Graphics Corporation, the 10 loaded into the RAM 115, it can be used by the processor
112. In case of large software applications 136, processor
POWERPC® family of microprocessors from both the
112 loads various portions of program modules into RAM
Motorola Corporation and the IBM Corporation, the PRE115 as needed.
CISION ARCHITECTURE® family of microprocessors
from the Hewlett-Packard Company, the SPARC® family of
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) 117 for the commicroprocessors from the Sun Microsystems Corporation, or 15 puter 100 is stored in ROM 114 and is loaded into RAM 115
the ALPHA® family of microprocessors from the Compaq
upon booting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
Computer Corporation. Computer 100 represents any server,
BIOS 117 is a set of basic executable routines that have
personal computer, laptop or even a battery-powered,
conventionally helped to transfer information between the
pocket-sized, mobile computer known as a hand-held PC or
computing resources within the computer 100. Operating
personal digital assistant (PDA).
20 system 135 or other software applications 136 use these
low-level service routines.
Computer 100 includes system memory 113 (including
read only memory (ROM) 114 and random access memory
In one embodiment computer 100 includes a registry (not
(RAM) 115), which is connected to the processor 112 by a
shown) which is a system database that holds configuration
system data/address bus 116. ROM 114 represents any 25 information for computer 100. For example, Windows® 95
device that is primarily read-only including electrically
and Windows® NT by Microsoft maintain the registry in
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),
two hidden files, called USER.DAT and SYSTEM.DAT,
flash memory, etc. RAM 115 represents any random access
located on a permanent storage device such as an internal
memory such as Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
disk.
Memory.
30
Methods and Systems of the Invention
Within the computer 100, input/output bus 118 is connected to the data/address bus 116 via bus controller 119. In
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of
one embodiment, input/output bus 118 is implemented as a
a computing environment 200 that provides seamless access
standard Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus. The
to remote storage areas. In the illustrated embodiment, client
bus controller 119 examines all signals from the processor 35 computers 205 are communicatively coupled to remote
112 to route the signals to the appropriate bus. Signals
storage network 220 via storage servers 210 and global
between the processor 112 and the system memory 113 are
computer network 215 such as the Internet. Storage network
merely passed through the bus controller 119. However,
220 represents one or more interconnected storage devices,
signals from the processor 112 intended for devices other
such as a RAID, for storing data files. The storage network
than system memory 113 are routed onto the input/output 40 220 defines a pool of virtual storage areas 225 that can be
bus 118.
individually assignable to different users. Initially, a user
Various devices are connected to the input/output bus 118
accesses storage servers 210 via global computer network
including hard disk drive 120, floppy drive 121 that is used
and requests a virtual storage area 225. For each request,
to read floppy disk 151, and optical drive 122, such as a
storage server 210 prompts the user for demographic inforCD-ROM drive that is used to read an optical disk 152. The 45 mation such as a username, password, billing address, etc.
video display 124 or other kind of display device is conUpon approval, storage network 220 allocates a storage area
nected to the input/output bus 118 via a video adapter 125.
225 to the user such that, as described in detail below, the
A user enters commands and information into the comuser can remotely access the corresponding virtual storage
puter 100 by using a keyboard 40 and/or pointing device,
area via client computers 205. Metadata database 222 stores
such as a mouse 42, which are connected to bus 118 via 50 metadata associated with the data files by the user. Storage
input/output ports 128. Other types of pointing devices (not
server 210 and client computers 205 represent computing
shown in FIG. 1) include track pads, track balls, joy sticks,
devices such as computer 100 described in FIG. 1.
data gloves, head trackers, and other devices suitable for
According to various embodiments of the invention, a set
positioning a cursor on the video display 124.
of communication software applications execute on storage
As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 100 also includes a 55 servers 210 and provide a set of interfaces such that client
modem 129. Although illustrated in FIG. 1 as external to the
computers 205 can access virtual storage areas 225 using
computer 100, those of ordinary skill in the art will quickly
anyone of several different methods. Each method offers
recognize that the modem 129 may also be internal to the
different advantages in control, performance and ease of use.
computer 100. The modem 129 is typically used to comFor example, in one embodiment, access to the virtual
municate over wide area networks (not shown), such as the 60 storage areas 225 is fully integrated with operating system
global Internet. Modem 129 may be connected to a network
135 executing on each client computer 205. In this
using either a wired or wireless connection.
embodiment, the user can directly access a virtual storage
area 225 via the operating system's user interface. Software
Software applications 136 and data are typically stored
applications 136 executing on client computer 205 can
via one of the memory storage devices, which may include
the hard disk 120, floppy disk 151, CD-ROM 152 and are 65 access the corresponding virtual storage area 225 through
operating system 135 by calling standard file management
copied to RAM 115 for execution. In one embodiment,
however, software applications 136 are stored in ROM 114
routines provided by operating system 135. In this

