Cooperative data manipulation in a low-connectivity environment

A method is presented whereby a workgroup of any size can cooperate on the creation and maintenance of a one-to-many hierarchical database in the absence of a connecting network. Sections of the data structure are separated out as independent subordinate files (`subfiles´), together with all the necessary supporting data. Simultaneously, a set of parameters is created, known as a subfile lookup table, containing the information required to re-integrate the subfile back into the parent file. The data structure of a subfile may be expanded in isolation before being imported back into its parent file. Any subfile may in turn separate out one or more parts of itself as lower-level subfiles, and this process may be continued indefinitely, to as many levels as are required. The method by which subfiles are transmitted to and from their parent files is immaterial. If a network is used for transmission, computers need only be connected to it for the brief time needed to transmit files.