A framework for shared applications with a replicated architecture

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Abstract
The interaction history of a document can be modelled as a tree of command objects. This model not only supports recovery (undo/redo), but is also suitable for cooperation between distributed users working on a common document. Various coupling modes can be supported. Switching between modes is supported by regarding different versions of a document as different branches of the history. Branches can then be merged using a selective redo mechanism. Synchronous cooperation is supported by replicating the document state and exchanging command objects. Optimistic concurrency control can be applied, because conflicting actions can later be undone automatically.