US 6,735,623 Bl
5

6

embodiment, operating system 135 packetizes data files and
access virtual storage area 225 without modification.
metadata received from the management routines and comBecause operating system 135 provides seamless access to
municates the data to storage servers 210 via network 215.
virtual storage area 225 via conventional file management
In this embodiment, operating system 135 handles all comroutines, software applications 136 treat virtual storage area
munication with storage servers 210 such that virtual storage 5 225 as if it were a local storage volume. Another advantage
area 225 can be accessed as if it were local to client
is that the user can write scripts for operating system 135,
computer 205.
such as an OSAX AppleScript for the Macintosh® operating
In another embodiment, the user can access virtual storage
system, in order to control access to virtual storage area 225.
area 225 by invoking a communications application 136
FIG. 5 illustrates an operating system script 500 written in
such as a web browser or an FTPutility. In this embodiment, 10 AppleScript that automatically copies a file from a local
the communications application 136 handles communicadirectory to a similarly named remote directory located
tion across network 215. The underlying communications
within virtual storage area 225.
between client computers 205 and storage servers 210 can
According to one aspect of the invention, the user can
follow a variety of protocols. Typically, the communications
associate metadata with each data file as the data file is
use TCP/IP as a base protocol and additionally use the HTTP
protocol, the FTP protocol or even a proprietary data -backup 15 uploaded to remote storage areas 225 in order to facilitate
the quick cataloging and quick retrieval of the data file.
protocol.
Operating system 135 captures the metadata from the user
The following sub-sections describe the various techvia an input form and communicates the metadata to storage
niques by which, according to the invention, client computservers 210.
ers 205 access virtual storage areas 225 via storage servers
20 Direct Access From a Communication Software Application
210 and global computer network 215.
In some embodiments, the user can invoke conventional
Access via the Operating System
communication applications and utilities such as a web
According to the invention, in one embodiment, the user
browser, an FTPutility, a data storage backup utility, or even
can access virtual storage area 225 via operating system 135
a conventional email software application, to access virtual
in the same manner by which the user accesses local storage
devices 120, 121 and 122. In this embodiment, the user 25 storage area. During this method of access, the communication software application 136 handles all communications
interacts with the user interface presented by operating
with storage servers 210. The file management routines of
system 135 and manages virtual storage area 225 as if it
operating system 135 are not invoked. In addition, the
were a local storage volume. For example, by interacting
communication software 136 is responsible for capturing the
with operating system 135 the user can perform all common
file management tasks including coping files between hard 30 metadata from the user and communicating the metadata to
disk 120 and remote storage area 225, as well as renaming
storage servers 210 for storage within metadata database
and deleting data files. The user is able to browse directory
222.
structures within virtual storage area 225 as if it were a local
FIG. 6 illustrates the user accessing one of the virtual
storage volume. Indeed, in some embodiments, virtual storstorage areas 225 via a conventional web browser executing
