Adapative and dynamic data synchronization system for managing data and inventory

Abstract

A system and method for adaptive and dynamic synchronization includes a data synchronization controller which enables synchronization of a plurality of different data types between a main computer and one or more remotely disposed computer elements. The controller includes an orchestrator which responds to requests for data synchronization for components in accordance with predetermined policies maintained by a policy management system. A synchronization interface is controlled by the orchestrator in accordance with the policies to select a synchronization engine to service requests for synchronization of different data types from the orchestrator. Synchronization may be handled for on demand and/or for on schedule requests for synchronization in the policy-based system and method.

1 . A system, comprising
 a data synchronization controller which enables synchronization of a plurality of different data types between a main computer and one or more remotely disposed computer elements, the controller comprising:
 an orchestrator which responds to requests for data synchronization for a plurality of components in accordance with predetermined policies maintained by a policy management system; 
 a synchronization interface controlled by the orchestrator in accordance with the policies to select a synchronization engine to service requests for synchronization from the orchestrator. 
   
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the synchronization controller includes a snooper which intermittently communicates with the one or more computer elements or the main computer to determine if updates are needed. 
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a router which manages delivery and receipt of requests from and to the main computer or one or more remotely disposed computer elements. 
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a state machine engine which creates and manages a dynamic life cycle of each synchronization request received by the orchestrator to ensure proper handling of each request. 
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the life cycles includes one of an on-demand synchronization request life cycle and an on-schedule synchronization life cycle. 
   
   
       6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a policy manager which interfaces between the policy management system and other components of the system including the orchestrator to provide policy-based decision-making. 
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data synchronization engine is selected from a plurality of data synchronization engines wherein an appropriate synchronization engine is selected to service each of the synchronization requests for the plurality of different data types. 
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the system is provided for a retail store at a first location and the controller collaborates with one of the main computer and the one or more computer elements at a different location. 
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the synchronization requests include routing information, a pass code, and a message identifier. 
   
   
       10 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the system includes a distributed computer system connected by a network and the synchronization request is sent by activating a button on a browser interface. 
   
   
       11 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a module capable of redirecting synchronization requests between the system, the main computer and the one or more computer elements. 
   
   
       12 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a scheduler which arranges requests and ensures timely handling of requests. 
   
   
       13 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein upon changes to policies requests can be satisfied by the main computer or one of the remote computer elements without resetting.