Link downloaded file to server

Question

I'm trying to figure out a way to allow a user to download a file from the server and edit it, but when they save, it saves back to the server. I'm looking for a method which doesn't involve things such as flash or silverlight if at all possible.

Answer 1

You can't do that. If the document is downloaded for local edition by a local software, it must be voluntarily uploaded by the user.

If that weren't the case, that would be a security breach, as the browser doesn't have to see (and doesn't see) the local files and isn't notified of changes.

Now, if we don't look for a general and easy solution, but accept some collaboration from the user, what do we have ?

• webdav is commonly used for shared directories on enterprise wan. This web based protocol allows the sharing of documents and many softwares, among them OpenOffice and MsOffice, are able to work with webdav. This protocol is supported by all recent OS, I think.

• some Document Management Systems (among them KTDMS which I've used in the past) install native (windows) hooks on your computer enabling you to send back the document from the software you use (mainly MsOffice). Those DMS generally also offer standard webdav access in order to be compatible with any OS