age area 225 may be represented as an icon on the desktop 35 on client computer 205. The web browser displays window
of the user's computer.
600 that lists each directory within virtual storage area 225.
FIG. 3 illustrates window 300 as displayed by operating
Storage servers 210 maintain a set of image icons for
system 135 for accessing a virtual storage area 225. In the
representing the stored data file according to file and creator
illustrated embodiment, operating system 135 is the Macintype information. Storage servers 210 select and display an
tosh® operating system from Apple Computer, Inc. Window 40 appropriate icon as a finction of the file and creator information stored within virtual storage area 225. Window 600,
300 presented by operating system 135 lists the directories
therefore, closely resembles windows 300 and 400 as disand files of virtual storage area 225 as if the directories and
files were local. The user is able to browse the directories
played by operating system 135. Using the browser, the user
within virtual storage area 225 and perform the file mancan browse the directories within virtual storage area 225
agement operations supported by operating system 135 such 45 and can perform many common file management operations
as copying, renaming, moving and deleting files and direcincluding uploading, downloading and deleting files, as well
tories. Similarly, applications 136 executing on client comas creating and removing directories.
FIG. 7 illustrates the user accessing virtual storage area
puter 205 access virtual storage area 225 through standard
file management routines provided by an application pro225 using a conventional electronic mail software applicagramming interface (API) of operating system 135. In one 50 tion 136. Electronic mail software application 136 displays
embodiment, operating system 135 of client computers 205
window 700 by which the user creates an email message
is the Macintosh operating system, such that the API
having user information 702 and target data file information
includes the Apple File Services (APS), and storage servers
710. The user addresses the email to his or her email address
at storage servers 210. For uploading files, as displayed in
225 are support accessing remote data files within storage
area virtual 225 via the Apple Filing Protocol (APP) services 55 window 700, the user attaches one or more data files 705.
Upon receiving the email, storage server 210 parses the user
over TCP/IP.
information 702 and the target data file information 710 in
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which operating
order to extract one or more target directories. Thus, user
system 135 is the Windows® operating system from
information 702 may take the form of a destination elecMicrosoft. Here, operating system 135 displays window 400
that presents an integrated list of those files and directories 60 tronic mail address, while target data file information 710
may take the form of text in the subject field of an electronic
that are available locally as well as those available from
mail message. Storage server 210 stores attached files 705 to
virtual storage area 225. In this embodiment, operating
the target directory within the appropriate virtual storage
system 135 incorporates the 5MB protocol or the WebDAV
protocol in order to provide seamless access to virtual
area 225 assigned to the user. In this manner, the user is able
65 to email one or more files directly into a specified directory
storage area 225.
One particular advantage of this embodiment is that
within virtual storage area 225 from any remote location via
software applications 136 executing on computer 100 can
network 215. In an alternative embodiment, the user does

US 6,735,623 Bl
7

8

not attach a data file but includes within the electronic mail
presenting a plurality of access interfaces to the usermessage a universal resource locator (URL) that indicates
assigned storage areas via a plurality of software appliwhere storage server 210 can retrieve the data file to be
cations executing on a storage server of the data storage
stored. In order to retrieve one or more data files from
system;
storage server 210, the user sends a similar email requesting 5
servicing access requests from an operating system of a
one or more target data files. In response, storage server 210
client computer with a first one of the access interfaces
sends the user a response electronic mail message with the
to provide access to a target one of the plurality of
requested data files attached. In one embodiment storage
user-assigned storage areas, wherein the operating sysserver 210 temporarily places received data files in a holding
tem of the client computer includes application proarea until the user access storage server and selectively 10
gramming interface (API) routines that present the
authorizes the storage of each data file to his or her virtual
target one of the plurality of user-assignable storage
storage area. Files that were not authenticated within a
areas to software applications executing on the client
predetermine period of time, such as ten days, can be deleted
computer as local to the client computer;
from the holding area.
servicing access requests from at least one communicaRemote Processing via Centrally Hosted Applications
The above sections described how, according to the 15
tion software application executing on the client cominvention, client computers 205 access virtual storage area
puter with a second one of the access interfaces to
225 for remote data storage. The invention, however, is not
provide access to the target one of the plurality of
limited to data storage. According to one aspect of the
user-assigned storage areas; and
invention, client computers 205 communicate data files to
processing an electronic mail message with a third one of
storage servers 210 for remote processing by one or more 20
the access interfaces to provide access to the target one
applications executing on storage servers 210. For example,
of the plurality of user-assigned storage areas.
the communicated data files may be electronic images such
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic mail
that applications executing on storage servers 210 perform
message contains text and one or more attached data files,
color correction, color proofing and other prepress operations. Other examples include data conversion, compression, 25 and processing the electronic mail message comprises:
parsing the text to determine the target one of the userdecompression, encryption and decryption. As such, a user
assigned storage areas; and
is able to submit data files for remote processing by simply
instructing operating system 135 to copy the data files to a
storing the data files within the target one of the userdesignated directory within virtual storage area 225. As
assigned storage areas.
such, this operation can be performed by simply dragging 30
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising analyzing
and dropping the file onto the appropriate window presented
content of a subject field associated with the electronic mail
by operating system 135.
message to determine the target one of the user-assigned
Allocation of a Remote Storage Area
remote storage areas.
FIG. S is a flow chart SOO that provides a high-level
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising analyzing
overview of one mode of operation in which storage netboth content of a subject field associated the electronic mail
work 220 allocates remote storage areas 225. In block S03, 35
message and content of a destination address associated with
users access storage servers 210 via global computer netthe electronic mail message to determine the target one of
work 215 and request a corresponding virtual storage area
the user-assigned remote storage areas.
225. For each request, storage server 210 prompts the user
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising analyzing
for information such as a username, password, billing
address (block S05). Upon approval, storage network 220 40 the electronic mail message to identify a user associated
with the electronic mail message and the target one of the
automatically allocates a corresponding storage area 225 for
user-assigned remote storage areas.
each user and stores the respective user information in
6. The method of claim 5, and further including retrieving
metadata database 222 (block S07). After a virtual storage
security information from the electronic mail message in
area 25 has been allocated, storage network 220 informs
each user of any necessary access information, such as a 45 order to authenticate the user.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the security informapassword, so that the user can access the respective storage
tion is a digital signature.
area 225 via the many access interfaces described above
S. The method of claim 5, wherein storing the data file
(block S09).
within the target one of the user-assigned remote storage
Various embodiments have been described of a method
and system for a data storage system that provides seamless 50 areas includes storing the data file into a temporary holding
area until the user associated with the remote storage area
access to remote virtual data storage areas via a global
approves the copying of the data file to the remote storage
computer network. Access to the virtual storage area is fully
area.
integrated with the operating system executing on the client
9. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating the
computer such that the user, or software applications executing on the computer, can seamlessly access the correspond- 55 electronic mail message includes encrypting the data file.
10. A data storage system comprising:
ing virtual storage area using standard file management
a storage server that maintains a plurality of remote
routines provided by the operating system. In addition, the
storage areas; and
invention provides a wide range of other remote access
a plurality of software applications executing on the
methods to the virtual data storage areas including access via
electronic mail. This application is intended to cover any 60
storage server to provide a plurality of different access
interfaces for accessing the remote storage areas,
adaptation or variation of the present invention. It is
wherein the plurality of access interfaces comprise:
intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and
equivalents thereof.
a first access interface to provide access to a target one
What is claimed is:
of the plurality of remote storage areas in response to
1. A method for accessing a network-based data storage 65
access requests from a client computer in which an
operating system of the client computer includes
system that provides seamless access to a plurality of
user-assigned storage areas, the method comprising:
application programming interface (API) routines

US 6,735,623 Bl

9

10

that present the target one of the plurality of remote
storage areas to software applications executing on
the client computer as local to the client computer,
and
a second access interface operable to receive an electronic mail message that contains at least one
attached data file, analyze the electronic mail message to identity the target one of the plurality of
remote storage areas, and store the attached data file
within the identified target one of the plurality of
remote storage areas.
11. The data storage system of claim 10, wherein the
electronic mail message includes text and the second access
interface parses the text to determine the target one of the
plurality of remote storage areas.
12. The data storage system of claim 10, wherein second
access interface analyzes content of a subject field associated with the electronic mail message to determine the target
one of the plurality of remote storage areas.
13. The data storage system of claim 10, wherein the
second access interface analyzes both content of a subject
field associated the electronic mail message and content of
a destination address associated with the electronic mail
message to determine the target one of the plurality of
remote storage areas.
14. The data storage system of claim 10, wherein the
second access interface analyzes the electronic mail message
to identify a user associated with the electronic mail message.
15. The data storage system of claim 14, wherein the
second access interface retrieves security information from
the electric mail message in order to authenticate the user.
16. The data storage system of claim 15, wherein the
security information comprises a digital signature.
17. The data storage system of claim 14, wherein the
second access interface stores the data file in a temporary
holding area until the user associated with the remote
storage area approves the copying of the data file to the
remote storage area.
18. The data storage system of claim 10, wherein the
plurality of access interfaces further comprise a third access
interface to service access requests from at least one communication software application executing on the client
computer and that bypasses the API of the operating system
that present the target one of the plurality of remote storage
areas to software applications executing on the client computer as local to the client computer.
19. The data storage system of claim 18, wherein the API
supports Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning
(WebDAV) and the first one of the access interfaces presented by the software applications executing on storage
server supports WebDAV for accessing data files within the
remote storage area as if the data files were local.

20. The data storage system of claim 19, wherein the third
access interface services access requests to automatically
backup files from the client completer to the data storage
system without involving the API of the operating system
that supports WebDAV for accessing the data files within the
target one of the plurality of user-assigned storage areas as
if the data files were local.
21. A data storage system comprising:
a storage server that maintains a plurality of remote
storage areas associated with respective users; and
a plurality of software applications executing on the
storage server to provide a plurality of different access
interfaces for accessing the remote storage areas,
wherein the access interfaces comprise:
a first access interface to provide access to a target one
of the plurality of remote storage areas in response to
access requests from a client computer in which an
operating system of the client computer, wherein the
API supports Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) for accessing data files within the
target one of the plurality of user-assignable storage
area using extensions to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HUP) to present the target one of the plurality
of remote storage areas to software applications
executing on the client computer as if the data files
were local to the client computer,
a second access interface to directly service access
requests from at least one communication software
application executing on the client computer to automatically backup files from the client computer to
the data storage system, and
a third access interface to allow a web browser executing on the client computer to browse the target one
of the plurality of remote storage areas.
22. The data storage system of claim 21, wherein comprising a fourth access interface operable to receive an
electronic mail message that contains at least one attached
data file, analyze the electronic mail message to identify the
target one of the plurality of remote storage areas, and store
the attached data file within the identified target one of the
plurality of remote storage areas.
23. The data storage system of claim 22, wherein the
electronic mail message includes text and the fourth access
interface parses the text to determine the target one of the
plurality of remote storage areas.
24. The data storage system of claim 23, wherein the
fourth access interface analyzes content of a subject field
associated with the electronic mail message to determine the
target one of the plurality of remote storage areas.

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

* * * * *

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Page 1 of 1

PATENT NO.
: 6,735,623 Bl
DATED
: May 11, 2004
INVENTOR(S) : Mitch Prust

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 9,
Line 16, insert -- the -- after "wherein" and before "second".
Column 10,
Line 3, "completer" should read -- computer --.
Line 4, "involving" should read -- invoking --.
Line 25, "(HUP)" should read -- (HTTP) --.
Line 37, "wherein" should read -- further --.

Signed and Sealed this
Twenty-eighth Day of March, 2006

JONW,DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office